Upavon Golf Club

Upavon Golf Club owes its existence to the nearby airfield and the establishment of a base for the Royal Flying Corps in 1912. A 9-hole golf course was quickly brought into use back then, along with facilities for cricket, tennis, football and a few other outdoor sports. The golf club became a civilian members' club in 1993 and within four years, the course was extended to an 18-hole layout.

The transformation from military facility to championship golf venue speaks to the vision of Richard Blake, the eager young 22-year-old appointed as the club's professional back then, oversaw the expansion of the course and he's gone on to provide more than 30 years of service to the club since that time. The 18-hole layout extends to 6,415 yards from the back tees, with a challenging par 71 that demands strategic thinking and precise execution.

Course Design and Architectural Features

The present layout artfully blends historical elements with modern course architecture. Today, only the 3rd, 7th, 17th and 18th holes remain from the original layout. The present 2nd green (originally the 4th) and 16th green (previously the 7th) also endure but they now belong to completely different holes. This evolution has created a cohesive 18-hole experience that feels entirely natural within the downland setting.

The course benefits from free-draining chalk, so the course is rarely closed due to weather conditions, ensuring year-round playability that makes Upavon particularly attractive to the discerning golfer. Holes arranged as two returning nines provide variety in both direction and challenge, with the wind playing a significant role in strategy throughout the round.

Recent improvements have enhanced the golfing experience without compromising the course's character. In 2023, eight trees were removed from around the 18th green during an expansion of the putting surface, allowing golfers in the clubhouse to have a better look at what's going on around the home green as players finish their round.

Notable Holes and Strategic Analysis

The course presents a varied examination through its strategic hole designs. Highlight holes on the outward half include the difficult par four 4th and the longest of the par threes at the 229-yard 6th, which plays to a split green. The split green at the 6th demands precise club selection and pin placement awareness, rewarding local knowledge whilst providing a fair challenge for visiting golfers.

The back nine delivers drama and difficulty in equal measure. The par five 13th is a monster par five (measuring more than 600 yards), testing even the longest hitters and providing strategic options for golfers of all abilities. The monstrous 13th, which, at 602 yards, is one of the longest in the country, stands as a true test of power and placement.

The long, downhill par-four 16th is another difficult hole (rated stroke index 6), where the downhill trajectory can be both a blessing and a curse depending on wind conditions and pin placement.

The signature finishing hole provides a memorable conclusion to the round. The signature hole is the Par 3 18th, which presents you with a drive across the valley to an elevated green with Pterry the Pterodactyl watching your every shot. The par-three closing hole is a testing finisher, with a gully in front of the home green to catch under-hit tee shots.