A gentle breeze whispers secrets through the ancient trees. We stand before Bushey Hall Golf Course a venerable Hertfordshire landmark. Established in 1889 by Robert Stewart Clouston this is no ordinary golf course. It’s a living testament to golfing history.
Bushey Hall Golf Club boasts the title of Hertfordshire’s oldest parkland course. Its 18 holes weave a captivating path. Long par fives short par threes and challenging par fours test every player’s skill. Water hazards and undulating terrain add to the excitement. Even less experienced golfers find the course enjoyable. Practice areas hone your short game. The course’s strategic design makes it equally challenging and rewarding.
The club’s rich past extends far beyond its expertly manicured fairways. Its first captain was none other than A J Balfour. He presided over the first official meeting on March 24 1890. Through changing hands and various owners Bushey Hall thrived. The clubhouse expanded twice reaching a grand two stories with an open veranda overlooking the 18th hole. A significant investment was made in the 1980s. New tees irrigation systems golf buggies and clubhouse renovations modernized the facility.
Bushey Hall’s history includes wartime service. During both World Wars the course was requisitioned by the government. During the first World War it served as a training depot for the Brigade of Guards. In the second World War it was a base for American forces. Remarkably play continued during the second World War though access to the clubhouse was limited. Bushey Hall even played a role in the Coats Mission a plan to evacuate the Royal Family.
Sadly in October 2019 the clubhouse was demolished to make way for new flats. The course closed temporarily. A new clubhouse was built. The course reopened in 2021. Rumors circulated of Watford F C purchasing the site for a new stadium. These plans however never materialized.
Today Bushey Hall Golf Course remains a beloved fixture in the Hertfordshire landscape. It continues to attract golfers from central and north London. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of this historic course. It offers a challenging but fair game. It is a place where history and sport intertwine. It offers a tranquil escape from city life.