Club History
In 1923 the Duke of Devonshire commissioned Dr Alister MacKenzie (the most highly respected golf course architect of his day, whose work includes Augusta National in the USA) to design a new 18 hole course on undulating and partially wooded farmland on the Duke’s estate outside Buxton. This was to replace a 9 hole course for Ladies opened in 1899 in Buxton, the site of which the Duke wished to develop for new housing.
Cavendish was opened in 1925 and both course and club soon became popular with members and also with visitors to Buxton taking the Hydropathic Treatment at the Town’s Spa Baths. It very quickly gained widespread recognition through the success of the leading members both ladies and gentlemen, in National and International competitions.
The course at 5721 Yards off the White Tees offers one par for men, 68, and another par, 72, for the ladies and juniors. By intention the course layout has remained virtually unchanged since the opening day and has claims to be MacKenzie’s best UK design. Cavendish most closely meets two key design principles laid down by MacKenzie. Firstly, that the course should have beautiful surroundings and all artificial features should have so natural an appearance that a stranger is unable to distinguish it from nature. Secondly, that the course should be so interesting that the plus handicap golfer is constantly stimulated to improve his or her game, but that the high handicap player should be able to enjoy a round in spite of piling up a big score.
The Cavendish fairways are shaped by natural contours to force poor shots into the most difficult positions from which to attack the greens. Accurate pitching is vital, since the classic MacKenzie greens contain many subtle slopes that produce testing putts. This will be particularly noticeable on the par 4 second, the par 4 fifth and the par 3 fifteenth.
Before beginning your round why not visit the modern and well stocked Professional’s shop and confirm your starting time. Having completed your round, we hope you will enjoy relaxing in our Clubhouse which boasts beautiful views across the course and surrounding Peak District Hills from the veranda.
Cavendish - Quality Golf