Founded in 1913 and located in Croydon, England, The Addington is unique in the history of golf course architecture. Designed by John Abercromby, who had previously sought advice from Willie Park Jr when building the courses at Worplesdon and Coombe Hill, his consultant here was Harry Colt. It is believed to be their only collaboration.
Affording views of Canary Wharf, the City of London and further afield, the course’s general layout remains largely intact. Highlights include the par-5 12th, an idiosyncratic hole of multiple strategic options, and the par-3 13th, which Henry Longhurst retarder as the greatest one-shotter in inland golf save for the 5th at Pine Valley.
Clayton, DeVries & Pont will undertake a research study analysing how the course's layout has changed over the passage of time. It will use its extensive knowledge of Golden Age architecture allied with historic imagery to highlight those elements of the original design which have been lost and assess the merit of their reintroduction. Creation of the Course Plan will be in close consultation with the club’s woodland management advisor and agronomist. Once completed, it will form the framework for future renovation works. The project will initially be undertaken by two of its partners, Infinite Variety Golf Design and Clayton Golf.
It is an immense privilege to have been asked to analyse The Addington and provide a cogent plan that will allow Abercromby and Colt’s inspired design to be best presented for future generations. Mike Clayton and I will deliver a blueprint whose objective will be to enhance the experience of playing this masterpiece whilst maintaining great respect for its architectural brilliance.
Frank Pont
Ifirst visited The Addington thirty years ago when I was living in England and playing on the European Tour. Its design is simply wonderful. I could not ask for a more interesting project as my first in England as part of Clayton, DeVries & Pont's new international partnership.
Mike Clayton