OFFICIAL CORPORATE BROCHURE 2025 - 2026
WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER
Royston Golf Club is a historic club with a rich heritage dating back to golf first played on Therfield Heath in 1624. The present 18 hole course is little different from that laid out in 1869, making it the oldest 18 hole golf course in England.
The members are very proud of this fact and realise, as current custodians, we have a special environment in which to play, even more so as the chalk downland allows the existence of rare fauna and flora. The Heath is designated a SSSI. Since 1892 we have been a club run by members for members. Any proposed major changes need the members’ agreement before implementation.
Royston Golf Club is a special place
where a Golf Course and Heathland come together allowing them both to thrive. The members are proud of our connection to the Heath and its flora and fauna.
Our 18 hole course is laid out using the natural terrain of the heath and has a real links feel. Situated above and within walking distance of the busy town of Royston, the views, on a beautiful day, stretch across three surrounding counties. The underlying chalk with its natural drainage and the local knowledge and expertise gained by our greens staff helps keep Royston in superb condition throughout the year, providing a rewarding and exciting challenge for
players of every level. With no need for temporary greens, members and visitors alike can enjoy golf all year round and we enjoy sharing our course with people who may not have experienced it before. After your round of golf please enjoy the excellent catering and bar menu in the clubhouse where you will be made very welcome by our in-house team. Royston Golf Club’s staff and members are dedicated to the club, its surroundings and the community. The club prides itself on a warm, welcoming and social atmosphere.
Finally, may we take this opportunity to wish all the club teams and members an enjoyable and successful year.
David Musgrave – President Daniel White – General Manager
A MEMBER
The opportunity to play at Royston Golf Club every day enjoying the golf, the views, the nature and meeting new people who share your passion for golf is reason enough to become a member of our club. However: Join Royston Golf Club and you gain access to over 50 courses dotted around the country that can be played for no additional cost. This facility is provided via our membership of the Smart Golfer Network, The 1892 Club and a reciprocal relationship with Bedford Golf Club and Market Harborough Golf Club.
In addition Royston Golf Club recognises the demands on time modern living imposes. We have a partnership with PlayMoreGolf which tailors membership to help those with limited time to engage in golfing activities. Royston is an inclusive club that is dedicated to promote golf. We welcome applications from girls, boys, men and ladies of any standard.
There are many other compelling reasons why joining Royston Golf Club represents an excellent lifestyle choice. Our full members are able to benefit from the following:
• No joining fee
• Online booking system
• Seven days unlimited golf, subject to course availability
• Reciprocal golf at over 50 venues
• Unlimited use of our practice facilities
• Unlimited use of our clubhouse and facilities
• Unlimited golf on the 18 hole course
• Unlimited golf on our new three hole short course
• Play in all competitions
• Gain a certified handicap
• Discounted bar card
• Discounted function hire
• Free Wi-Fi
• PGA Professional offering expert advice and tuition
• Well-stocked professional shop with the latest fashions
Why not experience club life for yourself and take advantage of our three month trial membership.
As a game that can be played all throughout the year, golf membership offers excellent value for money. It is a pleasurable form of exercise, extremely social and can be as competitive or relaxed as you choose it to be. Here at Royston Golf Club we encourage new members to come and enjoy the ever improving facilities and relish the benefits of a membership.
New member, Bill Landels wrote to the management:
‘I moved to Royston from Scotland a year ago, only knowing one person and wondering if I could find a new golf club with which I could feel really comfortable. After looking around the area, I found the best was on my doorstep...Royston G C. Not only a unique, historic and challenging course but as importantly such a welcoming Club for all ages. The Seniors Section is the most well run, friendly and fun group I have ever enjoyed , guaranteeing a game whenever you want. Fantastic value for money’.
Additional membership amongst others include:-
• Academy membership
• Junior membership
• Playmoregolf membership
• Services membership
• Country membership
• Heath Membership
• Young member categories
The current annual fees and details about all membership categories can be viewed on our website at www.roystongolfclub. co.uk. For more information on joining Royston Golf Club call 01763 242696.
MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Members at Royston Golf Club enjoy a full programme of golf throughout the year. Fixtures against local clubs are long established events and many friends have been made along the way. Competitions within the club are all well supported, whether medal, stableford or a major event.
The healthy competitive side of the club does not detract from the social scene with competitions arranged for friends and family. Social golf highlights include the annual family foursomes, mixed fourball and the pink pig competition which is a fun better ball match between the captain’s and pro’s team.
There is always something to suit your age, golfing desire and handicap. At Royston Golf Club you will certainly not be short of playing opportunities.
Gentlemen
The men’s section at Royston Golf Club is one of the friendliest around, and many members have a keen interest in competitive golf.
Competitions are regularly organised. The Saturday stableford ‘swindle’ is very popular as is the Sunday morning competition, which can be a medal round, individual stableford, or team event.
However, the most competitive matches take place in the Hertfordshire Golf Union Scratch League in which the team have seen great success in recent years.
There is always a lively but friendly atmosphere in the clubhouse afterwards. If you enjoy après-golf, there will always be a place for you at the bar.
Although being competitive is fun, social golf without the pressures of competition and maintaining a handicap is not forgotten. We strike a balance and organise regular social and mixed golf where the chance to grow friendships is always on the cards.
Ladies
Royston Golf Club have achieved the Women In Golf Charter Accreditation for their commitment to inclusive golf.
The Ladies’ Section at Royston Golf Club is known for being friendly and welcoming. It caters for all standards of golfers and the present members have a range of playing abilities in this very active Section.
Members are able to play 7 days a week, with the main competitions being held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in the various events at the Club.
There is a busy calendar of regular Royston Golf Club Competitions, friendly matches with other Clubs in the region and the more prestigious County Inter Club Competitions. All members have the opportunity to join in and play competitively or on a more social level if they wish but everyone is supported as their golf develops.
Recent initiatives have been to provide group coaching sessions with the Professional, aimed at certain aspects of the game or abilities. These have been very popular both with experienced and ‘New to Golf’ members, not only as a way of improving skills but also as a way of getting to know other members. In addition, there is a Sunday afternoon ‘roll up’ for beginners wishing to play a few holes with a volunteer member ‘mentor’.
The Royston Ladies thoroughly enjoy their golf, whether that is being out on the Course or sharing a well deserved drink in the Club House afterwards.
Juniors
FREE MEMBERSHIP FOR UNDER 15’S IF PARENT IS A FULL MEMBER (FAMILY MEMBERSHIP).
Please speak to a member of staff for more details.
We want to see as many young people taking up the game of golf as possible. We go into local schools to provide taster days, PE lessons and after school clubs to ensure everyone has the opportunity to give golf a try.
The junior organiser arranges competition opportunities within Royston Golf Club and against other clubs, particularly during the school holiday period. Please see page 15 (Junior Golf) for more information on coaching and playing opportunities.
Our golf professional and all of our members who assist with junior coaching or transport to and from matches are DBS checked. They also keep up to date with the necessary safeguarding to ensure a fun and safe environment for all.
Seniors
The seniors are a thriving part of Royston Golf Club, meeting every week for either fun competitions or competitive golf.
The seniors’ golfing calendar is filled with regular matches, where the chance to socialise and catch up with old friends is as eagerly anticipated as the opportunity to play golf itself.
The weekly roll-ups are normally held on Wednesday’s plus there is an active Friday league. The Senior Open held in August remains a highlight of the seniors’ year.
The club’s senior section is truly one of the strongest in the area, and this is celebrated at the annual prize-giving event in October. Throughout the year there are plenty of other opportunities to get involved with social events if attending the annual prize giving eludes you.
C&J SPARKLE CLEANERS
WOMEN IN GOLF
Through the Women In Golf Charter, we are actively supporting a more inclusive culture by developing women’s involvement in every aspect of the sport, purposely creating an environment that values everyone, both on the Course and in the Club House.
We hope to make golf welcoming and inspiring to more women and girls through our Commitments, which can be seen on the RGC Website - Women In Golf Charter.
One of the Women In Golf commitments is to create an Academy encouraging women and girls to experience golf with a view to joining the Club. Incorporated in this Academy is the ‘Get into Golf’ programme, organised by our Professional. The Ladies’ Section support both the Professional in his group lessons and the new Academy players on the Par 3 and the main course.
ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP
Introducing our Academy Membership, ideal for beginners as well as a refresher for those returning to the game after a long break.
This is an instructional based membership designed to give you the knowledge and skills so that you feel comfortable playing on the golf course.
The Academy Membership Includes:
• Five individual lessons + 90 minute on course lesson
• Discounted group sessions
• Unlimited use of all practice and clubhouse facilities including: Three hole short course, practice range, putting
green, nets and snooker table
• Can play on the course from the academy tees at restricted times with any member with an official handicap. Will be allowed out on the course on your own once signed off by the Professional.
• Option to borrow clubs
• In addition, you will be supported by a buddy system; we will encourage you and build your confidence on and off the course
• Social Membership
• Discounted bar card
• Reduced buggy hire
• Free bag tag, club diary, wifi and corporate brochure
ROYSTON PLAY MORE GOLF MEMBERSHIP
For the golfer with limited time!
• No joining fee
• Social membership
• Discounted bar card
• Use PMG points to sign in up to three guests at members sign in rates
• Unlimited use of all club house facilities and practice facilities including snooker room, practice nets and practice range
• Reduced function room hire
• Gain a handicap within three rounds
• Reduced buggy hire
• Free bag tag, club diary, wifi and corporate brochure
In addition a Royston PMG member will be able to enter all competitions and medal competitions including charity and mixed competitions run by the club with the exception of Mens and Ladies Honours Boards Competitions. Also, at the discretion of the Captain, Royston PMG members will be eligible to play in internal club matches and external friendly matches.
The current annual fees and details about all membership categories can be viewed on our website at www.roystongolfclub.co.uk.
For more information on joining Royston Golf Club call 01763 242696. Or send an enquiry to office@roystongolfclub.co.uk
We recognise that juniors are the future of our club and therefore the importance of building a vibrant and enthusiastic junior section. This is why we ensure we provide regular coaching and competition opportunities in a welcoming, encouraging, fun and safe environment.
Coaching
Here at Royston Golf Club we have a structured pathway for juniors, from a complete novice golfer all the way into a full junior member. Our group coaching programme is delivered in five week blocks, covering a wide variety of skills and games to support improvement in all areas of golf.
Our teaching also includes discipline, honesty, team work and perseverance which are all important life skills beyond the golf course. Junior golfers do not need to be a member of the club to take part in our coaching program and no equipment or experience is necessary.
Holiday Camps
During the school holidays we run daily camps which include: long game and short game coaching, skills challenges, on course experience and a prize presentation to finish the day. Keep an eye on the website for future dates.
Golf Sixes
Royston take part in this fun, friendly team league against local golf clubs. Golf Sixes league means quicker six-hole matches in a ‘Texas Scramble’ format – a great way of building confidence among new players.
Junior Open
Our Junior Open is run by the British Junior Golf Tour, please follow their website to keep up to date with dates and times for Royston and additional open events. For more information please visit our website.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Situated high on fast-draining chalk-based heathland, Royston’s course features firm, fast fairways and is playable all year round thanks to the exceptionally good drainage. With the varying wind conditions and greens that present a small target in the breeze, your experience will be different every time you step on the course. Due to its elevated position, your round will be enhanced by the spectacular views overlooking Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire with Bedfordshire in the distance.
Don’t be deterred by the view from the road; there are only two significant but short uphill slopes. The round begins with a gentle climb up the first and second holes.
Holes three to nine are on relatively flat terrain before the 11th hole drops down to the farthest part of the course. The 13th hole is uphill but navigated in two stages, taking time for the second shot made difficult by the slope. After playing the 14th hole, with its right to left sloping fairway, it is across the road to the 15th hole which drops down towards the Baldock Road. The climb from the 15th green to the 16th tee is short and after playing the 17th, the 18th hole drops back down to a green adjacent to the 1st tee.
Don’t be deceived by the length of the course that measures 5,910 yards.
Royston’s course plays differently on almost
every occasion thanks to the terrain and prevailing wind and includes two par threes that are over 220 yards; a 445 yard par four (stroke index 1) that is slightly uphill and usually plays into the prevailing wind; and a 500 yard dogleg par five.
The course has no two holes alike thanks to the natural contours of the Therfield Heath and it will never cease to delight the enthusiastic golfer. We think you’ll agree with us that this has to be one of the best-kept secrets in East Anglia, and one thing is for sure - you will not find a fairer test of your golfing skills than our 18-hole, Par 70 heathland course. We know you will be back.
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VISITORS
Visitors are always welcome at Royston golf Club: whether casual green fee payers; members’ guests; smart golfer or 1892 club players; or societies. Our enthusiastic and dedicated staff are on hand to provide a warm welcome and give every assistance to make your visit memorable.
The golf club have six electric golf buggies available for hire, electric trollies and push
Booking in advance is usually essential to avoid disappointment on the day. Tee
times can be booked through our website – www.roystongolfclub.co.uk.
All visitors will benefit from a visit to the professional shop for tips about the course, history and of course to stock up on consumables for the round ahead. Whilst there, take the opportunity to browse the extensive range of golfing equipment and clothing available for both men and women. In addition, take the time to improve your technique with a lesson from our trained PGA Professional.
After the round, head to the club house for a well-earned drink, snack or meal in the comfort of our lounge or patio from where you can look out over the heath and watch as players negotiate the 18th hole. Alternatively, our 19th spike bar, steeped in history, will make a great setting where the tall stories of the round may be aired in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Details of our visitor green fee rates can be found on our website.
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Royston Golf Club is a popular venue for societies, many of whom have become regular visitors and regarded as friends who return year after year. Our society packages offer real value for money. Unusually for a members’ club, Royston Golf Club accepts societies seven days a week, with restrictions on Saturday and Sunday subject to course availability. Packages can be tailored to the society requirement to satisfy most demands.
Royston offers 18, 28 or 36 hole packages with or without catering. Mix and match at a price that is right for you and your society.
The Club now has a fleet of 6 electric buggies for hire for those who need them. Prior booking is essential to ensure availability. For that special occasion, why not book an individual or group lesson with our professional prior to playing for that extra edge out on the course.
Visit, you will not be disappointed. For information on booking, please contact the office on 01763 242696.
CORPORATE CLIENTS
Royston Golf Club is the perfect location for corporate golf days, for entertaining clients, meetings, seminars and retirement parties.
Our function rooms offer versatile accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of local hotels and hostelries. Our dining room is suitable for up to 40 guests whilst the lounge can accommodate 60. The doors between the dining room and lounge are demountable so that 90 guests can be accommodated in comfort.
For that private confidential meeting or social event our 19th bar offers a self-
contained area with bar where exclusive use for 30 guests can be provided. We are happy to tailor packages to individual company requirements. If catering is required, our chef will liaise with you. The menu is equally versatile, so you can start the day with breakfast or begin later in the day and enjoy a buffet lunch or a more substantial three-course meal.
Any special requests can usually be met.
After your meeting, why not play a few holes to unwind.
You will find us a welcoming and willing host for corporate golf days, and we can supply everything you need to make your day a success.
For more information or if you would like to discuss your requirements please contact our house and events manager, Jemma Solder – events@ roystongolfclub.co.uk or please call 01763 242696.
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THE CLUBHOUSE
Our bar is well stocked with a selection of beers, lagers, wines, spirits, local real ales and an extensive choice of non-alcoholic alternatives all sold at competitive prices.
Our chef provides a catering service for members and guests seven days a week, offering a wide selection of bar snacks and delicious specials every day.
If you have a special request or have any dietary requirements contact our chef who will do their utmost to accommodate you. Call 01763 242696.
If you are looking to organise a function or special event in Hertfordshire, then look no further. Royston Golf Club could be just what you are looking for.
Set just outside the bustling town and with ample car parking space our two main function rooms look out over the heath and the golf course. The views of the local countryside are stunning.
The Dining Room is the perfect size for small parties of up to 40 whilst the lounge can accommodate 100. For larger events, the dining room and lounge can be made into one. From the lounge, sliding doors open out onto an extensive patio where our
catering team are happy to serve barbequed food or on a balmy summers day guests can enjoy the patio in the sunshine with their drinks.
For small private parties, the 19th bar can be booked. This bar benefits by being self contained. Our catering team has created delicious menus from finger buffets to fourcourse banquets, and the chef can work with you to create a bespoke menu for your occasion.
Whatever your event, special ideas or aspirations, our staff will work closely with you to make sure everything is in place for a great day.
We are delighted to have been the chosen venue for a variety of different events over recent years. From: Christenings to wakes; formal dinners to buffets; birthdays to anniversaries; dances to discos – we have done them all.
For more information on functions at Royston Golf club or to view our superb facilities, please contact our house and events manager by email events@roystongolfclub.co.uk or call on 01763 242696
OPEN COMPETITIONS
Open competitions provide visitors with the perfect way of enjoying Royston’s golf course. These ‘value for money’ events are staged throughout the year and combine competition with hospitality. Our aim is to involve golfers of all playing abilities and from all walks of life who simply enjoy playing, enjoy competition and enjoy being in like-minded company.
Choose from:
Ladies Easter AM/AM – Running since 2017, this event has shown huge growth
as the day is full of fun. As the name suggest the event has an Easter theme and is played in teams of three.
Senior Men’s Open – This event is a three person team Stableford competition and almost always supports over 80 golfers for golf and a meal. The seniors see regular visitors to this event from all the surrounding clubs and it is always played in the social spirit of golf.
Junior Open – Sponsored by British Junior Golf Tour, this event offers golf to all junior age groups by the way of shorter measured holes for the younger players to a full length championship course for the experienced junior. If you can get a space
in the event you will have a chance at holding aloft the same trophy as Sir Nick Faldo in 1975.
For additional details on all of our events please visit our website.
COURSE TOUR
Make the most of your trip to Royston Golf Club by learning about some of the pitfalls that lie in wait and how to avoid them as you follow our hole-by-hole tour.
Hole 1 (Dunedin) 477 yards - Par 5
A fine par five with a fairway sloping right-to-left. An interesting first hole that incorporates some of the features that makes Royston Golf Course such a delight to play. This is an uphill stroll with a shallow valley on the approach to the green. Miss
the green short and you will find yourself in the bottom of the valley. From the first green you enjoy one of the finest views that the county’s golf courses have to offer.
Hole 2 (The Mounds) 324 yards - Par 4
A hole that is slightly uphill with a fairway that doglegs right. Cross-bunkers will catch all but the longest hitters cutting the corner. Find the fairway and your approach will not be a long one. Get your approach to the top level, as this will leave a nearly flat putt to the hole.
Hole 3 (Astill’s Drive) 362 yards - Par 4
There is a gentle slope down to a plateau green, guarded from the front by a ring of classic pothole bunkers. Catch a glimpse of Cambridge in the distance, and on the flying days you’ll see vintage aircraft along the valley at Duxford.
Hole 4 (Long Barrow) 445 yards - Par 4
A majestic, sweeping fairway takes a gentle curve towards the fourth green. Slightly uphill and into wind, the green in two is a challenge.
Beware of the cross bunker and the deep pot bunker right of the green. Here you will probably catch your first glimpse of skylarks, and in summer the clover is alive with butterflies any nature-loving golfer will relish.
Hole 5 (Shepherd’s Rest) 178 yards - Par 3
The fifth tee is approached via a short path that runs between the woods and a small copse. This par three is one of Royston Golf Club’s signature holes with a broad valley in front of a beautiful green. A truly inspiring par three.
Hole 6 (Windhover) 145 yards - Par 3
From the raised tee cut into the hillside the tee shot is straight along the short but steepsided valley to an oval green. Do not be fooled into thinking this is an easy hole. The slopes and borrows on the green are deceptive.
Hole 7 (Beverley’s Height) 302 yards - Par 4
Across the Therfield Road this is a real delight of a par four that turns abruptly right. Position from the tee is everything. The second shot is played along the hilltop with woodlands to the
left. Don’t be distracted by the birds of prey that live in this woodland and can be seen regularly soaring above the course in search of dinner.
Hole 8 (Rand’s Folly) 358 yards - Par 4
This par four stretches along an undulating fairway with a slight right-to-left slope from a tee set in the shade of woodland. A long drive on the left of the fairway sets up the shot into the green. Beware playing table tennis across the green. Better to be short leaving a long putt for your par.
Hole 9 (Round the Corner) 500 yards - Par 5
A majestic hole that encapsulates the true character of Royston Golf Course. A drive over the brow of the hill sets up the second shot across a broad valley. The fairway then doglegs left and an undulating approach to the green make this a fascinating hole. Usually played into the prevailing wind, getting over the valley in two shots is demanding. A par five that can tell stories, especially on a windy day.
Hole 10 (Church Hill) 221 yards - Par 3
One of Royston Golf Course’s hidden gems. This valley hole has a raised tee and a gentle slope down to a green flanked by wonderful farmland to the rear. At the right time of the year this is where you will most likely get your first glimpse of the rare pulsatillas, as well as a host of other wild flowers that thrive in these downland conditions.
Hole 11 (King’s Ride) 343 yards - Par 4
A magnificent high-tee position with views beyond the beautifully bunkered 11th green to an area where Royston’s race horses can often be seen exercising. Watch out for the out of bounds on the left and the ‘cats paw’ on the right.
Hole 12 (Eastward Ho) 235 yards - Par 3
This is the beginning of the homeward stretch. A neat long par three with a gently sloping fairway and a gradual run on to a circular green.
Hole 13 (The Colonel) 347 yards - Par 4
A long, broad fairway leads up the slope to a raised green. The drive should be kept left as any shot to the right risks being swept in to the Colonel’s bunker. Sheep that graze once each year to the right of the fairway are trained to ignore golfers.
Hole 14 (High Point) 351 yards - Par 4
A glorious, undulating fairway, with a slight right-to-left slope, plus heathland to the left and views across the golf course to the
right. Keep right to avoid your shot running into the left hand rough. The green boasts a variety of levels and severe borrows.
Hole 15 (The Island) 340 yards - Par 4
Back across the Therfield Road, this brilliant high tee position creates an opportunity for impressive drives onto the fairway at the bottom of the slope. Five bunkers closely guard the green and its changing levels add to the delight of this hole.
Hole 16 (Wee Knock) 128 yards - Par 3
This is a par three that has spoilt many a medal card. Select your club with care on the tee as anything short or left will be thrown off the raised green and its banking. Beware the grassed over bunker right of the green, which is no pushover to exit and leave your ball near the hole.
Hole 17 (Five Hills) 530 yards - Par 5
Royston Golf Club’s longest hole, this par five runs along the plateau with inspiring views across Royston and beyond. Cambridge can be easily spotted and Ely cathedral can sometimes be seen in the far distance. On a clear summer evening, golfers walk towards the rising moon as they play this hole, a stunning and memorable sight.
Hole 18 (Rutlands) 324 yards - Par 4
This is an extraordinary final hole with a very high raised tee and a lovely descending walk down to the circular 18th green. Wind behind: See if you can hit the green. A terrific par four. Enjoy the views across the recreational area of the heath and watch Royston’s thriving sports clubs in action. Archery, rugby, tennis, football, cross country running, parkfit and occasionally hockey are all there.
COURSE TOUR
SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP
Do you prefer a relaxed and subdued atmosphere in which to enjoy a drink or a meal? Then Social Membership of Royston Golf Club is for you. Share the social experience and benefits of the golf club environment with full access to the clubhouse and its facilities.
Join and enjoy all of the following benefits:
• Discounted bar card
• Function room hire discount
• Free WIFI
• Use of practice green and academy course
• Use of snooker room
• Free access card
Although golf on our 18 hole course is not included with this category, social members are welcome to use our short game facilities free of charge, the putting green and three hole academy course.
From the clubhouse window your shots can be observed and applauded by your companions. Enjoy your refreshments on the patio for a ‘pit stop’ when required.
If you decide that putting should lead to playing our beautiful course then we have various golf memberships available to suit your requirements.
Our bar is well stocked with beers, ales, lagers, wines and soft drinks and our friendly bar staff will make your visit enjoyable. Our chef offers a selection of lunch choices in addition to running food-themed social evenings with musical entertainment.
We do ask that Social Members comply with the Club’s smart casual dress code, which is not onerous.
HISTORY
Royston Golf Course is laid out on an ancient landscape. Therfield Heath contains scheduled monuments listed by Historic England under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, including a Neolithic long barrow, the only one of its kind in Hertfordshire and several Bronze Age round barrows.
There’s a long history to the Club and golf course too. The course was first laid out by students in 1869. Royston is not only an old 18-hole golf course, probably the oldest in England, but it is also a historic golf site where the first recorded English golfer, the 1st Earl of Buckingham, played and where King James and his sons may well have played.
When James I (James VI of Scotland) selected Royston to build his hunting lodge and turned Royston into the equivalent of Falkland Palace in the south, it was not surprising that the game of golf might have become one of the activities of his court. James’s mother, Mary Queen of Scots, played golf in Scotland and the tradition was brought south when James succeeded Elizabeth to the English throne. Therfield Heath positioned on the side of the chalk scarp was used for grazing providing traditionally a landscape full of patches of long and short grass, which may have offered something like the coastal links where golf had been played in Scotland. George Villers, 1st Earl of Buckingham, was recorded playing on Therfield Heath in 1624 and it is possible
that golf was played there in the two decades before that.
Two centuries later, two Cambridge undergraduates laid out the first known 18hole golf course outside Scotland on Therfield Heath; the area where golf is still played today. The students were Andrew Murray and George Gosset. Known as the first person to ride a ‘penny farthing’ bicycle in Cambridge, Andrew Graham Murray matriculated at Trinity College, in 1867 and later became a prominent lawyer, MP and 1st Viscount Dunedin. George Gosset was the son of Rev. I H Gosset who introduced golf at Westward Ho!
In 1869, they and fellow golfers needed a local course and selected Therfield Heath as
the best prospect in the area because of the grazed chalk grassland features which gave it a quality akin to an excellent links course. Armed with golf clubs and a hole cutter, they selected an 18th green adjacent to Royston Cricket pitch and from there mapped out the course establishing the holes by eye and the distance of their ball strikes.
The course was well received, and the student club soon had 17 members, paying a 2/6 (two shillings and sixpence) annual subscription. However, the distance of 8 miles between Royston and Cambridge proved to be difficult so that the course was abandoned in 1871 and this club did not survive.
When Royston golfers decided to form a club in 1892, they resurrected the old Royston course with the encouragement of The Conservators of the Heath and the help of students from Cambridge. The Club records report “the course that was designed followed much of the original eighteen holes set out in 1869”.
This was the prelude to the establishment of Royston Golf Club on 1st May 1892. Women played golf on the course in the early years of the Club but, in 1907, Royston Ladies Golf Club was founded with their own clubhouse behind the main clubhouse building. It was acknowledged that the efforts from lady members were key to the maintenance of
both Club and course during the two World Wars. In1956 the Ladies Golf Club was amalgamated with Royston Golf Club.
The map of the course in the early 20 th century supports the fact that the current course is laid out mainly where Murray and Gosset first laid out their course. Although there have been changes over the past thirty years, mainly to increase the course length and to avoid playing two holes across the road, every effort has been made to preserve its charm and style. Sited on a Site of Special Scientific Interest and surrounded by Ancient Monuments and laid out across the chalk hills, Royston Golf course has a unique character which cannot be replicated anywhere else.
COURSE NATURE
Royston’s course is situated in a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Working with both Natural England and The Conservators of Therfield Heath and Greens, the Club is closely involved in the maintenance of Therfield Heath and the protection of the very special environment for the benefit of golfers and the public alike. The areas of eco rough surrounding the golf holes can be cut during the autumn and winter period only and the course is managed in ways approved by Natural England.
Because of controlled cutting and occasional sheep grazing, there is an abundance of chalk downland flora and a patchwork of wildflowers
can be seen across the course throughout the summer months. Most notable are the Pasque Flowers, Pulsatilla vulgaris, which can be found in a large colony on the slopes of Church Hill. This forms Hertfordshire’s Coronation Meadow and is adjacent to the 10th hole. These striking purple and yellow flowers are spreading across the western end of the course and the Club’s Senior section has adopted as their emblem.
In spring, the cowslips carpet the edges of the fairways and, later, creeping thyme appears on some of the fairways and bunker faces as patches of purple.
Therfield Heath is home to many invertebrates that favour the chalk
grassland habitat including the chalk hill blue and marbled white butterflies. As you play your round look out for the skylark either nesting in the long grass or soaring high above you. Their song is unmistakeable. Birds of prey abound. Look up and it is likely you will see red kites, the broader winged buzzard and the smaller kestrel; also known by its local name of Windhover. Members of the crow family, Corvids, abound and can often be seen mobbing the birds of prey to keep them away from their nests. The hooded crow has been adopted as the symbol of the town and features on the Club’s badge.
HOW TO FIND US
on the Hertfordshire/Cambridgeshire border yet within easy access of public transport links. For satellite navigation purposes our postcode is SG8 5BG.
From the North or East - At the roundabout where the AA505 and the A1198 meet, Tesco is prominent. Leaving Tesco to your right head into the town. Continue to follow this road until you reach a T-junction with traffic lights. Turn right. Continue over the mini roundabout and past the fire station. The
the 40mph speed sign.
From the South - If approaching from the south on the A10, continue into the town, turning left at the first roundabout. Continue along this road through pedestrian lights then traffic lights over a mini roundabout and past the fire station on the right. The Clubhouse is half a mile further on the left, near the 40mph speed sign.
From the West - If approaching on the A505, turn off the roundabout at the start of
Royston bypass (second exit) towards Royston. McDonalds is before you. The Clubhouse is approximately a mile on the right close to the 30mph speed sign as you enter the town.
Public Transport
The nearest railway station is Royston, which is less than a mile away. Three trains an hour depart from central London with an estimated journey time of between 50-60 minutes.
Here at Royston it is always a pleasure to meet new members, visitors and guests. If we can assist you with any queries or questions that you may have then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Royston Golf Club Baldock Road
Royston
Hertfordshire
SG8 5BG
The Pro Shop 01763 242696 Ext: 1 rgcproshopteam@gmail.com
Office
Secretary: Lynne Howorth Manager: Daniel White
Tel: 01763 242696 Ext: 2 office@roystongolfclub.co.uk manager@roystongolfclub.co.uk
Functions - Jemma Solder
Tel: 01763 242696 events@roystongolfclub.co.uk
Catering 01763 242 696 Ext: 3 kitchen@roystongolfclub.co.uk
Bar 01763 242 696 Ext:4 bar@roystongolfclub.co.uk
Course Manager – Ian Coote ian@roystongolfclub.co.uk
Intense full body exercise to improve your strength and power
Kids CrossFit Classes
Fun classes to introduce strength training
Newly renovated
Newly renovated, air conditioned gym and box with the latest equipment
Extended Opening
Open from 5am - 11pm 7 days a week
Flexible Memberships
Flexible memberships to suit your needs and lifestyle
Heath Café with views
Relax and unwind in the Heath Café with stunning views of the Heath
