About the course
The Shire London sits in Barnet on the northern fringe of the capital, on ground that was heavily reshaped before the course was built. Spoil excavated during the rebuilding of Wembley Stadium was used to contour the site, which now combines bumpy, links-style fairways, open parkland and woodland areas where new planting surrounds old oaks that were kept in place.
The course opened in April 2007 as a Seve Ballesteros signature design, with Gonzalo Lavine of the Trajectory firm acting as project architect. Alongside the main eighteen holes there is a shorter nine-hole course and a practice academy carrying Seve’s name. Ballesteros wanted a layout that tested every part of a player’s game through strategy rather than tricks, and the variety he built into the card reflects the way he played himself.
From the back markers the main course measures about 7,200 yards, with water in play on 12 holes, including each of the first four. The 9th is an uphill par 4 with oaks at the corner of the dogleg, so the line from the tee sets up the approach. On the par 5 11th a lone oak stands in the fairway and has to be accounted for on the second shot, while the 15th uses diagonal bunkers to let players decide how much of the corner to cut. The par 5s offer scoring chances, but the many water hazards punish anything loose.
Why we recommend it
The Shire is the only course in the UK designed by Seve Ballesteros, and it reflects his love of variety. The Masters course mixes six short holes, six par fours and six par fives, no two consecutive holes share the same par, and the round finishes beside a large S-shaped lake. With no clubhouse dress code and good practice facilities, it has a relaxed atmosphere. Located in Barnet on the northern edge of London, it is a convenient round during a city break.
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| Architect | Severiano Ballesteros |
| Year of foundation | 2007 |
| Par Course | 72 |
| Number of holes | 18 |