Willesley Park

The following edited extract is taken from John F. Moreton & Iain Cumming’s book James Braid and his Four Hundred Golf Courses:

“According to Golf Illustrated, Braid laid out this heathland and parkland course in 1920. Although the records have been lost, old members assert that Braid was the original designer but that C.K. Cotton did some remodelling post-war.

The course begins in mature parkland, the first drive being through an avenue of majestic trees. At the 5th it moves on to ground with some heathland characteristics, where a variety of undulating holes test the golfer, before eventually returning to the parkland.

Alterations have been made more recently due to the building of the M42 extension. However, evidence of Braid’s influence can still be seen, including at least one of his trademark double crescent bunkers, now grassed over as a result of the re-aligning of the holes.”

Unusually, Willesley Park Golf Club's heathland cum parkland course features back-to-back par threes at holes 16 and 17.