Mentmore Golf Club, Leighton Buzzard. (1992 - 2015)  

Founded in 1992.

Courses designed by Bob Sandow.

The following message appeared on the club wesite:-

It is with regret that Mentmore Golf & Country Club has ceased trading as of Sunday 7 June 2015. Further communication to be circulated in due course.

Established in 1992 and opened by Irish star, David Feherty and European Ryder Cup captain, Bernard Gallacher, Mentmore Golf and Country Club lay in the shadow of Mentmore Towers, the magnificent country home built for Baron Meyer Amschel de Rothschild. The two superb 18-hole courses, The Rothschild and The Rosebery, laid out over rolling parkland, featured lakes, woods and spinneys. All greens had been constructed to USGA specification and sown with Penncross bent grass which gave an excellent year round putting surface. Both courses provided a challenging but enjoyable test of skill for every calibre of golfer.

The Rosebery course was an 18-hole championship standard course measuring over 6,850 yards with a par of 72. Rosebery course looked across the Vale of Aylesbury and to the distant Chiltern Hills. The course had spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The front nine was played around the perimeter of the course, which was mainly surrounded by the mature woodland. The 6th and 7th holes being played parallel to the historic bridle path, bordered by magnificent chestnut trees that used to link the towers to the famous Stud Farm where three Derby winners were bred at the turn of the 19th century.

The Rothchild was more of an easy walking course on flatter ground with several water hazards.

 

Mentmore Golf Club, Leighton Buzzard. Competition played in April 1997.

Luton on Sunday 13 April 1997. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

From the 1998 Golfer’s Guide; Professional, Pip Elson; Rosebery Course – 18-holes, 6,855 yards; Rothschild Course – 18-holes, 6,791 yards; Green Fees, £30.

From the 2006 and 2009 Golfer’s Handbook; Membership 1100; Secretary, S Clark (2006) R Griffiths (2009); Professional, R Davies (2006) Alistair Halliday (2009); Rosebery Course – 18-holes, 6,850 yards, SSS 73; Rothschild Course – 18-holes, 6,777 yards, SSS 72; Green Fee £35 (2006) £45 (2009.)

 

Mentmore Golf Club, Leighton Buzzard. Rosebery course scorecard.

 

Mentmore Golf Club, Leighton Buzzard. Rosebery course scorecard.

 

Mentmore Golf Club, Leighton Buzzard. Rosebery course scorecard.

Rosebery course scorecard.

 

Mentmore Golf Club, Leighton Buzzard. Rothschild course scorecard.

 

Mentmore Golf Club, Leighton Buzzard. Rothschild course scorecard.

 

Mentmore Golf Club, Leighton Buzzard. Rothschild course scorecard.

 

Mentmore Golf Club, Leighton Buzzard. Rothschild course scorecard.

 

Mentmore Golf Club, Leighton Buzzard. Rothschild course scorecard.

Rothschild course scorecards.

 

Mentmore Golf Club, Leighton Buzzard, Bucks. Views of the former golf course.

 

Mentmore Golf Club, Leighton Buzzard, Bucks. Views of the former golf course.

 

Mentmore Golf Club, Leighton Buzzard, Bucks. Views of the former golf course.

 

Picture below of the deserted course taken in March 2019.

 

Mentmore Golf Club, Leighton Buzzard, Bucks. Views of the deserted course in March 2019.