The latest stop on the 2024 NCG Top 100s Tour schedule was Berkhamsted Golf Club, a classic bunkerless design in Hertfordshire.
With the likes of Harry Colt and James Braid as the men who have had their hand in designing the course, you know that Berkhamsted is going to be of the highest order.
There are five sets of tees at Berkhamsted, allowing a wide range of distances and pars for the course. From the Black tees, which are the very tips, the Par 71 layout plays with a Course Rating of 73.0, pushing 6,700 yards. From the Whites, that comes down to 6,568, while the Yellows – which is what our competitors played from on the day – are down at 6,150 yards.
The course also has Reds and Blues – the latter of which are the shortest of the teeing options at Berkhamsted. The ladies played off the Reds, which plays as a Par 73, thanks to the 13th and 15th being par 5s.
- RELATED: NCG Top 100s – Berkhamsted
What is the course like and what are the best holes?
Berkhamsted is known as the bunkerless wonder of England, with no sand to be found on the property. There are plenty of grassy swails though, as the course works its way through the trees to keep fairways tight and narrow.
Unusually, Berkhamsted begins with a par 3, but it is not an easy start. Played over water and a small tree, and pushing close to 200 yards, you’ll be more than happy to take a par and run to the 2nd tee. However, it doesn’t get any easier, with two of the four hardest holes by Stroke Index to follow. The 2nd is the first par 5, measuring more than 560 yards from the back tees, while the 3rd is a tricky par 4, and another hole where you will be happy with a par. If you can escape through the first three with your card still intact, chances do come further along the layout.
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Berkhamsted also finishes in style. The 15th is the last par 3 and measures over 200 yards from the back tee. Then comes the last par 5, which doglegs to the right. The second shot needs to carry the mound on the right-hand side of the fairway or be played just to the left of it. Beware of the deep hollow to the right of the green, which will leave a blind pitch.
The finishing hole calls for the drive over Grims Dyke – which comes into play at several times throughout the round – to find the hidden fairway. The second shot needs to carry the cross-rough to a two-tiered green that is well protected to the left and right by grass bunkers and mounds.
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What did our competitors think of Berkhamsted?
Looking for other opinions on Berkhamsted? Check out what some of our players had to say about this championship venue here:
“A cracking course, and a great day out. Today has definitely made me want to do more of these events.” – Frans Loomans
“A stunning day, perhaps helped by the fact I played well! I really enjoyed the day, and thought the course was incredible.” – Paul McLaughlin
What about the off-course facilities?
Along with the glorious golf course, Berkhamsted is also home to some stunning practice facilities. Incredibly, the short game area has bunkers to practice out of, despite there not being any on the entirety of the 18-hole layout. There is also a driving range to allow golfers to practice their long games before taking to the course.
Berkhamsted as has the ’19th Hole’ – the clubhouse and bar where golfers can relax following a round of golf. Views of the course and the surrounding areas, a range of drinks and food options, and all in a comfortable environment! What more could you want?
How can you play at Berkhamsted?
Tee times are available every day of the week for visitors at Berkhamsted, with prices for a game being more expensive on the weekend.
You can check out the green fees for a game at Berkhamsted here, and you can book yourself in for a round by either emailing or phoning the club (details at the bottom of this piece).
Berkhamsted is located just outside the northwest corner of the M25, with views of Berkhamsted Castle to enjoy during a round. The M1 is just a couple of miles east, while the A41 is just south of the entrance to the course.
This isn’t the first time that we have been to Berkhamsted on the NCG Top 100s Tour, and we are hoping it won’t be the last!
- Keep up to date with the ever-expanding 2025 NCG Top 100s Tour schedule here.
Get in touch with Berkhamsted
For more information about the club and course, visit the club’s website.
To get in touch with Berkhamsted, you can call them on 01442 865832, or you can send them an email via this link.
Now have your say
Have you ever played at Berkhamsted before, or played on the NCG Top 100s Tour before? Let us know with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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