HARP NEW-2

Course Tour
If you have never played at
Harpenden Common before you are
in for a treat. Make the most of your
trip by learning about some of the pitfalls
that lie in wait, and how to avoid them,
by following our hole-by-hole tour.
Hole 1 – Par 4 – 330 Yards – S.I. 13
A straightforward tee shot, with either
a long iron or fairway wood, is the best
approach to begin your round. The green is
a small target, so accuracy is key. And with
the putting surface quite small aim for the
middle and be happy with two putts.
Hole 2 – Par 4 – 384 Yards – S.I. 5
With a relatively narrow exit from the
tee, it is crucial to hit the fairway from
the off. But in tough wind conditions,
particularly if the wind is against you, a
wood is required from the tee.
Hole 3 – Par 5 – 540 Yards – S.I. 11
On this par 5 long-hitters beware, a straight
tee shot is needed. If your ball is beyond
the cricket pitch, a long iron or fairway
wood will get you home. But be careful,
while the green is reachable in two, there is
an OB to the left side of the fairway.
Hole 4 – Par 3 – 198 Yards – S.I. 9
This short hole is a real gem of a par 3, and
is often described as Harpenden Common
Golf Club’s signature hole. With a very long
and narrow funnel out to the green, club
selection will vary greatly depending on
the wind conditions. But whatever club you
choose precision is vital.
Hole 5 – Par 3 – 152 Yards – S.I. 17
Don’t be fooled, while this is a relatively
short par 3, it is wise to play longer than
you think.
Hole 6 – Par 4 – 401 Yards – S.I. 3
Aiming down the left-hand side will give
you a better view of the green but brings
the bunker into play. Be careful, a hidden
dip short left of the green and OB on the
right-hand side.
Hole 7 – Par 4 – 297 Yards –S.I. 15
From the tee, a medium-to-long iron to
the corner of the right-hand dogleg is
best. This allows you the best angle for a
second shot and a crack at the green.
With the green sloping left towards a
strategically placed pond, the position of
your shot is just as important as distance.
Once on the green the putting surface is
two-tiered and slopes towards the pond.
Hole 8 – Par 4 – 464 Yards – S.I. 1
Longer hitters relish this hole as any drive
over the road requires a long iron or fairway
wood to it get home. However, this is also
technically the toughest hole on the course,
and with OB running along the right-hand
side of fairway, and hidden bunkers short
left of the green, it’s easy to see why.
Hole 9 – Par 4 – 405 Yards – S.I. 7
Standing on the tee you will be encouraged
to open your shoulders, but beware this
is a tight driving hole. Try and find the left
side of fairway for an ideal second shot to
the green. The green is protected by sand
traps on either side, any ball short will
leave you a downhill putt.
Hole 10 – Par 4 – 311 Yards – S.I. 18
Longer hitters should have no issues here,
and if struck true a solid tee shot can
find the green. For a more conservative
approach, a fairway wood to right-hand side
of the fairway will leave you with the perfect
angle for a shot to the smallish green.
8 | Harpenden Common Golf Club
Harpenden Common Golf Club | 9