Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Hertsmere

Golf in the Heart of Hertfordshire's Green Belt

Hertsmere is a golfer's paradise. Its rolling countryside, mature woodland and parkland estates provide an ideal setting for golf, and the borough's proximity to London has attracted members from across the capital for more than a century. From historic private clubs in Radlett and Bushey to modern country clubs near Elstree and South Mimms, there is a course to suit every level and budget.

Golf's popularity has surged in recent years, with more younger players and women taking up the game and many lapsed golfers returning. Clubs have responded with flexible memberships, improved practice facilities and more welcoming cultures. This guide highlights the best golf courses in and around Hertsmere.

What Makes a Great Golf Course

The finest courses combine strategic design, excellent course conditioning, attractive surroundings and a welcoming clubhouse. Practice facilities, tuition from PGA professionals, and a strong junior and ladies section are also important for a thriving club. Accessibility for visitors and flexible membership options have become increasingly significant.

The Top 10 Golf Courses In and Around Hertsmere

1. Porters Park Golf Club, Radlett

Porters Park is widely regarded as one of the finest parkland courses in the south of England. Set in beautiful mature parkland in Radlett, it has hosted prestigious amateur championships and is known for its superb greens, strategic bunkering and traditional club atmosphere.

2. Hartsbourne Golf and Country Club, Bushey Heath

Hartsbourne offers a well-respected parkland course with a friendly, sociable atmosphere. Its country club facilities extend beyond golf, and its location in Bushey Heath provides lovely views and easy access for members across north-west London and Hertfordshire.

3. Aldenham Golf and Country Club

Aldenham features two courses, including a mature parkland layout that winds through attractive countryside. Its range of membership options, visitor-friendly approach and quality practice facilities make it one of the most accessible clubs in the borough.

4. Bushey Hall Golf Club

Bushey Hall is one of the oldest golf clubs in Hertfordshire, with a rich history dating back to the nineteenth century. Its tree-lined fairways and classic design reward accuracy, and the club's heritage adds to its charm.

5. Bushey Golf and Country Club

Bushey Golf and Country Club offers a nine-hole course alongside a health club, gym and driving range. It is ideal for beginners, juniors and golfers who want a shorter game after work, as well as those looking for broader leisure facilities.

6. Dyrham Park Country Club

Dyrham Park is set within a historic estate near South Mimms and Barnet, featuring a beautifully maintained parkland course framed by ancient trees. Its elegant clubhouse and exclusive atmosphere make it one of the most prestigious clubs in the area.

7. Potters Bar Golf Club

Potters Bar Golf Club offers an attractive parkland course within easy reach of the town centre. Its friendly membership, active social calendar and well-maintained course make it a popular choice for local golfers.

8. Elstree Golf and Country Club

Elstree Golf and Country Club combines a welcoming parkland course with a driving range and tuition from PGA professionals. It is especially popular with golfers developing their game and those who value flexible, pay-and-play access.

9. South Herts Golf Club

Located just beyond the borough boundary in Totteridge, South Herts Golf Club has a storied history, having counted famous champions among its professionals. Its challenging course and heritage make it a destination for serious golfers.

10. Brookmans Park Golf Club

Brookmans Park lies just north-east of Potters Bar and offers a scenic parkland course with water features and mature trees. Its welcoming atmosphere and good value membership attract many players from Hertsmere.

Trends in Golf Around Hertsmere

Technology is transforming how people practise and play. Driving ranges increasingly feature ball-tracking systems that turn practice into interactive games, while launch monitors and simulators allow year-round training. Flexible memberships, including points-based and weekday options, suit busy professionals. Clubs are also investing in sustainability, with wildlife corridors, reduced chemical use and water management helping courses support biodiversity across the green belt.

Getting Started in Golf

Beginners should start with lessons from a PGA professional, many of whom offer group sessions for newcomers. Nine-hole courses, par-three courses and driving ranges are ideal for building confidence. Many clubs in Hertsmere run beginner programmes that include equipment, coaching and a pathway to handicap membership.

Golf Etiquette and Club Culture

Understanding etiquette helps new golfers feel at home. Keeping pace, repairing pitch marks, raking bunkers and respecting dress codes are all part of club culture. Many clubs have relaxed traditional rules in recent years, becoming more welcoming to families and newcomers while preserving their character.

Choosing the Right Club

Visit several clubs, play as a visitor and speak to members before committing. Consider course difficulty, membership costs, practice facilities, social life and travel time. The best club is one where you enjoy both the course and the company.

Final Thoughts

Hertsmere offers some of the finest golf in the Home Counties. Porters Park and Dyrham Park deliver prestige and quality, Hartsbourne and Aldenham provide welcoming country club experiences, and Bushey Golf and Country Club and Elstree make the game accessible to newcomers. With beautiful courses set against rolling countryside, the borough is a wonderful place to enjoy the game.