Brocket Hall,
Welwyn, Hertfordshire AL8 7XG
Office
+44 (0)1707 368 700Pro shop
+44 (0)1707 368 705Fax
+44 (0)1707 390 052Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Simon Garner (Head Professional)Academy
Palmerston Golf AcademyThe Course:
18 holes. Tree-lined parkland. Undulating terrain - several slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Woodland.
Designer:
Donald Steel
18-hole par 72 Melbourne course (6616 yds from back tees).
51.804077
-0.242643
12 miles NE of Hemel Hempstead
Heading north on the A1(M), just north of Hatfield, leave the motorway at exit 4. Follow the A414 Hertford / B653 Wheathampstead, which crosses you back-over the A1(M). At roundabout follow A6129 Stanborough / B653 Wheathampstead. After o.5 miles turn left at roundabout, direction B653 Wheathamsptead. At next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the B653 (Brocket Road), direction Wheathampstead. After o.8 miles turn right into Brocket Hall, immediately after St John's church.
Brocket Hall (Palmerston)
Brocket Hall Golf Club (Palmerston course): Taking their names from two former British Prime Ministers who previously lived at stately Brocket Hall, the Melbourne and Palmerston courses provide 36-holes of top-quality golf on the northern outskirts of London.
The Palmerston, which opened in 2000, wends its way over pleasantly undulating terrain and through mature woodland. Rare hornbeam, Scots and Corsican pine, 300-year-old oak, cedars, sequoias and monkey puzzle trees are just a few of the many varieties lining the often tightish fairways. In this quintessentially English parkland setting, Donald Steel lays down the need for straight driving from the tee, as well as skilful putting on the often large and sloping greens.
Good course management is also needed to stay out of the stylish (though never excessive) bunkering that flanks several fairways and guards at least one side of the majority of greens. Although water hazards are largely absent, unlike on the Melbourne course, a curious "chalk pit" provides an unusual feature to be crossed at the par-4 12th.
Like the 3rd Viscount Palmerston himself, you will be able to enjoy the tranquillity of this "housing-free" woodland setting, although the A1(M) motorway might be heard on a few holes - a reminder that this is the 21st century and not the 19th.
Stay&Play at Brocket Hall: luxury onsite accommodation available, see Where2Stay section below.
Visitors welcome on weekdays; more restricted on weekends.
Must book in advance. Maximum handicap: men 28; women 36. Proof of handicap may be requested.
Players generally walk this course.
Excellent
Brocket Hall, built in 1760 by Sir Matthew Lamb, has been home to two former British Prime Ministers - Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston, both of whom served during the long reign of Queen Victoria.
William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, served as Prime Minister in 1834 and again from 1835 to 1841. He was a mentor to Queen Victoria.
Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, first served as Prime Minister in 1855, aged seventy. He served for three years, but was never much liked by Queen Victoria. His second period as Prime Minister started in 1859 when he was aged 75, and ended in 1865. Although nearly eighty-one years old, he refused to retire and was again elected to Parliament. Before he could take up office he became ill and was forced to stay on his estate at Brocket Hall. He died on 18th October, 1865.
Welwyn, Hertfordshire AL8 7XG
+44 (0)1707 335 241
Visit websiteHistoric Melbourne Lodge, formerly the Brocket Hall stable-block has been transformed into luxurious accommodation for both members and guests to the Estate. All 16 bedrooms are appointed to the highest standard, in traditional country house style.
Brocket Hall
No
Hanbury Manor; Berkhamsted; Hadley Wood.
Mill Green, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5NT
+44 (0)1707 271 251
Visit websiteBush Hall dates back to 1574, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth the First. Walls of the house that stood in Tudor times are still at the heart of the present structure. The 25 comfortably furnished bedrooms, including several four poster signature rooms, are situated within the main house and East Wing.
No
Brookmans Park; Brocket Hall.
Hanbury Manor; The Grove; Porters Park; Old Fold Manor; Hadley Wood; Mill Hill; Finchley; Chingford.
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