THE GOLF COURSE
A new and exciting 18 hole golf course has been open to Members and their guests since Summer 2013.. Situated to the west of St Albans, its name reflects the historical associations that the area has with the Roman era.The course explores existing pine woodland on holes one to five, giving the course a distinctly mature and natural feel at the start of the round. The holes then move into areas which have been carefully yet dramatically shaped to offer both an aesthetically beautiful contribution, and a genuine challenge. This is achieved through a multitude of well planned hazards, breath-taking views and strategic hole design. The 14th sees the woodland return for the home stretch, built to stand-tall against the very best finishes in world golf.
Each hole is unique and at 7,200 yards from the back tees it will challenge the very best golfers both in terms of their playing ability as well as their strategic approach to the game, whilst the five teeing grounds of varying length will allow golfers of all abilities to enjoy The Centurion Club’s offering. Many of the carries and rough areas have been sown using indigenous fescue grasses and occasionally, these features have been added across the approaches to greens or across fairways giving the site a distinctly links feel.
Tees raised well above fairway level provide broad and spectacular views across the landscape; there are some 80 bunkers and four major water features on the course – all of which can be avoided by careful planning.
The final touches are now being made to the course; the green surfaces have all been planted with the latest bent seed to provide the very best putting surfaces. Additionally, wall featuring is being added to the lakes, while bunker faces and other areas will be transformed this autumn by an extensive tree and shrub planting scheme.
Improvements to the course are still being made ; the green surfaces have all been planted with the latest bent seed to provide the very best putting surfaces: there has been excellent progress this second summer . Additionally, wall featuring has now been added to the lakes, while bunker faces and other areas have also been completed. The extensive tree and shrub planting schemes are already improving the shape and texture of the course, whilst contributing further to an improved environment.
This is an exciting new addition to the London area and doubtless, the course will continue to evolve into one of the very best.
Simon Gidman
Golf Course Architect
