Hole description

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9 Hole Course

Please use the hole descriptions below to help you make the most of your round at Hampstead.

1st - This 270yd par four is a risk-and-reward opening hole because, while it is driveable in some conditions, there is also danger - thick rough to the left of the green and a deep bunker directly at the back. From the tee the flag is often concealed behind a line of trees on the right and a long iron or fairway wood tee shot may be the safest option, followed by a short iron approach. It looks a much easier hole than it actually plays.

2nd - The first of three long par 4s, a blind tee shot over a hill requires both length and accuracy in order to allow an easier approach shot to the green which slopes from front to back and is protected by two deep bunkers on the left front edge and a pot bunker on the right. A par here is a good score in any conditions.

3rd - Quite a short par 3 but to a small, elevated green with four bunkers protecting the front and left side. There is also a steep slope running away from the back of the green if the tee shot is too long. Club choice is crucial as the wind is often a factor on this hole.

4th - The tee provides one of the best views of north London as well as highlighting this majestic, tricky par 4; a single fairway bunker can catch overly-ambitious drives down the right hand side, while a forest of trees awaits tee shots to the left. The entry to the green is narrow and bunker-protected as well as sloping front to back. A well-placed drive is the key to this hole. Picture - a winter's day view from adjacent to the tee.

5th - Accuracy off the tee is needed on this gentle dogleg left-to-right par 4. Two large trees - one on each side of the fairway just ahead of the normal landing area – shape a hole on which driver is not always the best option. The elevated green is two-tiered with protective bunkers at the front corners. Landing your tee shot in the correct position is essential. Picture - the 5th green from just short of the putting surface to the left hand side of the fairway.

6th - The longest hole on the course, this 465yd sharp dogleg left-to-right is the first of two challenging par 4s in a row. A safe, straight tee shot could leave you over 200 yards for your second, but trying to cut the dogleg means tempting fate with trees, bunkers and heavy rough on the corner. The green has two left-front bunkers to protect it as well as another on the right front corner. Mid-handicappers may well need three shots to reach it.

7th - This uphill 420yd par 4 is often played directly into a prevailing wind and so plays much longer, especially in winter. The left-to-right sloping fairway can send tee shots into thickish rough. Even the longest of hitters are likely to want to lay up in front of a small bank that crosses the entire fairway at around the 280yd mark. The elevated green means an extra club is advised for the approach and, again, it is protected by the course's signature front corner bunkers. Picture - a view back down the fairway from near the 7th green.

8th - An inviting par 3 tee shot from an elevated tee needs precision and an appreciation of any wind. Two bunkers on the front corners of a smallish green are well-visited by miscues while a third bunker at the back catches the overly bold. The green is protected by very subtle slopes, but is responsive to a well-hit tee shot. Picture - the 8th green as seen from the lower tee.

9th - A right-to-left dogleg finishing hole is relatively short at 370yds, but the drive is slightly uphill and the fairway landing area is quite narrow. There is heavy tree protection for the drive to the left and little grass on the right to stop balls from entering bushes and hedgerow. The clubhouse directly behind the green is inviting for the approach shot over cross bunkers, but the course’s signature front corner bunkers are a threat to the approach. Plus, the green is viciously sloping back to front and a two-putt here is always welcome.