The Hertsmere

It is important to say I played this course in February, and I rated it on that basis. Looking at the layout, and the issues I'm about to mention, I'm sure in the summer it's more like the 4-5 stars it gets overall.

However, the first point shouldn't be down to time of year or weather. I had a tee time of 8:36, yet wasn't able to access the clubhouse until 8am, and once that was opened, they opened the driving range too. By that time there were another 3 golfers waiting to get in and a lady waiting to use the range. Not everyone wants to just turn up, check in and walk to the first tee - a proper warm-up should take around half an hour, so to get ready, warm-up and then move to the first tee in plenty of time, you need the clubhouse open an hour in advance of your tee time.

The first green was where the weather conditions played their part - the recent rain had left several of the greens like sponges. As the first one out, only the green keepers had been on them before me, but I fear for those following as the wetness meant every footstep left an imprint. It also meant and shots approaching with an amount of height plugged - I'm sure in the summer there would be more bounce and run.

4-5 greens were deemed unplayable so 'winter greens' were in use. However, these are nothing more than a hole in the fairway, some of the larger winter hole variety, some of regular hole width, but all requiring luck and guesswork as to the roll of the ball approaching the hole.

As it was, I played to my 18 handicap despite the winter greens and getting no roll at all from tee shots, and still enjoyed my 3 hour round. As I started by saying, I'm sure I would give it more stars if playing it in dryer/summer conditions, and I'm sure the trees in full bloom add to the aesthetics too. But for a winter course, I would advise somewhere that drains better.

First time around Radlett under very cold conditions after morning freeze. Fairways holding up magnificently taking circumstances, but in comparison Greens very soft. Pace of play very poor (teed offpeak 12:30), didn't help the cold weather!

Mix feelings with course layout, first 12 holes relatively narrow with uninspiring green locations, followed by a final 6 run with some interesting doglegs where distance control is key, but again vast majority of greens miss some distinctive features that would make you remember them.

Can't complain about price paid, £15 off-peak on a Bank Holiday. Would have not mind paid a bit more if there was less queue in front, probably created by knock out prices...

Play was very slow but that was because of the time of year and a lot of people were off work. Considering the course was quite frozen it held up well and was in good condition. Not my favourite course but has some interesting holes and would play again. Also has some unnecessary out of bounds in my opinion.

Lovely course the layout , the little dog legs to keep you guessing, some picturesque holes I particularly liked the par 3 11th over the water and the finish to the 18th, unfortunately for me the day before we had a deluge of rain which made the course very wet in places and the greens very slow and bumpy where the green keepers hadn't been able to roll them , they had recently been hollow tined as well, but you play with what's in front of you ! Can't wait to return,

Clubhouse staff and members really welcoming and the food after was amazing and reasonably priced.

Radlett (previously Elstree golf club) is a well designed and very well kept golf course that offers a great golfing experience at excellent value for money.

Situated north of London and just eat of Watford it is easily accessible from the M1 and M25.

The greens and fairways were in very good condition and although it was the time of year where falling leaves can be a real nuisance the green keeping staff had done a great job of clearing them.

And the '19th hole' offered good food at very reasonable prices. The staff in the shop, on the course and in the bar made us feel very welcome.

Would have given the coarse conditions 5 but it was the beginning of autumn and there were enough leaves down to make finding your ball in the middle of the fairway difficult and 1 green was covered by them .... otherwise coarse conditions would have got a five from me. Great coarse

Very cheap and testing course

Played the course after a few courses were closed due to a serious amount of rain. What a blessing in disguise as the course was in great condition from start to finish. Great variety of holes throughout the 18 holes. Greens in fantastic condition. Paid £15 per person which I think is fantastic value on a Friday. Would highly recommend.

Kevin Dyer

I played a 1 ball and the members had no problem letting me through so managed to finish in 2.5hrs.

Greens were in great condition smooth and good pace.