Hankley Common Golf Club
Overview
The Hankley Common Golf Club has expansive land holdings which include some of the country's best heathlands.
The beauty of the site is perhaps one of the most gorgeous all of golf. It is often said the golf is only bettered by the site's and surrounding area's natural beauty.
Tom Doak feels the club has the potential to be a "world-beater." He isn't alone as Charles Lawrie called Hankley Common 'one of the best inland layouts in Britain.'
Golf Course Review
Hankley Common Golf Club is located in the Surrey sandbelt south of the market town of Farnham near the Hampshire border. The 18 hole heathland golf course is surrounded by a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and lies within the South Downs National Park.
Hankley Common Golf Club History
The formation of Hankley Common Golf Club was first proposed on December 7, 1896. By February 10, 1897, the club had acquired its membership and by May 1, 1897, the first nine-hole course was opened for play.
James Braid at Hankley Common
In May 1920, the committee, persuaded by the Captain, agreed to invite James Braid to inspect and advise on an extension to 18 holes. After visiting the club, they received a course plan in a letter dated February 18, 1921. Five new holes under Braid's direction opened for play in October 1923, they being the modern-day 2nd, 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th & 14th. The following summer, the holes from 11 to 14 opened for play on June 7, 1924.
Harry Colt at Hankley Common
In March 1933, the committee was asked to address the spacing of the one-shot holes and lengthen the course. Harry Colt designed three holes, the 10th, 11th & 12th. Construction took three months during 1934 after which they opened for play on November 1, 1935. By 1938, the club installed irrigation on all putting surfaces.
Hankley Common Golf Club Summary
The course measures just under 7000 yards and features three par 5's and four Par 3's. It is considered to be a Harry Colt and perhaps it was his work that made the course stand out as great above so many good courses in the immediate area.
- Holes 10, 11, and 12 are the work of Harry Colt.
- Holes 2, 6, 7, 8, 13, and 14 are of James Braid's vintage.
- The balance of the holes were formed from the bones of the original layout.
On the balance, however, Harry Colt contributed three holes, James Braid six and the rest were already there. Sometimes it takes a team and tweaking over time to get the combination exactly right... look at Sunningdale Old as just one example.
Golf Course Photography
Hankley Common Golf Club - Videos
Watch Golf Monthly's Visit to Hankley Common
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...
