Our golf course, known as Stoke Poges, was designed by Harry Shapland Colt. It was opened in July 1908 and received immediate acclaim:- “If there were no palatial clubhouse and no beautiful gardens and grounds, the course itself would take a great deal of beating anywhere within thirty miles of London. Colt, to whom belongs the credit of designing it, has scored a great success and his reputation as a green architect, already high, will be greatly enhanced by this the latest of his works.” (Golf Illustrated, 1909). The course has stood the test of time: “Longevity and history do not necessarily make for a great golf course but in the case of Stoke Poges it becomes immediately apparent why this layout has withstood the considerable test of time. It got off to a good start when the original landlord called on Colt to offer his services as a designer.... it does have Colt’s finest single hole (the seventh), a short par three upon which the notorious twelth at Augusta was modelled.” (Today’s Golfer, 1992). The exceptionally high quality of the greens, which have been consistently maintained, are a particular feature of the course. In November 2005 Golf World chose the course within the “Top 100 Courses in the World”, however, Stoke Park is about more than just a great course, with the traditions, events, competitions and atmosphere created over 100 years in the true sense of the word. Reciprocal agreements also enable you to play at many leading clubs, both in this country and around the world. |