Architect: Simon Gidman
Centurion – ‘A commander of a century in the ancient Roman Army‘
A strong name for a strong golf course. Centurion is masculine, it’s big and bold but handsome. Manicured – the modern man perhaps. It is one of the new boys on the block, having been completed only 8 years ago by relatively unknown architect Simon Gidman. The affluent board at Centurion decided to forgo the fanfare of a named architect. To ask ‘why?’ is a legitimate question, what with the ‘no expense spared’ approach across the site.
But what Mr Gidman has created is a stern test of the game. I’ve used pretty muscular language to describe Centurion so far, I mean it is over 7,000 yards from the tips, but there is a subtlety to the green sites with refined bunkering and prudent orientation. The holistic framing of the course is particularly pleasing and a lot has been done on, what was an unsettlingly flat site. Colossal land movement has occurred here, resulting in serious visual intrigue.
From images I saw over the summer, the place looked flawless. The site is able to host professional events due to the practice facilities and spectator accessibility. This has resulted in some hefty views across the course, obviously designed with spectatorship in mind. The reveal on the 8th tee does indeed stop you in your tracks and it is more than a commendable composition.
The course is accused of having a split personality, thanks to its woodland beginning. The first four holes are à la Woburn, shrouded in pine and demanding accuracy. The film of drizzle last Friday created a foreboding atmosphere and I could only wish that this aura and emotion continued just a little longer. It certainly makes for dynamic viewing when watching the Aramico Team Series event.
If you like top tier service and perfection personified then Centurion is the place for you. As a member, or even as a guest, you are very much looked after, whether that’s in the unblemished clubhouse or the chic halfway hut, adorned with log fire and drinks trolley.
There is a place for each of our golf clubs in our green and pleasant land, and whether you prefer parkland, heathland or links, there is something for everyone. Centurion continues to thrive and for this, you can do nothing but appreciate its position and its attention to detail in delivering a great golf product. The club, and more importantly, the golf course, will continue to grow and bed in. The turf will mature and the greens will ripen. It was another great day of golf in 2021 and I left with another course under my belt, but more importantly, I left with a renewed love of the game and the architecture which shapes our fairways. Post-golf debate is spectacular and we certainly waxed lyrical about all topics from tree clearance to creeping bent grass. Golf friends.
I shall be back in the Summer and thanks must go to my host. The man who proposed me to The Flock and one of the golf’s good guys – many of you know him as @englandgolfproject.
UPDATE: Centurion did not make the latest Top100Courses.com English list.
The Surrey Golfer 