Temple Golf Club

Designed by the great Willie Park Jr., Temple may not have the prestige of Sunningdale (Old) or the dramatic coastline of Maidstone, but it’s a brilliant example of classic British golf—charming, strategic, and full of character. Perched above the Thames Valley, the views from the 1st tee are spectacular, especially on a crisp morning, as we had last week, when you can see for miles. At just over 6,200 yards, it won’t overpower anyone, but this isn’t a grip-it-and-rip-it track. The devil is in the detail—undulating fairways, well-placed bunkers, and greens that are mostly subtle but with a few fiendish slopes ready to humble even the confident putter. The par-3s are a particular highlight—two short ones and three absolute beasts. The long, downhill 7th is a stunner, while the 10th, a blind 220+ yard shot into a crater, is pure Marmite. Some may hate it. I think it’s fabulous. Course conditioning has always been good, and the stretch from 14-17 is a proper test of nerve, especially if you’re clinging to a good score. The short, drivable (for some) par-4 finisher then dangles a last-minute shot at glory. The clubhouse is understated, the vibes are welcoming, and the focus is on the golf—as it should be. Having been a member here a few year as ago, I’ll admit a touch of bias, but even with nostalgia factored in, Temple holds up as one of Berkshire’s most interesting and enjoyable courses. A thinking golfer’s delight.

Decent track for the money but nothing wow about it really.

Some nice holes and then some novelty holes thrown in for good measure (long par 3 which ends in a bowl on the back 9). Not much to practice unless you fancy a walk / buggy ride pre-round.

Wouldn't rush back.

As was often the case for English courses designed around the turn of the century, the choice of architects was among a trio of HS Colt, Willie Park Jr or Herbert Fowler. Having designed nearby Huntercombe and Sunningdale it should come as no surprise that double Open champion Willie Park Jr was selected to lay out Temple in 1909. The course was originally called Temple Links because it was designed to play as an inland links and the land was previously owned by the Knights Templar. Despite modern technology, the presentation of Temple is still characterized by the season. Being located on chalk downland the course does feel somewhat similar to a links and the commanding views of the Thames Valley surely gives Temple a sense of place that is rarely matched.

The Oppenheimer father-son duo reigned at Temple as a benevolent dictatorship for several decades. The younger Oppenheimer was a fine golfer and captained the 1951 Walker Cup side which was defeated at Royal Birkdale. Oppenheimer was also responsible for hiring the best British golfer of the day, Sir Henry Cotton, as the club's professional. Cotton believed the turf at Temple was outstanding. However, as was the case for many British clubs, a watering system was installed in the 70s. At the time, the implications of this modern convenience weren't totally understood. The heavy use of water and fertilizers altered the character of the course from downland to more of a parkland course. Some 20 years later and thanks to a forward looking board in the early 90s, Temple became a leader in promoting sustainable golf which aims to encourage fine grasses to prosper by dramatically reducing fertilizer and water usage. The story of this change in course management culture is chronicled in Confessions of a Greens Chairman by Malcolm Peake, the former Greens Chairman.

The order of the day at Temple is balancing the long ball against the lay of the land. Many tee shots require the player to work down or hold shots into a slope. Keeping the rough fairly light and the fairways broad encourages this style of play, but shots can leak at an alarming rate if the proper angle of approach isn't achieved in firm conditions.

Maxing out at about 6300 yards, many will dismiss Temple as old-fashioned, but such courses have their place in the landscape of golf. Temple has the virtues of being playable for all and an equal balance of challenge, beauty, fun and affordability. I am especially impressed by the course drainage. I can easily see Temple "packaged" with Huntercombe and Oxford as a pleasant three day trip that wouldn't break the bank.

Beautiful course. Splendid fairways. Lots of hight differencens. Almost no water...

Biggest lack is good driving range.

Is een prachtig golf club en een van de oudste golfbanen in de buurt van London.

Prachtige vergezichten.

Is lopend goed te doen.

Zeker uitdagend en zeer verassend.