West Course at Moor Park Golf Club Feature Review

Review by Golfshake Ambassador Rob Treanor

Moor Park is a popular venue amongst Golfshake members who have awarded the club a faultless 100% recommendation. Ambassador Rob Treanor scheduled a trip for June 2021 to discover the reason behind the club’s popularity.

Moor Park is a special golf club set in the Hertfordshire countryside. With two fantastic courses, an unforgettable clubhouse, and a range of other sporting activities, it carries the air of a US Country Club and is a real destination. The two golf courses were designed by the inimitable Harry Colt and both the championship standard High Course and the shorter West Course, which we played on this visit, benefit from some of the best conditioning in the UK.

Pre-Round Thoughts

The breathtaking mansion house is the epicentre of the club and creates huge theatre when arriving at the venue. The welcome from the staff is akin to the service which would have been afforded to the landed gentry who once called this grand estate home. There is a tremendous sense of occasion in knowing this club is going to offer something a little special.

The recently constructed short game area to the rear of the mansion house is genuinely one of the best facilities of its kind in England. Making good use of the undulating topography, which is typical of the two courses, there are a huge range of practice options from both above and below the putting surface which is great preparation for the round ahead.

Front 9 Overview

From the first tee, it is clear the conditioning of the course is going to be top class. The mature, tree lined fairways which are cut with appealing definition are extremely welcoming. Befitting of a course which is shorter than average, the greens are deliberately on the small side so as to offer the course defence. A characteristic running throughout the course which really helps establish a hole is the use of elevated tees. Although subtle, the feeling for golfers is akin to stepping on stage ready to put in a performance. The result is elevating the on-course experience to championship levels.

After a gentle start, the West Course really begins to develop at the third hole which is very appealing on the eye. At 330 yards it is a short par four and the visuals are aided by the bunkering which must be avoided to score well. As befitting a hole of this length, the multi-level green is a mere 21 yards from back to front which puts a premium on accuracy and finding the best zone from which to putt to the hole.

The 7th is a beauty. At 457 yards from the white tees, this demanding par four justifies its position as stroke index 1. The opening tee shot is played over a hill to find the top of a plateau, though longer hitters may benefit from the descent thereafter. Once at the plateau the view downhill to the green is tremendous, making for a beautiful approach shot (or two!). An immensely pleasing hole to play, par is a difficult given the length of the hole and the strategically placed bunkers which line the fairway.

Back 9 Overview

The 10th is an extremely tempting par four. As the scorecard suggests, at 258 yards and with only a handful of bunkers it offers the opportunity to go for the green from the tee. For shorter hitters, the fairway offers a better angle into the offset green which is remarkably slippery and leads to some very interesting putts. Tremendous fun and more challenging than first appears, this hole is typical of the West Course.

In a break from conformity the majority of par threes feature on the front nine, although the sole representative on the back nine is a cracker. A gorgeous 152 yards from tee to green, this hole features its own little piece of history. Out of bounds runs all the way down the right-hand side where an attractive stone wall separates the perimeter of the course from Anne Boleyn’s walkway. The green has a drop off to the left-hand side and bunkers to the front, meaning a good tee shot really is essential on this attractive hole.

Post-Round Thoughts

It is easy to see why this classy venue has been so popular with Golfshake members. The two excellent courses are a blast to play and feature first class conditioning, in keeping with the club’s status as an Open qualifying venue. For the membership, the on-site facilities extend beyond golf and give the club is an enduring sense of escapism. This is a sanctuary of sport delivered to the very highest standards.

Moor Park is steeped in history and takes the preservation of its past seriously. It has taken care to understand, document and bestow the details of years gone by and proudly shows them off throughout in the spectacular Manor House. The club continues to make history today and recently hosted a Rose Series event as well as serving as the home of the Carris Trophy which is contested by the best under 18s in the country, of which Justin Rose is a past winner. This tradition of creating moments in history will undoubtedly continue given the club’s vision for the future.

Verdict

I have never played a Harry Colt course I haven’t enjoyed, and the West Course was no exception. Kept in top class condition, it is a joy to play and offers a unique and interesting challenge. Complemented by the club’s breathtaking clubhouse and impressive set of onsite facilities make this a spectacular and memorable destination. Those fortunate to have experienced it will have fond recollections of the West Course.

Top Tips

• Allow time to experience the venue a little with a pre or post round meal.
• Be prepared to play an undulating course.
• Visit the excellent short game facility before starting the round.

Overall Rating - 8

Course (Conditions) - 9

Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 8

Course (Green Condition) - 9

Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 7

Club Facilities & 19th/Clubhouse - 8

Practice Facilities - 8

Friendliness/Hospitality - 9

Pace of Play - 8

Value for Money - 8

Image Credit: Andy Hiseman