Leckford (Old)

There are not many 9-hole courses on the NCG Top 100s lists, but the Old Course at Leckford deserves its place.

Designed by the great Harry Colt in the mid-1920s, and as the vision of John Spedan Lewis, the Old Course provides a true test for any golfer.

The nine begins with two par 5s, while the two short holes are tremendous, as you make your way up to the top of the valley, looking out over the River Test.

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John Spedan Lewis – the founder of the John Lewis Partnership – had a vision for golf for his employees in the 1920s.

He wanted to create golf courses for the use of his employees, and he did so on a sight overlooking the River Test, thanks to one of the greats of golf course design.

Lewis invited Harry Colt to view a site in the village of Leckford in Hampshire in 1929 and the architect, then at the peak of his powers, was impressed with the land and its free-draining flint subsoil. He designed the Old Course at Leckford.

Donald Steel, another man famous for his work when it comes to designing and constructing golf courses, was the man behind the New Course, which opened in the 1980s.

Although the course was given back due to the Second World War, it was promptly brought back to its original layout and condition. The views over the River Test provide joy throughout, as the course makes its way up the valley to start with, before then coming back down over its final few holes. Over the years, the course has been extended, and this 9-hole layout now measures 3,130 yards from the back tees, with a pair of par 5s and two par 3s making it play as a par 36.

Unusually, the Old Course at Leckford begins with two par 5s. Although neither are long on the card, both play longer than their actual yardage due to the nature of them being uphill. Five fairway bunkers are in play off the opening tee shot, with four of those in a line down the right side. However, most will fancy their chances as it is 245 yards to cover them. From there, it is only just over 200 yards to the front of the green, so it is in reach for those longer hitters, but the green is guarded by mounds and a large bunker that covers the entire right side of the surface. The 2nd is even shorter, at just 445 yards, but again, the uphill nature means it will require a few clubs more than you think on its approach. A bunker on the inside corner of this dog-leg left is the ideal line off the tee, while there are more traps down by the green.

That journey is continued with a par 3 - the holes Colt prioritised - and the 3rd is duly a classic, played to an elevated, well contoured and bunkered green. Again, it is not too long at just 150 yards, but with a long green protected by mounds on the right and a large bunker on the left, it is not the easiest of approaches. From there, you reach the plateau, and come to a run of five consecutive par 4s. The first of those is 400 yards and plays as a dog-leg left once more. The tee shot either has to be to the right of the six bunkers that line the left side of the fairway, or it has to be struck 240 yards to cover them all. At just 330 yards, the 5th is one of the easier holes on the Old Course. The fairway slopes from right to left so the ideal tee shot is down the right side of the fairway. There is then a hollow before the green, so make sure your approach carries all the way to the putting surface, otherwise it will roll back down and you will be left with a tricky chip.

Three fairway bunkers are to be avoided on the 6th. The first of those is only 200 yards from the tee, so they are in play for most. Another large trap protects the entirety of the left side of the green. The 7th green is another with protection from a bunker, this time on its right side, while anything landing on the left edge of the putting surface will find its way rolling down the slope and leaving a treacherous up-and-down. That all comes after you have tried to avoid the three fairway bunkers that sit on the left of the fairway.

The 8th is the last of that run of par 4s, and arguably the toughest at 390 yards. Two large mounds sit in the fairway – one in the middle and one on the left side – both kicking golf balls down and away from them. The fairway is also raised, with a drop down to the rough on the right side throughout. That continues around the back of the putting surface, which is guarded by two bunkers. The closing hole on Leckford’s Old Course is a par 3, one of 170 yards. Anything short and left will find start making its way back towards you down the slope, while the putting surface itself is protected on all sides by five large bunkers. Only 170 yards, but plenty can go wrong on the final hole of the Old.

Where is Leckford located?

The Leckford Estate is situated in the south of England, in the county of Hampshire. The two courses sit just outside the village of Stockbridge, with Winchester in close order. The M3, one of the country’s biggest motorways, is only a few miles from the golf club. The city of Southampton is just 20 miles to the south of Leckford.

Southampton Airport is around 25 miles from the venue. However, most international visitors will fly into London Heathrow or London Gatwick, the two busiest airports in the country. The former is 55 miles away, while Gatwick is slightly further from Leckford. Andover Station is three miles from the golf club, and operates trains that run between Exeter St David’s and London Waterloo, with occasional services terminating at Yeovil.

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

Thanks to its location in Hampshire, there are several venues within an hour from Leckford that occupy a spot on the NCG Top 100s: England list. Stoneham is the closest, while Hayling sits on the south coast of the country. To the east, the likes of Blackmoor, Liphook, Hindhead and Hankley Common are within an hour as well.

What golf facilities does Leckford offer?

Along with the Old and New Courses, Leckford also has a practice ground, which is located inside the Old Course. It sits between the 2nd, 4th and 7th holes of the layout, and offers guests and members alike a place to dial in their game before heading to either course. There is also a putting green next to the clubhouse.

What are the green fees at Leckford?

The price of a green fee at Leckford 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 Leckford, visit their website here.