Playing golf, on the Common, began casually about 1895, but in order to establish a formal members’ club, Harpenden Common Golf Club was founded in 1931.
In 1931 for the inaugural match, W.A.Peters (his son was Professional and Club secretary for many years) played against Abe Mitchell, a former Ryder Cup player who was the personal golf tutor to Sam Ryder and is the figure modelled on top of the Ryder Cup.
The Common part of the course (11 holes) is woodland and comprises a fine mixture of mature trees and gorse as well as heather. The “new” section of the course, which the members purchased was opened in 1996, is known as the Jockey Field and comprises 7 holes which are now well established with mature tree lined fairways. At this time the whole course also underwent a major revision under the guidance of Ken Brown. Ken Brown, well known to many through the golfing media, is a past European Tour winner, PGA Tour winner, former Ryder Cup player and an Honorary Member of HCGC.
Over the years the Club has made continuous financial investment. Since the development of the Jockey Field, to further complement the Club as a whole, new changing rooms and an administration block were built, and finally a new double storey club house was built and completed in 2013.
To our credit the Club has received many golfing accolades and is recognised as one of the top clubs in Hertfordshire, thanks to the very high standard of playing members. Some of the Club’s many honours include:
The Clubhouse is available to hire for parties, weddings and other social events.