Gog Magog (Old)

The idea to build a golf course was put forward by the Council of Gonville and Caius College, and in 1898, W Duncan – the resident pro at Coldham’s Common – laid out a rudimentary 9-hole course. The following year, the course was extended to 18 holes and in 1901 the Gog Magog Golf Club was officially founded. In 1902, Bernard Darwin was elected on to the Club committee, but he resigned a year later, "owing to his probable absence from Cambridge." However, Darwin may have played a role in arranging for Willie Park Junior to visit the club in 1902 to advise on the position and construction of bunkers.

The Great War took its toll and 1916 some 50 acres were ploughed up and the club was forced to reduce the course to nine holes. In 1922, The Addington’s John Abercromby was called in, and The Committee accepted and implemented most of the architect’s recommendations. A few years later, according to committee minutes, “it might be advisable to take the advice of a practical golfer like James Braid,” which was done. However, it’s not known what suggestions the five-time Open Champion made, nor if his recommendations were implemented. The Old course continued to be altered by successive committees until the mid-1930s.

East Anglia is one of the flattest areas in England, but the Old course at the “Gogs” is anything but flat. The opening par four starts the gradual journey uphill before we arrive at the memorable 2nd hole. This short par four has an intimidating uphill tee shot which must carry across the corner of an old chalk quarry which, to make matters worse, is out of bounds. The plateau green is cut into the edge of the hill, missing the green to the left with your approach shot is not recommended. We can now relax after climbing the first two holes because we’re now on the top of a delightful chalk escarpment. Here, we have a distinct heathland feel, but instead of heather, the rough is liberally sprinkled with rare perennial flax – a glorious sea of blue during the summer. It’s not surprising that the Old course is set in an area designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

There are many memorable holes on the Old course and the par threes are especially strong, but one in particular is simply terrific...the 13th. Measuring 208 yards with a depression between tee and green and a spinney waiting to catch anything hit left of the target line. It’s a great hole, but make sure to drink in the view across historic Cambridge before moving on to the 14th tee.

At 6,398 yards from the back tees, the Old course is not about length it’s about accuracy and finding the right part of the tricky, sloping greens. Each year the Lagonda Trophy is contested on the Old course and this blue ribbon amateur event attracts some of the world’s best amateurs. Lee Westwood's mother caddied for him when he won the trophy in 1992. Luke Donald and Andy Sullivan are also notable past Lagonda Trophy winners.

The R&A named Gog Magog as a new addition to the list of clubs to host Open Championship Regional Qualifying (2007-2011). But it’s not the Old course that was selected, it’s the much younger Wandlebury course, which opened for play in 1999.