Moor Park (High)

Moor Park is blessed with two great golf courses, with the High Course being the premier layout at the Hertfordshire venue.

The golf club has been around for over a century, with Harry Colt being the man to design both courses. The likes of the 1985 AIG Women’s Open among the many amazing events it has hosted.

The High Course offers up a parkland treat for its members and guests, with heathland properties on show as well. Accuracy is the name of the game on the High at Moor Park.

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The mansion at Moor Park was originally built in the late 17th Century, but it was not until the 1920s when the golf club first opened.

Having recently celebrated its centenary, Moor Park Golf Club offers two championship courses, both of which were designed by the great Harry Colt.

The High Course has played host to the Carris Trophy and to Regional Qualifying for the Open Championship throughout its long history, while the AIG Women’s Open also visited Moor Park in 1985. American Betsy King was the winner, as one of seven major titles.

The venue is set amid 300 acres of mature woodland and fine Hertfordshire parkland, with the High Course being the premier layout at Moor Park. A course with undeniable quality, and with plenty of trees and sand to keep your concentrating, the High Course can run out as far as 7,000 yards from the championship tees. From the Whites, it still measures more than 6,700 yards. Length and accuracy off the tee are a must for a good score on the High at Moor Park.  

The opening hole is one of 370 yards, and if you can avoid the two fairway bunkers down the left side, then there is a chance of making birdie to get yourself on your way. The 2nd is a tough, dog-leg par 4, with the bunkers down the left side being a good aiming point off the tee. Three more traps sit short of the putting surface, one that falls away down its left side. The only par 3 on the front nine comes at the 3rd. At 163 yards, it is not too long, but a total of six bunkers are in play, along with mounds at the back of the surface. The 4th is another tricky par 4, and another of more than 400 yards. It is long and narrow, and the only sand appears by the green. Accuracy is vital off the tee.

The 5th provides some respite, as a par 4 of only 330 yards. However, there is a stream down the right side, and four bunkers – two on either side of the fairway. The 6th is the first of the four par 5s on the High Course. The hole continues to work its way round to the right, with thick trees on either side. Bunkers are dotted down the hole sporadically, with a total of six in play throughout. Sand is the key down 7 as well. Another seven bunkers feature down this medium-length par 4. Accuracy is the key off the tee, as three of those fairway bunkers are very much in play. The green is long and narrow, and also requires an accurate approach.

The long par-4 8th is the Stroke Index 1 on the High Course. Faced with 469 yards from tee to green, it is imperative that you can hit long and straight, should you want to escape with a par. A good drive will stay down the left side to open a good angle into the green, and the approach is played from a downhill position - usually with a lot of club. The hole also cleverly guards against those who may look to play short of the green with their approach. The fairway narrows significantly with water on either side, so however you look to play the hole, it will provide a stern test. The 9th is only five yards longer, but it plays as a par 5 to give you a birdie opportunity. Avoid the three fairway bunkers in the landing zone and you have the option to go for the green in two. Those choosing to lay up do not have any real danger with their second, before attacking the flag with a wedge in hand for their third.

The 10th is one of three par 3s on the back nine of the High Course, and is played over beautiful purple heather. The green is protected by two bunkers and the surface slopes from front to back. The tee shot on 11 is also played over heather, and a stream this time, with three bunkers then blocking your route to the green. The 12th is a par 3 of more than 200 yards, and it plays even longer due to its uphill nature. Heather is at the back of the green providing a backdrop, while there are two bunkers short of the surface. Take one more club than you first think. 13 is a long and narrow par 5, with the tee box being the highest point of the course and offering up views of the county. Although only 500 yards, a stream runs down the right side, so accuracy is the key instead of sheer power.

The closing stretch on the High Course begins with the tough par 4 14th. At more than 430 yards from the White tees, the tee shot needs to be played with a slight draw to give yourself the best chance. The approach is uphill, and played to a two-tiered green that is shallow and wide. 15 is even longer, at 445 yards. A stream rusn down the entirety of the right side, and there is another water hazard to the left of the green, along with two bunkers. 16 is a long par 5, and a three-shotter for all bar the longest of hitters. Accuracy is the key off the tee once more, while four bunkers are by the green. The penultimate hole is a 400-yard par 4, and it is narrow again. The stream this time is down the left, while the green is large and inviting. The High Course’s final challenge is a short par 3. At only 150 yards, this seems easy, but with three bunkers by the surface, and a green that is very sloping, a par is a good score.

Where is Moor Park located?

Moor Park Golf Club is situated to the northwest of London, sitting just inside the M25. The club is in Rickmansworth, while Watford is only a couple of miles to the northeast of the venue. The centre of England’s capital city is 20 miles away from Moor Park. Along with the M25, both the A40 and A41 are also within close range of the golf club.

Thanks to its location in the northwest of London, the country’s busiest airport – London Heathrow – is also the closest international airport to Moor Park. Heathrow is only 15 miles to the south of the golf club. London Luton Airport is also within 25 miles. Moor Park has its own stop on the London Underground, sitting on the Metropolitan line.

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

Thanks to its positioning in the northwest of London, there is a quartet of venues all close by. The Grove is only six miles from Moor Park, while Ashridge, Berkhamsted and the Centurion Club are also within a short drive.

What golf facilities does Moor Park offer?

Along with the two championship golf courses, Moor Park also has some incredible practice facilities for guests and members to use. There is a double-ended driving range which has both grass and matted teeing areas, along with a glorious short game area that includes practice bunkers. An 18-hole putting green sits in front of the clubhouse, perfect for working on your game with the flat stick.

What are the green fees at Moor Park?

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