Blackmoor

The history of Blackmoor dates all the way back to 1913, with Harry Colt laying out the original 18-hole course shortly before the beginning of the First World War.

Around the turn of the millennium, Blackmoor was a regular venue for Regional Qualifying of the Open Championship, playing host to the tournament from 1998 to 2003.

The aforementioned renovations in the last few years have elevated Blackmoor, with new drainage systems being implemented, the reshaping of fairways and improvements to pathways just a few of the many changes that have been made.

Harry Colt's design at Blackmoor is one that has stood the test of time. It is not the longest golf course in the world, coming in at just over 6,000 yards, but playing as a Par 69, and with Colt's ingenuity on show throughout, it still provides a tricky test for golfers of all abilities.

The course beings with a run of five par 4s, but you might not be taking driver out on them all. The 1st has a ditch running across the fairway, while the 2nd is a narrow dog-leg left with trees lining both sides of the fairway. The big stick could be used at 3 and 4, but the 5th - a dog-leg right with a ditch halfway down it - might require a long iron off the tee and then even a fairway wood to find the putting surface.

The 6th is the first of five par 3s on the course, and at almost 200 yards from the back it is a brute. The other on the front side of the layout comes at the 9th, which at 145 yards, is much more gentle. However, a long and narrow green, two front bunkers, trees at the back and the 10th tee on the left makes it a slightly more difficult prospect than you might first think.

In between those two par 3s are the long par 4 7th and the opening par 5 on the course, the 8th. The latter is less than 500 yards, and will be seen by many as a great birdie opportunity. However, for that to be the case, drives must find the fairway and not the thick masses of trees on either side. The only other par 5 at Blackmoor comes at the 13th, where three fairway bunkers and three greenside traps add to the danger of the tree-lined fairways.

The 10th has incredible cross bunkers around 30 yards from the green, while a large trap on the right side of the fairway will catch you eye from the 11th tee. The 12th is the shortest hole on the property at just 130 yards. It plays downhill, so a club less might be required, and with three bunkers and a large oak tree in the background, club selection has to be spot on.

The 15th is another great example of a top-class short hole designed by Colt, played to a raised green with a horribly deep bunker on the left. 17 is the last of the five par 3s, and is played to a large square green, but you have to make sure you carry the front bunker. There's also a great finishing hole – a long par 4 that climbs steadily uphill. Do not to miss the green to the right, where a large, deep pit awaits, but that's easier said than done with a long iron in your hands.

Tim Lobb’s restoration and bunker project has been enthusiastically received by our panel who believe he has authentically represented Harry Colt’s original work.

Joss Powick: Great bunker improvements

Sean Arble: The A3 corridor is a treasure trove of golf riches. I would happily add Blackmoor to the list

Neil White: An outstanding layout and impressive recent bunker work

Read more about our panellists here (opens in a new tab).

Where is Blackmoor located?  
Blackmoor is one of several incredible courses in the county of Hampshire. It is just on the outskirts of Whitehill, between the towns of Alton and Liphook, and with both the A3 and A31 in close order.

Liphook is home to the nearest train station to Blackmoor, around five miles to the southeast of the golfing venue. Trains run from London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour (through Liphook) once an hour. For those coming from further afield, both London Heathrow and London Gatwick Airports are around an hour's drive to the east of Blackmoor. The two are the busiest airports in London, with flights to a whole host of destinations.

Are there any other NCG Top 100s: England venues nearby? 

The south of England is flush with incredible golf courses, many of which also have their own spot on the NCG Top 100s: England list. Liphook is just five miles from Blackmoor, while the likes of Hindhead, Hankley Common, West Sussex (Pulborough) and the '3 W's' of West Hill, Woking and Worplesdon are all in close order.

What golf facilities does Blackmoor offer?  
Along with the Harry Colt Course, there is a driving range which has both grass and matted tees - the latter being under cover. There is also a short game area, which sits between the 10th and 11th holes, and a putting green by the clubhouse. 
What are the green fees at Blackmoor?  
The price of a green fee at Blackmoor changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.  For more information on current green fees at Blackmoor visit their website here (opens in a new tab).   Visit the Blackmoor website here (opens in a new tab). Go Back To NCG's Top 100s Homepage.