The Berkshire Golf Club
Overview
Bernard Darwin wrote regarding Herbert Fowler's work at The Berkshire Golf Club Blue Course. In comparing it to the 36 holes at Walton Heath, he wrote: "His art has mellowed with experience and has gained something in variety, in subtleness, and in picturesqueness." High praise indeed for the Berkshire Golf Club Blue Course!
Sir Guy Campbell claims that Harry Colt had involvement in course design in his book, History of Golf in Britain after WW1 and prior to 1929! The club was officially founded in 1928.
The club was once known as Royal Berkshire. On one day, King Edward VIII and the Duke of Windsor invited Archie Compston for lunch. Upon arrival, the Secretary wouldn't allow Mr. Compston in the clubhouse and all three lunched elsewhere. Subsequently, the club received a letter instructing them to remove the Royal prefix.
Golf Course Review
The Berkshire Golf Club is a fine, traditional, English member’s club. Visitors are warmly welcomed – with long socks preferred if wearing shorts. Lunch in the Main Dining Room requires a jacket and tie.
The best way to experience the golf club is with the purchase of a Day Ticket which allows visitors one round on the Red and Blue. 36 in one day with lunch served with jacket and tie is an experience to be savoured.
Some ask why Red and Blue? They refer to the colours of the two opposing forces that undertook manoeuvres on the land during the Great War.
Harry Colt, Herbert Fowler, Tom Simpson or Someone Else?
Sir Guy Campbell claims that Harry Colt had been involved in course design in his book, History of Golf in Britain after WW1 and prior to 1929. The club was officially founded in 1928. It appears that Harry Colt had the job but his costs prohibited the club from progressing further. Herbert Fowler came in with a lower quote and won the job. After completion, there appears to have been some issues and Fowler offered to put them right for an additional fee. The club went to John Morrison to tidy up the project. Some also suspect it was a collaboration between Herbert Fowler & Tom Simpson. This is also highly unlikely as their partnership broke in 1928. So strictly speaking, The Berkshire is a Herbert Fowler with John Morrison additions.
The Berkshire Golf Club Red Course
The Berkshire Golf Club Red Course is considered the better of the two on offer. Laid out in the most perfect of golfing country, the Red being the higher and hillier of the two courses.
Frank Pennink said that only space limits his description of the Red Course, counting it among the finest inland courses in Britain.
The Red Courses is a national treasure with six Par 3’s, six Par 4’s, and six Par 5’s.
The Berkshire GC Red Course Synopsis
There is an intriguing mix of holes on the Berkshire Golf Club Red Course with many half par holes that encourage risk-taking but reward only the deftest of shots.
The Berkshire Golf Club Red Course Photography
Purchase Kevin Murray’s Red Course photography.
The Berkshire Golf Club Blue Course
Not as highly regarded as the Red Course, the Blue Course is more difficult between the two. Red and Blue refer to the colours of the two forces that undertook maneuvers on the land during the Great War.
Berkshire Golf Club Blue Course Synopsis
The Berkshire Golf Club Blue Course is unique in that both nines start with one-shot holes. If playing from the back tees, the first hole is 217 yards long and the tenth 232 yards long! With a par of 71, the course can stretch to near enough 6,400 yards if all the stops are pulled out. There are three par 5’s and 4 par 3’s with the balance being two-shot holes. Members know that trouble short and right or long and left usually spells for trouble on the Blue.
Berkshire Golf Club Blue Course Reviews
Take Sean Arble’s tour of the Blue Course.
Read Richard Pennell’s exceptional writing on his blog – Stymied.
Berkshire GC Blue Course Photography
Purchase Kevin Murray’s Blue Course photography.
The Berkshire Trophy
The Berkshire Trophy is contested in June at The Berkshire GC. Amateurs with a handicap of +1 or better play a round each on the Red and Blue on Saturday. Sunday, 36 holes are played on the Red. The best aggregate score at the Berkshire Trophy and in the Brabazon is awarded the Scrutton Jug.
The Berkshire Golf Club - Videos
The berkshire golf club - part 2, holden golf world
the story of the berkshire golf club - Cookie Jar
review the recent changes at The Berkshire golf club with architect tim lobb
The berkshire golf club - part 1, holden golf world
Featured Architect: MacKenzie, Alister
As taken from his book, Golf Architecture, Alister MacKenzie felt the following were essential: The course, where possible, should be arranged in two loops of nine holes. There should be a large proportion of good two-shot holes and at least four one-shot holes. There should be little walking between...
