2022 centenary clubs
We pick out five interesting and varied courses at clubs celebrating their 100th birthdays this year
Haywards Heath
As with so many courses, the parkland layout at Haywards Heath in West Sussex began life as a nine-holer. It was soon revised and extended to a full 18 by the great James Braid, and new land facilitated the addition of the current par-5 8th hole and further modifications just over 40 years ago. Most of the holes are separated by mature and attractive woodland, and there are some particularly tough two-shotters, including the 6th, 11th and 13th. The undulating landscape adds to both the strategy and visual appeal of the layout.
GF: 18 holes: £50wd, £55we
East Renfrewshire
This moorland course, just south-west of Glasgow, is another James Braid design and one that has changed little since the club was founded in 1922. Known locally as ‘East Ren’, the course actually opened for play in May 1923. Its raised tees and rolling fairways are home to a pair of potentially gettable par 5s and four short holes. You’ll enjoy fabulous, far-reaching views and terrific variety as you make your way past burns and a small loch. GF: 18 holes: £75 every day
Swaffham
Despite its maturity, this lovely course only made the jump from nine to 18 holes just over 20 years ago when the club purchased a parcel of heathland on the outskirts of this Norfolk market town. The new holes were mainly carved through mature woodland but have blended in well, resulting in a layout that is narrow in places, rewarding accurate play from the tee. The course plays over freedraining terrain, so remains playable all year round. GF: 18 holes: £35-£50
Tadmarton Heath
This beautiful course lies off the beaten track in a peaceful part of rural Oxfordshire. It was designed by Cecil Hutchison, not long after he had helped to create the King’s course at Gleneagles. Everything on and off the course here exudes charm, especially the characterful clubhouse. The layout tiptoes over 6,000 yards from the back tees, with a solitary par 5 at the 5th. It’s best to make your score heading out as gorse is a regular companion on the tougher back nine.
GF: 18 holes: £55wd, £65we
High Post
This attractive downland course was extended to 18 holes in 1931 and was once the site of an old gallows on the southern outskirts of Salisbury Plain. It is a J.H. Taylor and Fred Hawtree collaboration and the gently undulating fairways are well bunkered, with many holes flanked by dense hawthorn and blackthorn. Several greens are protected by grassy humps and bumps. There are just two par 5s, both making an early appearance at the 2nd and 6th. GF: 18 holes: £35-£45