Denham

The course was constructed in 1910, opened for play the following year and was the handiwork of Harry Colt. At the request of the Club a railway station, called Denham Golf Club, was opened in 1912 and continues in operation today – it is located just across the 11th fairway and only a few minutes walk from the charming 16th Century clubhouse.

Laid out in two loops, both starting from the clubhouse, the opening and closing holes of both halves do nothing to set the pulse racing but the middle section of each nine contains some very enjoyable golf. Aviation enthusiasts will also enjoy the regular comings and goings from Denham Airfield which borders the third fairway.

The second, fourth and seventh are all excellent two-shotters on the front side whilst the 15th and 17th excel on the inward half. Placement from the tee is important at all five of these par fours in order to set up the preferred angle of approach and each is well defended around the green too.

The collection of short holes is also very good. The fifth is the longest of them at 206-yards and played uphill with a false-front it plays every inch of its yardage. The other one-shotter on the first nine is the eighth and also relatively long at 191-yards, however, it is the slope of the green that will pose the majority of problems for the golfer. The two par threes on the back nine are much shorter affairs but no less taxing; the 12th is a pretty hole with a plateau green falling off the hillside in a secluded part of the course whilst the pushed-up green at the 16th is a tricky target to find.

The only two par fives on this par 70 layout (6,486 yards) come back-to-back at the 13th & 14th and both present good birdie opportunities.

Denham is certainly a fine club with a good golf course but despite being in excellent condition in July 2015 the midweek green-fee of £60 is a difficult one to justify although a twilight rate is available after 4pm and would certainly make Denham worth a visit.