Luffenham Heath Golf Club

The Luffenham Heath Golf Course was established in 1911 after Lord Willoughby de Eresby proposed the construction on land known as South Luffenham Heath in 1909. The course was designed by Harry Colt, a renowned golf course architect, and is located in the countryside of Rutland, England’s smallest county.

In its early years, the club unsuccessfully sought railway access and instead relied on members traveling by pony & trap. Notable early events include the opening match between James Braid and Harry Vardon in 1911, with Braid's score setting a longstanding course record.

Significant changes to the course occurred during World War II when part of the land was ploughed for agriculture, with the course layout being subsequently revised by the end of 1946. Over the years, adjustments and enhancements have been made by several individuals, including C K Cotton, Donald Steel, and Cameron Sinclair.

In 1951, the land and buildings were purchased from the Ancaster estate, solidifying the club’s grounds. Ecological developments transformed the originally open heathland into a partly wooded area with significant botanical importance, leading to its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1973.

The front nine of the course measures 3000 yards, while the back nine is longer at 3400 yards, featuring the challenging dog-leg 13th hole. Dr Martin Hawtree made modern updates starting in 2003, including bunker renovations and new tee positions, to confront the changes in golf equipment technology.

The course remains a test of skill with a standard scratch of 73 and a par of 70 from the back tees, offering several tee options to accommodate different skill levels. Throughout the years, the Luffenham Heath Golf Course has retained its significant character and continues to be a cherished location for golfers.