Highgate - Middlesex - England

Highgate Golf Club truly deserves the “gem” moniker. It is located only ten minutes from central London and I believe it is the closest 18-hole course to the city centre. The club has been around for more than 100 years and it is still perhaps one of London’s lesser known courses. It is tucked away in a tranquil location despite being situated close to the North Circular Road. Measuring a fraction under 6,000 yards, Highgate is a short course but it is certainly not an easy layout on which to score. With just a single par five and a handful of really tough par fours, playing to handicap on this hilly parkland track is no mean feat. According to the club website, “the amateur course record stands at only 3 under par, while the professional record stood at a similar score until 2003, when Matt Deal of Hendon, aided by a hole in one at the 17th, reduced it to 63”. Keep your driver in the car and play Highgate in the autumn when the trees are dazzlingly ablaze. I can promise you that this is as good as city golf gets and it reminds me of the brilliant little West course at Moor Park, which is also a gem.

These reviews look like they have been written by Highgate members! It certainly isn't 10 minutes from Central London and it certainly isn't the best course in Middlesex/North London. For me, nearby Muswell Hill and Finchley are better courses and better experiences thanks to their excellent clubhouses. Another reviewer compares this with The Shire, calling the Barnet venue is an 'easy, wide Disneyland resort-style course', but The Shire is an equally stern test with modern irrigation systems which enable it to keep all greens and tees open throughout the year. Highgate by contrast becomes a boggy pit in Winter. It's challenging with some good holes, but no way no. 1.