The Berkshire (Blue)

Overview: The Berkshire Blue is an 18-hole heathland course near Ascot, set among rolling ground, mature pines and vivid heather on the Crown Estate. Herbert Fowler's design uses the undulating terrain to create a course that feels varied without becoming overworked. From the tee, the Blue is slightly tighter than its Red Course companion, so placement and a clear angle into the greens matter more than simply finding distance. The opening hole is an immediate statement of intent, a demanding par three played across a valley of heather. From there the course combines firm heathland turf, changing elevation and carefully framed approaches in a compact, strategic routing.

History: The Berkshire's Red and Blue courses opened in 1928 on 372 acres of Crown Estate heathland, both designed by course architect Herbert Fowler. The two courses were planned as companions with contrasting character, allowing the property to offer different strategic experiences within the same landscape. The Blue has retained its identity as the tighter and more undulating course, while the surrounding heath, pine and heather environment continues to provide the architectural setting that Fowler was given to work with.

Did You Know? The Blue Course begins with a par three rather than the more familiar opening par four. The hole crosses a valley of heather and asks for immediate control of both direction and trajectory, before the player has had a chance to settle into the round. The adjoining Red Course has six par fives, giving the two Herbert Fowler routings a particularly clear contrast in shape and scoring opportunities.