Hertfordshire
The Palmerston Course is an 18-hole par 73 championship layout measuring 7,080 yards, designed by Donald Steel and Martin Ebert and opened in 2000 at Brocket Hall Estate near Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. Located approximately 20 miles north of London, the course features rolling terrain with significant elevation changes, passing through mature woodland including Hornbeam, Scots Pine, Corsican Pine, and 500-year-old Oak trees that create a distinctive parkland setting framed by these ancient specimen trees.
The course presents a considerable challenge with a course rating of 74.0 and slope rating of 130, characterized by strategically positioned bunkers and undulating greens rather than water hazards. Notable holes include the par-3 5th and 14th which play downhill, the uphill par-3 8th tucked amongst trees, the par-5 9th with greenside bunkers defending an approach in two shots, and the distinctive par-4 12th featuring an unusual chalk face approximately 100 yards from the green that requires precise approach shot placement. The design emphasizes a thinking golfer's course with multiple routing options off the tee.
Brocket Hall is situated on a 543-acre estate and operates two championship courses, with the Palmerston providing a contrasting layout to the earlier Melbourne Course. The estate also features extensive practice facilities including a full academy, practice grounds, and multiple practice greens. The course is managed by The Melbourne Club and maintains high conditioning standards with particular attention to green quality.
