Our Story
Where It All Began
Whitehill Golf was founded in 1988 by Keith, Sally and Andrew Smith, who transformed their family farmland into one of Hertfordshire’s hidden gems.
From farming life to a bold new dream, the Smith family took a leap in the late 1980s, choosing to build a golf course without ever having stepped on one. Through setbacks, hard work and unwavering determination, Whitehill slowly came to life.
Year after year, the course grew, the vision strengthened, and the family’s commitment never wavered. Today, that same spirit continues. Whitehill stands proudly in the rolling Hertfordshire hills, welcoming golfers of all ages to a course that has been lovingly shaped and improved over decades.
This is where it began… and the story is still being written.
OUR HISTORY
A Legacy of Golf at Whitehill
- 19871987
Foundations Begin
Whitehill opens its doors for the first time, starting out as a driving range. - 19881988
Clubhouse Opens
The Whitehill clubhouse is officially opened, expanding facilities for members and visitors. - 19901990
First 9 Holes Introduced
The initial 9‑hole golf course opens, marking the beginning of full course development. - 19911991
Full 18 Holes Completed
Just one year later, the complete 18‑hole course was officially opened to the public. - 19991999
Course Layout Redesign
The golf course undergoes a layout change, improving playability and overall experience. - 2000s2000s
Matt Belsham Joins Whitehill
Matt Belsham begins his journey at Whitehill, starting as a PGA assistant coach.Over the decades, he became one of the top PGA coaches in the region. Matt has now been part of Whitehill for over 30 years,a cornerstone of the club’s coaching legacy. - 20182018
30th Anniversary Milestone
Marked our 30th anniversary with a club‐wide celebration featuring a golf competition, live music, and hog roast bbq feast, bringing together long standing members and friends to honour this special milestone. - 20192019
Reece Phillips Joins the Team
Reece Phillips joined the team under Matt Belsham, later becoming a caddie and coach to his wife, Esther Henseleit, LPGA player and 2024 Golf Olympic silver medal winner - 20232023
Matt Smith Qualified as a PGA Coach
Matt Smith began teaching at Whitehill, delivering weekly group lessons for both adults and juniors as part of our growing coaching programme. - 20232023
5‑Star Food Hygiene Rating
Whitehill’s restaurant proudly receives a 5‑star food hygiene rating, recognising excellence in quality and safe. - 20242024
Clubhouse Improvements
With growing demand for dining and events, we refreshed the clubhouse interiors to better support functions and private bookings. - 20252025
Golf Buggy Upgrade
All golf buggies are upgraded with new models featuring modern LCD displays and improved performance. - 20262026
First Aid Level 3 Certification
Whitehill staff successfully completed First Aid Level 3 training, strengthening safety and readiness across the club. - 20262026
38 Years Strong
Whitehill celebrates being a proudly family‐owned business, still thriving after 38 years in operation.
OUR TEAM
The People Behind Whitehill
Andrew Smith
Owner
Andrew leads Whitehill with a clear vision for growth, community, and
continuous improvement across the club.
Amanda Stanley
Manager
Amanda oversees day‐to‐day operations, ensuring smooth
running of the clubhouse, events, and member services.
Paul Ward
Head Greenkeeper
Paul manages the course with expert care, maintaining high playing standards and course conditions throughout the year.
Joan Millard
Head Chef
Joan brings creativity and quality to our restaurant, delivering fresh, seasonal dishes for members and events.
Lainey De Leon
Media & Marketing
Lainey handles all media, marketing, and
communications, shaping Whitehill’s brand and member engagement.
280+ REVIEWS
An excellent, challenging course. The conditions of greens & fairways are by far the best in this area. The quietness and picturesque playing conditions are so relaxing . And the most important thing – The clubhouse has a ‘Soul’ where the staff are brilliant, very friendly & helpful, a proper club bar and excellent food . Would definitely recommend it. Enjoy.
Edward Henry
A gem of a course tucked away deep in the Hertfordshire countryside (no noise from roads / trains etc). Considering the recent rain it was in outstanding condition, a very good mix of challenging holes.Very welcoming, and would also recommend the breakfast !
John Alan Evans
I’ve played this course over the last few years, and it’s come on leaps and bounds. The course is lovely the staff are nice all in all a pleasant experience.
Colin Willcocks
Lesson by Matt Smith was friendly, relaxed and extremely helpful. Lunch was excellent and it was great that we could bring in our dogs to enjoy it with us.
Ella Webb
Lovely morning golf, greens fantastic, fairways parched. But what can you do, brilliant company, staff very polite can’t do enough for you. All in all great day definitely go back.
John Poole
Played here for first time Saturday morning. Very friendly staff in pro shop. Course in great condition. Biggest compliment is for the course layout though. Really interesting holes, laid out beautifully between mature trees and with challenging contours of the land. Genuine thought required on most holes. A couple of great shot par 4’s, a few blind shots, but well marked. All in all, a great morning and somewhere I hope to play again, soon and often.
Richard Newhouse
A very picturesque course, we were made to feel welcome. The course itself was well kept, just be aware that the ball is always higher or lower than your feet, but just adds to the challenge! A lovely sunlit day made it look even better. The food was nice as were all the staff. We’ll be back!
David Jacks
We had a brilliant experience and it was the best decision to hold our daughter’s wedding reception at Whitehill. Amanda and the team were amazing, attentive, organised & made the day completely stress free for us all. The room, the setting, service, planning were all perfect and very reasonably priced. The DJ they recommend (Wayn)was the best, he played exactly what we asked & the dance floor was full from start to finish. Highly recommend it for any function.
Gael Bootman
A great course. Fairways, teeboxes and greens are really well kept. Staff are always really friendly and I love the course cat who wanders around.
Louis Hare
Great course. Fairways, tee boxes and greens are wonderful. The staff are always really friendly and helpful. Love the course is wonderful and in good condition.