After a history of many changes, Bushey Hall has bounced back, confident their five-year refurbishment plan will deliver an excellent golfing facility.It's the oldest parkland course in Hertfordshire, established in 1890, and can be quite rightly proud of its historic connections within the local golfing community.But new owners Veladail Hotels, a long-established, independently owned collection of properties who manage the club and course, recognised the need to be forward thinking.And 2007 is the first year for improvement. Bushey Hall started refurbishment work on the course, which is expected to be phased in over two years and includes the rebuilding of bunkers and further improvements to the design and layout of the course using the latest equipment and technology as part of the long-term investment.

The recent appointment of new head greenkeeper, Neil Fergie – who heads up a strong team – ensures the Bushey course receives the experience and attentiveness required to maintain and consistently improve the course. Located in Watford, it is very accessible to central and north London. The 18-hole, 6,055-yard, par-69 course provides a secluded setting for a day’s golf.The 18 holes are superbly designed and maintained, combining long par fives, short par threes and challenging par fours. Water, tree lines and undulating rough challenge low handicaps sufficiently, yet do not deter less-experienced players. Dog-leg designs and well-protected greens, including large and intimidating bunkers on the eighth and 18th, feature prominently.The sixth, which plays 224 yards off the whites, is a particularly long and tricky par three.In contrast, the par three ninth is the most picturesque, but if played wrong can prove to be very ugly for your scorecard.

The green slopes severely from right to left, but the stream which winds its way around the front of the green can easily act as a magnet for balls when the pin is tantilisingly placed near the front.

The 13th is a tough par four of 479 yards off the back tees, which needs accuracy with the driver as just right of the fairway bunker down the left is your best line. Five bunkers scattered around the green present further problems with your approach.The 18th is a good finishing hole, with the long hitters wary of the ditch off the tee. You'll need to get over the bunker when playing your approach, but careful of water behind the green.

And to prepare you for your round, the practice putting green, chipping and short-game practice areas are all ideal for sharpening up your skills.

To dissect your scorecard, you'd be hard pushed to find a more impressive looking clubhouse. The grade II timber-framed structure, (built in 1907) is set in 120 acres of mature wood and parkland.A pleasant terrace with surrounding rockery garden and water feature makes for an impressive and calming first impression with views extending down the fairway through ancient oak trees. Already this friendly club attracts many members and visitors from as far as London and the south east area - and the fine reputation of the course and the club's welcoming environment is a message the new owners are keen to promote.

History

The original nine-hole layout was designed in 1890 by Robert Stewart Clouston, inspired after a holiday to Scotland. A local artist, he had attended college in his earlier days at St Andrews, the home of golf. The original ownership from members to a proprietary owned happened as far back as 1896, with the first split (the members that left then formed West Herts Golf Club). Again time repeated itself in 1935 and 1993. The freehold of Bushey Hall Golf Club is now owned by Veladail Hotels.

The Future

The appointment of Neil Fergie as the new course superintendent is designed to take the course to new levels of excellence. Fergie, who heralds from East Lothian in Scotland, brings to Bushey Hall 17 years of world class expertise. Neil’s impressive international career includes five years working at famous Open venue Muirfield in Scotland. Neil has also worked as Greenkeeper and Superintendent on courses in Moscow and as far away as Trinidad and Tobago in the West Indies at Tobago Plantations Beach & Golf Resort.

Visitors

Green fees Mon-Thur is £25 (£15 if a guest); £30 on Fri; and £35 at weekends (only after 11am). Bushey Hall also pride themselves in making society days hassle free for the organiser.

The Card

Bushey Hall Golf Club, Bushey Hall Drive, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 2EP

18 holes: Par 69 - 6,055 yards;

Ladies: Par 72 - 5,297 yards

PGA Professional: Ken Wickham

Directions: Bushey Hall is just off the A41 close to junction 5 of the M1 and junction 19 on the M25.

t: 01923 222253

www.busheyhallgolfclub.co.uk