A seaside links within sight of London. In a sense, the phrase conjures up images of playing golf in between the arches of the Thames flood barrier but it more properly describes the remarkable links course that is Sandy Lodge. Founded by a quite remarkable visionary and businessman, James Francis Markes, and opened in 1910, the course was built on what was thought to be a pre-historic beach  -0  hence the considerable deposits of sand. Markes had long grown tired of playing on the muddy fields of Neasden and his search for sand had therefore been very specific. Over the years, the layout of the course has changed little, despite the efforts of the Luftwaffe and the flocks of sheep that arrived with World War 11. These days, the sand is less in evidence than of yore, many of the original bunkers having been allowed to return to grass. It remains, however, a test of golf, furnishing many of the nuances of the true links courses and living up to the club’s motto  -  ‘In Arena Virtus.’ Courage In Combat. The original translation is supposed to have been ‘Our Virtue Is In Our Sand.’ But it doesn’t really seem to have the same ring to it.

Sandy Lodge Golf Club,

Sandy Lodge Lane, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 2JD.

01923  825  429