Collindale Golf Course in London - History and Profile of Holes
Table of Contents
The History of the Collindale Golf Course
The Collindale Golf Course is located in North London and has been in operation since the early 1900s. As one of the oldest golf courses in the area, it has a rich history and has seen many changes over the past century.
The Early Years
The land that became the Collindale Golf Course was originally farmland and open fields. There are records indicating people played golf on the land as early as 1898. By the 1910s, plans were put into place to officially build a nine-hole municipal golf course on the site.
The course was initially very rudimentary featuring purely natural terrain and surfaces. There were sheep grazing on the land up until the 1920s when more development occurred. Over the next few decades amenities were slowly added like a small timber clubhouse.
The Course Expands
By the 1950s it became clear that nine holes were not going to be enough for the local area. In 1953 the decision was made to acquire adjacent land to expand the course to 18 holes. The back nine holes were opened for play in 1956.
Around this time permanent features like tarmac pathways, a practice putting green, and an upgraded clubhouse were installed. This development made Collindale one of the premier public golf destinations in North London at the time.
Recent Decades
Over the past 50 years, Collindale has focused on refinement. Several holes have been redesigned slightly to accommodate playstyle changes. Other amenities like a full-service pro shop and additional practice areas have been added.
Today, Collindale Golf Course welcomes over 40,000 visitors per year. With its mature tree lines, strategic bunkering, and historic clubhouse, it continues building its reputation as a quality course that embraces its rich past.
The Collindale Golf Course - Hole by Hole
Front Nine
The front nine holes at Collindale offer a good mix of scoring opportunities for golfers of all skill levels. It starts with a relatively open par 4 that allows you to ease into your round.
Hole 2 is a tricky par 3 that requires an accurate iron shot over water. The challenges continue on holes 3 through 6 featuring long par 4s and strategic bunkering requiring smart decisions off the tee.
The course relents a bit on holes 7 and 8 with shorter par 4s allowing you to get a shot back. You finish up the front side with a scenic par 5 hole with ample room off the tee.
Back Nine
After making the turn, the back nine at Collindale really starts heating up. Hole 10 is a narrow, tree-lined par 4 that demands pinpoint accuracy on every shot.
You then encounter the signature hole: the par 3 11th. It is all carry over a large pond to a two-tiered green. Moving to hole 12, you face the number 1 handicap hole on the course - a lengthy par 4 with no room for error.
The final stretch allows you to finish strong with scoring holes. Number 15 is a short risk/reward par 5 with water all down the left side. You then close your round with rugged par 4s that test every aspect of your game.
Hole 6 at the Collindale Golf Course
Hole 6 at Collindale Golf Course is a challenging par 4 that plays 414 yards from the black tees. It's a hole that demands solid shots and course management to walk away with par.
The Hole Layout
Right from the tee box you can observe notable features of this hole. It doglegs gently to the left with trees and bushes lining the entire right side. A fairway bunker is positioned about 250 yards out on the left side of the fairway.
As you get closer to the green, you'll notice Fronting Bunkers guarding the entrance. The two-tiered green itself is also protected by deep bunkers left and long.
Strategy for Playing the Hole
On your tee shot, you'll want to favor the right center of the fairway to avoid the left fairway bunker. Be sure to carry your ball past the bend of the dogleg but leave enough room to approach from the right angle.
On your second shot, you'll be faced with a mid to long iron uphill to an elevated green. Depending on pin placement, you may need to play conservatively to a frontal portion of the green before challenging the tucked pins.
This hole puts a premium on crisp iron play and savvy course management. Par here is an excellent score and sets you up nicely for the rest of the round.
FAQs
When did the Collindale Golf Course open?
The Collindale Golf Course opened in the early 1900s, with records of golf being played on the site as early as 1898. It opened as a nine-hole course and later expanded to 18 holes in the 1950s.
How many holes does Collindale have?
Collindale Golf Course is an 18-hole course featuring a mix of par 3s, 4s, and 5s over its landscape.
What are some notable holes at Collindale?
Notable holes include the par 3 11th featuring carry over a large pond, the tough par 4 12th handicap hole, and the risk/reward par 5 15th hole along water.
What is unique about hole 6?
Hole 6 is a 414 yard uphill par 4 with a two-tiered green protected by several deep bunkers. Precise iron shots are required for par or better.
Who designed the course?
The Collindale Golf Course was designed and built in the early 1900s by municipal planners. Several professional golf architects have contributed updates and alterations over the past century.
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