History and heritage

In 1899, when Radlett was a sleepy hamlet in a heavily-wooded valley along the old Roman road between London and St Albans, a band of intrepid local residents, led by Dr Ross Smyth of Shenley, founded a golf club in the grounds of a local mansion.

Mr MP Grace owned a mansion called Porters, which took its name from John Le Porter, who owned the land in 1340. In 1728, it had been home to Nicholas Hawksmoor, one of England’s finest architects. He worked with Sir Christopher Wren on St Paul’s Cathedral, Hampton Court Palace and Westminster Abbey and also worked on Blenheim Palace.

In 1772, Porters was owned by Admiral Lord Howe, who had a long and distinguished career as a naval commander and diplomat. He was later described by Nelson as a ‘great master in tactics and bravery’.

With Radlett being served by the railway, the fledgling golf club soon became a popular retreat for professional gentlemen from the City. In 1902, it took the name of Porters Park Golf Club and even in its early days, there is evidence that it was well-run and soundly administered. It quickly became established as a leading venue for amateur and professional events.

In the first and second world wars, part of the course was used for growing crops, such as potatoes and hay, and for grazing cattle and sheep. Regular events were held to entertain wounded soldiers. The names of the members and staff who fell in both wars are commemorated on an oak panel in the lounge.

Today, the only remaining evidence of the Porters mansion is an underground ‘ice house’, located in a pine copse to the right of the third fairway. Concrete anti-tank obstacles from World War II still survive on the tenth hole and the remains of a fortified, hexagonal ‘pillbox’ can be seen next to the path down to the fourteenth green.

Illustrious company

Many of the great names of golf have played matches or exhibitions at Porters Park, including Harry Vardon, James Braid, John Henry ‘JH’ Taylor, Abe Mitchell, Henry Cotton, Ted Ray, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Peter Thomson, Nick Faldo, Ken Brown, Neil Coles and Lee Westwood.

Famous past members include Samuel Ryder, creator of the Ryder Cup. Two members have played in the Walker Cup: Brian Chapman and Peter Townsend. The latter is one of a select few who have played in both the Walker Cup and Ryder Cup teams and he was also Captain of the PGA.

Visitors have included Sean Connery, Henry Cooper, Gary Lineker and Des Lynam.

In 1977, the club acquired the freehold of its land from the Greater London Council, for the princely sum of £17,500.

About Porters Park

History & heritage

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