Apart from my career as a journalist, (the income from which would hardly keep me in golf balls) I do have a few other interests in life that help me pay the bills. It was during a recent business trip to UK that I found myself with some time on my hands, in the vicinity of North London. Not being the type of person to waste any free time, I set out to find a suitable golfing partner and a nearby course that would be available to play. My old chum Steve was happy to spend half a day in my company again, and together we made our way up to Cockfosters, and the Hadley Wood Golf Club. I had never played this course before, but I remembered an acquaintance many years ago telling me of a fine day he once spent there.

Hadley Woods was obviously an old English private members club in the tradition of Stoke Poges or Sunningdale. I turned to Steve and remarked that we would probably not be welcome to play, coming in off the street. Anyway, off we went to the Pro Shop to see if we could plead for mercy. Peter Jones, the Head Pro, could not have been more welcoming, and immediately put us at ease. Not only were we welcome to play the course as visitors, but he assigned one of his staff to show us the locker rooms, and clubhouse facilities. We had not bought any handicap certificates with us, but Peter kindly accepted our word that we were experienced players. The green fee was normally £40 (very reasonable for London) but Peter reduced this to £35 as they were top-dressing a couple of the greens that day. As it turned out I birdied both of the affected holes, so I offered to pay Peter double the normal green fee if he could arrange to have all the greens top-dressed the next time I played there.

It is always so refreshing to find such a wonderfully designed course, maintained in excellent condition, at reasonable Green fees, that welcomes the visiting golfer. I can recommend this course to anyone visiting the London area. Overseas visitors are very welcome on weekdays. Weekends are only possible if you play with a member. You would be advised to call in advance to ensure a tee-time is available.
Hadley Wood Golf Club
Beech Hill
Barnet
Hertfordshire EN4 0JJ
Pro: Peter Jones - PGA Class A Professional
Tee-times: call 0044 81-449 3285
Web-site: www.hadleywoodgc.com
Recommended Hotel:
West Lodge Park. A lovely Country House hotel with a good restaurant just 1000 yards from the Golf Club
Reservations: 0044 208-216 3900
Web-site: www.bealeshotels.co.uk