Centurion Club

Centurion has many interesting features – not least the SEVEN par-fives for non-professionals from the silver tees.

This might give you the impression that you'll always have a chance to score well.

However, the rough is so penal that it demands players to balance accuracy and length, adding an exciting challenge to your game.

The opening holes are very different from the remainder of the course. They are played down avenues of tall trees, evoking thoughts of nearby Woburn.

The track emerges from the woods on the fourth, a bending par-five with heavy rough down the left-hand side.

It is so thick that we initially thought it must have been grown up for the Aramco the following week but were put straight by our host who said it was ever thus.

The view from the eighth tee is the best on the course – with three holes visible from the tee in one direction and the Hertfordshire countryside in another.

It is a prime example of Centurion's optical illusions, with the fairway landing areas seemingly much narrower from the tee than the reality. Thus, players are tempted to force their drives and end up in the fescue.

The sand was Centurion's weakest element. It is compacted and contains many stones - surprisingly poor for a venue of its status.

The 12th is the club's picture hole, a par-four with an undulating, dipping fairway which filters precise tee shots down towards a lake directly in front of the hole.

We had been told that the course had been built on landfill which contained the old Wembley Stadium.

Thus, inspired by thoughts of England World Cup winners and Coventry City FA Cup glory, I lifted a nine-iron approach over the water to within 15 feet of the hole.

It wouldn't be the first or last time I would miss out on birdie.

Thee final time was a super 18th - a par-five that must be driven between bunkers before the previously described entrance to the green.

I had a putt from three feet for birdie and missed leaving no doubt that will provide a sparkling conclusion to the Aramco and I can testify there may even be heartbreak.

Centurian is a very new club, built on a mixture of land types including forest and former farmland. It has a very corporate feel. The clubhouse is stylish with excellent facilities, and it has good practice facilities as well as a nice halfway house with excellent views of the middle holes of the course.

Pick of the course are the first 4 holes which are tree lined. After that there are a series of undulating holes through what I took to be former farmland. It closes with 3 holes where water comes into play. It's a classic modern golf course - long (par 74!) with long walks from a number of greens to tees. Perfectly pleasant, but not particularly memorable. This type of course just doesn't "do it" for me personally. A subjective view I'll admit. Worth playing but personally not somewhere I'd rush back to.

Centurion is an excellent layout with first class service. It is also a host to LET Aramco Team Series and 2023 LIV Golf London. On this tranquil piece of land with a bit of an "unusual" setting as the golf course has five Par 3's, six Par-4's and seven Par 5's you will find several excellent holes. Beautifully undulated terrain and lots of diversity makes this place quite special. There are no weak holes at Centurion, quite a few great ones to be honest and my personal favorite are the following:

Opening hole is a Par-5 great downhill dogleg left with great bunkering, especially if you start your round with an eagle. 3rd is a nice dogleg right Par-4 which requires a good tee shot and accurate approach for a par. 7th which is a simple yet very nice short Par-4 with a very lovely amphitheatre like green complex. Nice mid-length uphill Par-4 8th will require two accurate shots for a par so make sure you don't come short with your approach shot as several bunkers are ready to catch your ball. If you do not score well at least you will be rewarded with beautiful views, much like on the short and uphill Par-4 10th which is a simple yet very nice and effective golf hole. The 12th is probably my favorite hole and a good drive down the middle will make this intimidating second shot over the lake much easier on this downhill Par-4 with a beautiful and well protected green. 16th is a great Par-4, slight dogleg right with good bunkering and nice green. Another beauty is the short Par-3 17th with cleverly guarded and almost hidden green... love it! 18th is a great finishing Par-5 with an excellent green complex protected with a lake, mounds and bunkers. Make sure you make your putt as the terrace is watching. ;)

Next to the 8th and 10th tee box you will find a cute halfway house and If the sun is out this is the place to have a break. Order yourself your favorite snack and drink and enjoy the views. And don't be shy to let the people behind you play through.

The course was in very good condition with very nice fairways despite heavy rain in previous days but the greens had been affected with some disease so they were still not at their best.

The clubhouse is one of the best with a beautiful terrace overlooking the 18th green. I love the open courtyard bar and kitchen next to the clubhouse. Locker rooms are a treat (but not easy to find) and the Whisky Lounge is a winner in my book. The pro shop is well stocked however I would love a bit better logo selection.

Located between Watford and Luton airport this golf course is a must play if you get a chance.

Played here on a society day which was so well organised.

Everything from start to finish was superb.

Great hospitality fairways were immaculate and greens rapid if you get a chance to play please do.

Some lovely holes on this course and now it has matured a lot of the noise from being so close to the M1 has been eradicated.

Halfway house always a winner and comes at the right time after some up hill walking.

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