Little Hay Golf Course was opened in September 1977 and Little Hay Golf Club was officially formed in December of that year. In its early years the course, built on farmland, was very stony and had only a few newly planted trees.
The original clubhouse was a small building in the shape of an ‘A’ frame and will be remembered with a hint of nostalgia by many of the original members. This was replaced a couple of years after opening, when Dacorum Borough Council, the owners of the course, built a much needed new, larger Clubhouse.
David Johnson, the resident PGA professional, took over the franchise for the course and complex, and he continued to manage the facility until 1999, before moving on to pastures new. During his time at Little Hay, David arranged for a 25 bay, floodlit driving range to be built and planted more trees.
Originally the course started with a par 5, with the 1st tee just outside the pro-shop. The course was later changed, so that the original par 4 10th became the 1st hole. In April 2000, when Dacorum Borough Council took over the management of the course, it reverted to its original layout. Then in December 2007 Dacorum Sports Trust (Sportspace) became responsible for the management of the Little Hay Golf Complex.
George Reid, who has been our head green keeper for many years, does a tremendous job in keeping the course in fantastic condition throughout the year.
Shortly after the opening of the course, a golf magazine writer named John Stobbs, became aware that another new club, Great Hay, had also recently opened in Telford. He wrote to both clubs suggesting they have an annual competition. This was accepted and the challenge ran both home and away annually for many years.
The club has grown over the years. It has thriving and friendly seniors, ladies, juniors and men’s sections. With many mixed competitions played throughout the year, golfers from all sections have an opportunity to share their love of golf.
We have a team in the Herts Friendly League, and play many other friendly matches during the year against other local clubs. We are also members of the National Association of Public Golf Courses NAPGC which provides members from all sections of the club with the opportunity to play in national competitions.