England, United Kingdom
Formed in 1903, Hendon Golf Club initially operated a course laid out by J.H. Taylor, with Harry Vardon contributing. Additional land became available in the mid-1920s, allowing John Morrison to design a revised layout, with Franks & Harrison and William Press constructing thirteen new holes and remodelling the other five holes.
Formed in 1903, Hendon Golf Club initially operated a course laid out by J.H. Taylor, with Harry Vardon contributing. Additional land became available in the mid-1920s, allowing John Morrison to design a revised layout, with Franks & Harrison and William Press constructing thirteen new holes and remodelling the other five holes.
2.5
Hendon Golf Club may not have the most picturesque views or the most challenging layout, but it offers a charming, well-maintained course with plenty of character.
Hendon Golf Club is tucked away between Edgware and Finchley, easily accessible from the M1 and A406. The course has a long and storied history, with golf being played here since 1900. By 1904, the course was expanded to 18 holes under the direction of famous golfers J.H. Taylor and Harry Vardon. However, as the city grew and major roads were laid, the course was forced to move. To redesign the layout, the club enlisted the expertise of Harry Colt, and in 1927, the new course opened its fairways to eager golfers. The clubhouse, which has stood since 1964, is a welcoming space, offering both history and modern-day comfort.
On the day I visited, I played an early morning round, just as the sun was rising. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to explore the clubhouse’s facilities or grab any refreshments, but I did encounter a few friendly green-keepers, hard at work maintaining the course. They were polite and helpful, which added to the relaxed and welcoming vibe of the club. While the clubhouse itself was clean and well-kept, the car park did show signs of wear, though it was spacious enough to accommodate all visitors.
The course is set in rolling parkland, with plenty of elevation changes that offer both challenge and charm. It’s framed by mature trees—oak, pine, willow, and ash—which provide a beautiful canopy as you make your way through. On the dewy March morning I played, the ground felt soft underfoot, with tufts of grass and worm castings scattered throughout. The fairways were in good condition, especially for the start of the season, though the greens—recently tined and sanded—presented a tricky challenge. Despite this, I could tell they had the potential to be fantastic in the coming weeks.
The tees were well-maintained, large and flat, with a range of tee boxes to cater to all abilities. I appreciated the ball washers and towels at most tee boxes, and the scattered benches and water fountains were a welcome touch. The fairways varied in width, length, and shape, keeping me on my toes. It felt like there was always something new to navigate, especially with the robot mowers diligently maintaining the course.
While the course itself is lovely, the routing was a bit tricky at times. The layout runs in two horseshoe loops, which makes good use of the land, but after catching up with a group ahead of me, I found it a bit confusing to navigate the holes. The course is bordered by housing developments, and although you don’t get many spectacular views, there are glimpses of Barnet FC’s ground from one hole. Mostly, you’re surrounded by flats and houses through the breaks in the tree line. Still, the trees on the course were in full early spring bloom, adding colour and life to the landscape.
One thing that struck me about Hendon Golf Club was the atmosphere. The club exudes a sense of camaraderie. Everyone I encountered—from fellow golfers to green-keepers—greeted me with a friendly "good morning." The green-keepers were eager to prioritise play and were always happy to help when needed. Despite being near busy roads, the course itself was quiet, with only a faint hum of traffic in the background.
As for the course itself, I found it to be both enjoyable and approachable. The fairways are generous, and the rough isn’t too punishing, which makes for an enjoyable round. However, the strategically placed bunkers make you think carefully about where you land. I found the course to be fairly forgiving, with minimal hazards—there are a few small streams running along some fairways, but nothing that presents a serious threat. For someone like me, who was scoring well but not necessarily playing great, I’d say this is a course that welcomes all levels of play.
The 9th hole, a par 3 measuring just 103 yards, may be short, but it’s deceptively challenging. Positioned in full view of the clubhouse, pro shop, and terrace, it can feel quite intimidating. A smooth wedge shot is required to reach the shallow, long, and narrow green, which is well protected by four bunkers—three of which guard the front.
The 14th hole, a par 4 at only 295 yards, plays uphill, requiring an aggressive drive. The reward for a well-executed tee shot is a short approach, typically a sand wedge, to a small, undulating green. This green, built up by mounds and the reshaping of the surrounding landscape, is further protected by bunkers at the front and sides.
The 16th hole is one of the most visually striking on the course. A par 4 at 397 yards, it plays longer than its distance suggests, with a wide, generous fairway that slopes downhill before climbing back uphill. Framed by mature trees, the hole offers a strategic tee shot to the left, which opens up the green in the distance. At the back of the green, a pine tree and blossoming trees enhance the approach, adding beauty and challenge. The green itself, shaped like a lightbulb, is moderately sized and protected by bunkers on the front and sides.
The 17th hole, a par 3 at 167 yards, plays uphill and offers a test of both distance and accuracy. Surrounded by three front and side bunkers, it’s also framed by small mounds and hollows, adding to its challenge and visual appeal.
One of the standout moments on the course comes after the very gentle opening on the 1st hole. As you approach the green, you’re greeted by what I consider the most striking green on the course. Slightly elevated and nestled in a secluded spot between trees, it’s surrounded by large mounds, dips, and ditches, adding a sense of intimacy to the hole. The green is further framed by strategic bunkering and large runoff areas, making for an inviting yet challenging target. This green, with its unique character and protection, sets the tone for the holes that follow.
The 3rd hole features a compelling approach, playing uphill to a large green with a false front, a tabletop back, and substantial runoff areas to the sides, allowing for an aggressive shot. Likewise, the approach to the 4th hole is rewarding, with a downhill shot to a small green nestled between the 5th and 13th tee boxes. Framed by a series of pine trees and protected by bunkers at the front, it presents an enjoyable yet challenging target.
I did find that the quality of the course felt a bit inconsistent at times. There are definitely a couple of standout holes and some impressive approaches and green complexes, but a significant portion of the course seems to lack the same level of engagement. It’s almost as if some holes don’t quite maintain the same level of excitement or challenge, leaving you with moments of brilliance followed by stretches that don’t quite captivate you.
Hendon Golf Club may not have the most picturesque views or the most challenging layout, but it offers a charming, well-maintained course with plenty of character. While there was some litter on the course, I felt the presentation was good overall for a club in Middlesex, and the green staff were clearly working hard to keep things in shape.
The club also has a grass driving range, which shares space with the 10th fairway, along with a few practice nets and a large putting green. The website is comprehensive and provides all the details needed to prepare for a round.
I paid £25 for a Monday morning round, and booking online was a breeze. For a round where I had the course largely to myself, with a few memorable holes and a welcoming atmosphere, I felt it was great value. While I may not travel far specifically to play here again, Hendon Golf Club offers a pleasant and easygoing experience for those in North London looking for a relaxing round of golf.
Overall rating
3.0
Overall rating
3.0
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