The Ballesteros Masters Course at The Shire London is laid out like few other golf courses in the world. There are six par 5s, six par 4s and six par 3s, and on both the front 9 and the back 9, no two consecutive holes are the same par, with equal numbers of par 3s, 4s and 5s. This gives maximum variety, and maximum enjoyment - a core philosophy of Seve's designs.

Major improvements made for 2014

The Shire London has invested over £120,000 in a major series of course refurbishments and facilities upgrades for the 2014 golf season. The changes include new bunkering and greenside modelling work to increase the challenge of what is already regarded as one of England’s most demanding tests of golf. Other improvements cover everything from new sand, course furniture and flags to a renovated driving range. The club has even upgraded its coffee machines, TV sets and soft furnishings. Read more on the Blog…

Adding Variety To Your Game

The course offers a number of different visual aspects. Some will have a distinctly links feel with gorse and high level fescues. In other areas we are creating woodland plantations with over 10,000 mature trees. There are parkland holes with dramatic water features.

There is a choice of tee positions on every hole which you are entitled to play depending on your ability and your courage!

Fairways

Fairways follow the natural contours of the course. Long accurate shots are rewarded but there is always a shorter, safer option.

All fairways have a drainage and irrigation system to ensure perfect playing conditions all year round. They are sown with a specialist fairway grass mixture of rye, bent, fescue and meadow grasses which guarantees great playing characteristics for golfers of every standard.

Landscaping

Our objective has been to create a natural landscape with gentle slopes and inviting fairways. Our course contractors have over 40 years of experience in golf course construction and have helped give each hole a unique character.

All fairway and greenside bunkers are designed to complement the various styles of the course, but all are cleverly positioned to provide a fair challenge.

Greens

The Shire has fast, true greens with subtle slopes and borrows. They will be tough but fair with a variety of challenging pin positions. They are sown with Providence Creeping Bent, generally regarded as producing the best putting surfaces in the world. The substrata of the greens has benefited from the latest technology with graded sands and gravels to provide perfect drainage and surface grip and conform to USGA specification.

Water

Water features predominantly across the course. We are blessed with natural lakes and those we have created are sculptured and planted to blend in with their surroundings. An exception is the water feature that fronts the 18th green which is a signature "S" shape in honour of Seve, our Course Designer.