Richmond Park Golf Course

Beneath the vast London sky, nestled within the sprawling greenery of Richmond Park, lies a golfing haven known as Richmond Park Golf Course. Have you ever imagined teeing off amidst a royal setting, where history and nature intertwine? Richmond Park Golf Course offers just that. Opened in 1923 by the Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII, this public course was envisioned as a place where “artisans and royalty are equally welcome.” The course’s creation reflects a broader trend of expanding sports facilities within Richmond Park during and after the First World War, thanks to the British monarchy. Originally, the land occupied by the course was the “Great Paddock,” an area used to feed deer for royal hunts. Today, two distinct 18-hole courses grace the park: the Prince’s and the Duke’s. The Prince’s course, opened by Edward, Prince of Wales, sits on higher ground and offers a par 68 experience across 5,487 yards. Meanwhile, the Duke’s course, opened in 1925 by the Duke of York (later George VI), stretches across 6,359 yards with a par of 71. This lower course features a meandering stream that comes into play on several holes, adding a unique challenge. Richmond Park itself, a national nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, boasts a rich biodiversity. Decaying wood, both on trees and fallen, is left undisturbed to provide natural habitats. This commitment to nature extends to the golf course, where a local rule designates fallen trees and dead wood as immovable obstructions. Over the years, Richmond Park Golf Course has seen significant improvements. In 1985, Martin Hawtree, grandson of the original course architect, modernized both courses. More recently, a £3 million renovation brought a new, eco-friendly clubhouse with a “living roof” made from Richmond Park’s acid grassland. This modern facility houses a coffee shop, bar, and restaurant with stunning views of the courses and parkland. Richmond Park Golf Club, Putney Park Golf Club, and White Lodge Golf Club all call this historic course home. They, along with daily fee players, continue to enjoy the unique blend of royal history and natural beauty that defines Richmond Park Golf Course.