From the sprawling greens of Richmond Park Golf Course, the city of London feels as though it is lightyears away, although some of its towers can be glimpsed over the trees lining the course. The golf club is located in a verdant setting, with mature trees and a gently rolling landscape. It is the perfect place to wile away the hours on a sunny afternoon, and ideal for getting a little exercise, as it spans over 2500 acres.
A History
Richmond Park Golf Club was opened in 1923 by HRH the Prince of Wales, who would later go on to reign as King Edward VIII. The club was opened in the years following the First World War, during which time efforts were being made by the royal family to increase sports provisions in British parks. Initially, the course was 18 holes. This part of the golf course is affectionately known as the Prince's course, while another portion of the course, opened in 1925 by the then Duke of York is known as the Duke's course. The Prince of Wales' ambition when opening the club was to provide a golf course that would be open to artisans as well as royalty—in plainer terms, the club would be open to skilled tradesmen and not just members of the aristocracy. When the original course opened it was a public course and, eventually, a keen group of players came together to form a club known as the Priory Golf Club. They changed the name of the club to Richmond Park Golf Club in 1953 and since then the club has had many successes in golfing competitions and participates annually in inter-club Trophy meetings against Rickmansworth, Mitcham, and David Lloyd. The club is a vibrant hub on this gorgeous and historically significant golf course.
A Modern Renovation
In recent years, the Prince's course and the Duke's course have been regenerated for modern golfers. They were reopened, to great anticipation, in 2014. Since then, the course and the club have undergone several additions and improvements under the supervision of Glendale Golf, who have carried out £3 million of improvements. Among these improvements is the newly opened 15-bay Driving Bay where keen golfers can practice and improve and where newcomers can learn skills to take with them onto the greens. There is also a brilliant new clubhouse that almost blends into its picturesque surroundings. It has been fitted with a nature roof made using acid grassland from Richmond Park so that it can sustain the existing ecosystem in this part of London. Inside, the clubhouse is equally as lovely. It has been fitted with a coffee shop, a bar, and a restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the picturesque landscape of the golf course. The additions enhance the work carried out by the original architect, Fred Hawtree, who was employed by the British monarchy to design the original golf courses at Richmond Park. Hawtree came from a family of architects who specialised in designing golf courses and, interestingly, when the golf course was refreshed in the 1980s, Fred Hawtree's grandson, Martin Hawtree oversaw the project. Richmond Park is also a delightful place to spend time outside of the golf course. It is home to the Isabella Plantation, a wonderful oasis of flowers, and to White Lodge, a former royal residence that has been home to the Royal Ballet School since 1956. There are also miles of horse riding tracks and a number of other sports facilities.
The Club Philosophy & Membership
Richmond Park Golf Club describe themselves as a warm and welcoming club who love to see new members. They are an extremely active club, holding regular intra-club competitions on the Prince's and Duke's courses and participating in team competitions hosted by the NAPGC and Surrey Golf. They note that they are 'fully affiliated with regional and national golfing bodies and members have official handicaps recognised by England Golf.' If you are interested in becoming a member there is a joining fee of £60 and an Annual Subscription fee of £60, too. These fees do not cover the green fees as Richmond Park Golf Course is a public facility run by Glendale Golf on the part of The Royal Parks. The club meets and plays on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Once you become a member of the club you will have access to an online booking system that will allow you to book sessions, which are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Like the game of golf, Richmond Park Golf Course has a long and rich history. For those hoping to learn or to better their game in a stunning and storied environment this course is a wonderful choice. From gorgeous meadows and ancient trees to the modern and luxurious clubhouse, Richmond Park is truly the place to be for experienced and ambitious golfers alike.
