Northamptonshire County Golf Club - Course Architects Introduction

Northamptonshire County Golf Course was designed by Harry S Colt in 1909. Construction work began in April 1909 and the course was opened for play the following year. It has stood the test of time as major modifications were only made in 1947 when James Braid altered the bunker layout and re-positioned the 18^th. green to its current position.  More recently a further 3 splendid holes designed by top course architect, Cameron Sinclair, were opened in May 2004. These now provide a 9 hole loop returning to the clubhouse, for those wishing to play 9 or 27 holes. In 2005 a major review was initiated with the objectives of bringing the course in line with modern requirements as a sound test of golf, to provide a greater challenge and enjoyment for members, without creating insurmountable obstacles and to enhance its standing nationally. The plan formulated included lengthening the course, when played from the back tees, to approximately 6750 yards but maintaining the existing length from the yellow tees.  New bunkering largely creates a need for more thought and care when playing from the tee but some other changes will make the course less forbidding to the shorter hitter, for example the entrance to the 6th green and extending the cut area at the 2nd nearer to the tee. This design and construction work was also undertaken by Cameron Sinclair.

Click on the photographs below to read a biography of each of these great designers. On the Harry S Colt page is an interesting article by Bruce Critchley, The Colt Oeuvre, detailing Harry Colt's approach to course design.

Harry S Colt		James Braid		Cameron Sinclair