PlayGolf London Golf Club

Ever fancied playing at Augusta National, or how about The Belfry? What about Oak Hill or Royal Troon? Well you can sample all four in nine holes at PlayGolf London. The sports facility – formerly known as Northwick Park – is the UK’s number one rated nine hole course. The layout is modelled on nine of the world's most celebrated golf holes, including the 12th and 16th and Augusta National and the ‘postage stamp’ at Royal Troon. The 1st, based on the Riviera’s 6th, is a 201-yard par 3. The hole has the same trademark bunker in the middle of the green, and respective contours that allow you to successfully navigate around it should you need to. The 328-yard par 4 2nd is a combination of Walker Cup host Ganton’s 4th and 14th. A tee shot must be accurately positioned to set-up an approach to a pin tucked behind a bunker on a subtly sloping green. The 3rd hole at PlayGolf London is a tribute to Oak Hill’s 6th. The 196-yard par-3 is one of three Ryder Cup holes. It is guarded by a distinctive bunker and a sloping green. The 4th is a copy of The Belfry’s 9th hole. A tough second shot sees an intimidating lake catch any shots that stray from the three-tier green. The 5th is the first of the Open replicas, with Royal Birkdale’s 12th. This 160-yard par-3 offers a small green flanked by bunkers and rough. To the right is the dreaded bank. The 6th on the ‘Majors’ course pays tribute to the famous ‘postage stamp’ 8th at Royal Troon. The 114-yard par-3 is surrounded by authentically small pot bunkers. The 7th is the first of the two Augusta National gems. This 147-yard par-3 mirrors the 16th at the Georgia club, scene of the famous Tiger Woods chip-in. The green hugs the lake and dares you to fly across the water to the tucked away pin. The penultimate hole is a re-make of Walton Heath’s 11th. The 131-yard par-3 is heavily bunkered, presenting a narrow-waisted target. The two-tier green also allows for some tough pin positions. The final challenge is a replica of arguably the most famous hole in golf, Augusta National’s 12th. To find the green you must carry the lake and front bunker to an unfeasibly slim target. 

The 7th is the first of the two Augusta National gems. This 147-yard par-3 mirrors the 16th at the Georgia club, scene of the famous Tiger Woods chip-in.

Stop short of the twin back bunkers, with their famous white sand, or face a daunting sand save back towards the water. Off the course, the facility is home to the national short-game centre, which has been described as the best short game practice area in the UK. There is also a 56-bay, two-tier, heated, floodlit driving range and teaching studios, which used by the English Golf Union and the Ladies Golf Union among others. There is also a ‘mini majors’ adventure golf course, for the younger or non-golfing family members. Inside the main building is an American Golf superstore. The 6,500 sq ft shop is London's biggest on-course golf store. The people behind PlayGolf launched the brand to combat the declining sports participation and increasing obesity figures. They decided to create national sports complexes available to the general public, which might act as a catalyst to participation. The result provides a brilliant alternative day out, offering a family leisure facility. Their emphasis is as much on women as it is on men and on children as much as it is on adults. Outside of golf, the London facility also has nine baseball and softball batting cages and a restaurant that serves quality food, in a very stylish but relaxed setting. The site is also home to a gym that holds classes designed specifically around the requirements of golf, with both casual golfers and the elite squads catered for. Stylish male and female changing rooms and large on-site car parks complete the package at PlayGolf Northwick Park.