London Golf

[Tim Pitner]

If you could play three, and only three, heathland courses in the greater London area, which three would you play and why?  

So far, my working list includes West Sussex, Sunningdale Old (and possibly New too) and St. George's Hill.  (Swinley Forest would make my top 3 but access is questionable).  

Also, what time of year is best for golf in London?

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Tom Dunne]

Tim, on my one visit to Walton Heath I played the Old course in perhaps the most persistently torrential downpour I've ever endured on a golf course. I found it gripping more or less from start to finish on a day when I normally would have headed straight to the clubhouse after one hole. I think it should be on your short list.

[John Goodman]

Tim, I have only played Walton Heath Old and Royal Ashdown Forest, but both were excellent.  There are a number of superlative holes on both.  RAF of course has no bunkers but use of the landforms and rolling terrain makes for all the hazard necessary.  I obviously have insufficient frame of reference to compare, but I know you would not be disappointed with either WH or RAF.

[henrye]

Tim.  I have only played Sunningdale Old, Walton Heath Old, Swinley and Wentworth West.  They are all great.  I am told the New course at Sunningdale is as good as the Old, but have never played it.  I was also told St. George's Hill is a great track as well.  Mark Rowlinson is the expert.

The one I think is a must play is Sunningdale Old.

Early June and the rhododendrons are in bloom.  A pure golf purist might tell you the courses are great any time of the year, but if they haven't seen Sunningdale and Swinley with the rhododendrons in bloom, I really wouldn't listen to them.

[Mark_F]

Sean,

Pulborough, St George's Hill and The Addington would be difficult to beat, no?  Terrific variety, with two of them a little off the beaten path.

Pulborough, especially, is a wonderful drive down from Staines area.

Or at least it was the way I went.

[Lloyd_Cole]

Tim

My knowdedge of the top tier courses is limited. I have played Wentworth West, Walton Health Old, and West Sussex. All three are wonderful but I would say I think W. Sussex was maybe the best, and it is not like anything in modern golf; one par 5 - the first, and then it is relentless. If you are prone to spraying the tee shot I'd stay away - my second visit, I lost 8 balls..

[Andrew Summerell]

For me Swinley Forest would be first & foremost. After that I would probably choose Sunningdale Old & The Berkshire, but both courses at Walton Heath, & St Georges Hill are excellent as well. I also loved Woking as well.

[Kevin Pallier]

Tim,

Suggest moreso that you play in around the longer Summer months so that you can fit in more than the three courses.

If pushed to only three I'd say:
1. Sunningdale (Old)
2. Swinley Forest
3. Sunningdale (New)

but a much better bet would be in terms of locality
Day 1:
Sunningdale (Old) + (New)
Day 2:
Swinley Forest + Berkshire (Red)
Day 3:
St George's Hill + either of Walton Heath's courses
as there is only a relatively short drive (traffic depending) in / around the M25 for these courses

[Dan Boerger]

I have not played Swinley or Sunningdale, but will attest to both courses at Walton Heath. Great courses, very gracious hosts and a wonderful complex.

[Mark_Rowlinson]

Sunningdale and Swinley are unquestionably top class,and you would certainly not be disappointed with any of the above suggestions to make a third course.  It all depends on what you are looking for.  Walton Heath is a true championship set up, The Addington, Royal Ashdown and West Sussex are the most distinctive, while Woking has a special place in most GCA lovers' hearts because of its influence on early heathland architecture.  I, personally, wouldn't bother with Wentworth, Worplesdon or Camberley Heath.  If you find yourself opting, for whatever reason, for The Berkshire, St George's Hill, West Hill or New Zealand you will enjoy them immensely.

The time to come is obvious - the last week in September, so that you can travel up to the North-West (via Beau Desert, of course) and join in the fun of the BUDA Cup during the first week in October.

[Pete Lavallee]

Tim,

One thing to keep in mind; all these private Clubs allow guest play after 9:30, 10:00, but only during the week. RAF is the only Club that allows play on the weekend. Walton Heath, RAF and West Sussex are all closer to Gatwick; which is much less a zoo than Heathrow.

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