Golf course historian Simon Haines and course architect Joe McDonnell (McDonnell & Cooper Design) take us back to 1913, a decade before Tom Simpson was commissioned to build an 18-hole course at Blackwell. At this point in the club’s early history, Harry Colt had been tasked with transforming a rudimentary 9-hole layout, played since 1893, into something more fitting for the needs of its members. This is a lost chapter in the story of Blackwell. Over time, the details of Colt’s original work have faded, but Simon and Joe have worked tirelessly to reconstruct what Colt designed when he only [...]

We sent Half Par down to one of our favourites, Sunningdale Heath — arguably the home of the par 3.5 — to see if he could break 60 round this Harry Colt short course. At just 3,700 yards, it does an amazing job getting in his head!   https://youtu.be/Xw-xV883fto

Ahead of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl, Sam and Tom delve into the rich history of this iconic Welsh links – from its late 19th-century beginnings to the masterful refinements that have shaped it into one of golf’s true masterpieces. They say too many cooks spoil the broth, but Royal Porthcawl is the glorious exception. Over the decades, some of the game’s greatest architectural minds have each left their mark, combining to create a course of rare strategic brilliance. With its sweeping coastal vistas, intricate design, and uncompromising test, it’s no wonder Porthcawl is ranked among the very [...]

Royal Worlington & Newmarket - often referred to as the 'sacred nine' is one of the country's most loved venues. A potent nine hole course. Exceptional simple on paper but endlessly fascinating. With its small traditional clubhouse, it can often feel like you're playing golf in someone house at times. We spent the day there back in the spring and filmed a podcast with Michael Morrison (club historian) & Nigel Notley (club archivist) to uncover a bit more on the history of the club and the course, as well as all of the other little facets of the club that [...]