Playing golf, on the Common, began casually about 1895, but in order to establish a formal members’ club, Harpenden Common Golf Club was founded in 1931.

The Opening of Harpenden Common Golf Club

In 1931 for the inaugural match, W.A.Peters (his son was Professional and Club secretary for many years) played against Abe Mitchell, a former Ryder Cup player who was the personal golf tutor to Sam Ryder and is the figure modelled on top of the Ryder Cup.

Course and Clubhouse Developments

The Common part of the course (11 holes) is woodland and comprises a fine mixture of mature trees and gorse as well as heather. The “new” section of the course, which the members purchased was opened in 1996, is known as the Jockey Field and comprises 7 holes which are now well established with mature tree lined fairways. At this time the whole course also underwent a major revision under the guidance of Ken Brown. Ken Brown, well known to many through the golfing media, is a past European Tour winner, PGA Tour winner, former Ryder Cup player and an Honorary Member of HCGC.

Over the years the Club has made continuous financial investment. Since the development of the Jockey Field, to further complement the Club as a whole, new changing rooms and an administration block were built, and finally a new double storey club house was built and completed in 2013.

The image shows two club handbooks showing similar views of the 18th green and the clubhouse. On the left, a photograph of the clubhouse in 1932. It’s not a substantial building! The right hand photo is of our last clubhouse which we demolished in 2012 in order to build our brand new clubhouse opened in May 2013. Our members, guests and visitors have always had a good time at the Common, no matter which clubhouse they visited. Nonetheless, we are very proud of our new facilities!

Championship Course

To our credit the Club has received many golfing accolades and is recognised as one of the top clubs in Hertfordshire, thanks to the very high standard of playing members. Some of the Club’s many honours include:

• Herts Champion Club – a few times
• Herts County Champion – many times
• Herts Player of the Year – a few times
• Herts Scratch League Champions – many times
• England and England Schools’ representatives – various years
• England A Squad and Elite Squad
• Berkhamsted Trophy
• Knebworth Gold and Silver Bowl – many times
• Herts Women’s Champion of Champions