London golf course recommendations

[Kevin_D]

I was hoping to get recommendations for courses that are possible to play around London (that are accessible).  I will be there at the end of March for a business trip and should have time for one round.

I have already contacted Sunningdale, which is unfortunately unavailable that week.

Thoughts on others to look into?  Walton Heath?  St George's Hill?  Wentworth? (and yes - I have read the pros and cons of that one!)  Others?   Sorry, I know this has been previously discussed somewhat extensively, but figured I'd see if there are any fresh thoughts.

Proximity to Heathrow would also be a plus.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Kevin

[Martin Toal]

You could try The Berkshire, or Swinley Forest, which is adjacent. Also, the three 'W's, Worplesdon, West Hill and Woking, all in the same rough vicinity. All of these are heathland courses, so should be pretty playable even if there has been a lot of rain (which there sometimes is in March).

Of the Wentworth courses, I would recommend The Edinburgh, which is more fun than the West, and an awful lot less expensive. I haven't played St George's Hill or Walton Heath.

[Adam Lawrence]

If you literally only have time for one round, and Sunningdale is out, I think I'd do either Swinley Forest or St George's Hill. Nothing against any of the other great courses in the area, but I think those two offer the best combination of golf and ambience for a first timer in the area.

If you could manage a full day, that would push me in the direction of one of the 36 hole clubs, either the Berkshire or Walton Heath, where you could play both courses and have a good lunch in between.

[Kevin_D]

Kevin,

You need to tell us how many rounds you want to play, on which days and if you're prepared for 36 on one day.

Most of the better courses are not open to visitors on weekends.

Cheers,
Brian

Thanks Brian.

This would be for a Thursday (I am aware of the weekend policy - and think it's great that they allow any outside play at all at clubs in the UK!).  If I tried to be aggressive, and the courses are close (or on the same property), I *might* be able to get in 36 (this was my plan at Sunningdale), but realistically will probably only have time for one round.

Swinley Forest sounds fantastic, though I thought it was more restrictive than some of the other courses.

Thanks,
Kevin

[David_Tepper]

New Zealand GC is another excellent heathland course in Surrey that sometimes gets overlooked. There have been a couple of nice photo tours of the course here. I don't know what their visitor policy is on the weekend.

www.finegolf.co.uk/golf-courses/new-zealand/

[Adam Lawrence]

Swinley is much more amenable to visitors than it used to be. If you call the secretary and arrange in advance, I should think you'll not have any problems.

[Tom Culley]

Kevin,

For an easily accessible day of golf, i would highly recommend 18 holes at Ashridge followed by 18 at Berkhamsted. These are both located in Hertfordshire and within 1 mile of each other.

Berkhamsted is a bunkerless heathland style course with some unique holes. A large amateur tournament called the Berkhamsted Trophy is held there very year, winners include Luke Donald and Tom Lewis. http://www.berkhamstedgolfclub.co.uk

Ashridge has been home to both Henry Cotton and Alex Hay as resident professionals. It is a testing parkland layout set on the national trust Ashridge estate and it's common to find deer on the fairways.  http://www.ashridgegolfclub.ltd.uk

Either course makes for a lovely round, and combined i cannot think of many better value for money 36 hole days.

I definitely think they are worth looking in to if you cannot get on to any of the heathland classics of Surrey/Berkshire.

T.

[Dan Moore]

Second to Adams recommendation of Swinley and St George's Hill.  Both Colt gems. 

[Sidney Lin]

I have been told The Berkshire is a great golf complex with two layouts. Handicap restrictions apply and worth looking at the website first. Close to the Heathrow as well.

[Mark Pearce]

kevin,

If 36 works then the Berkshire would fit really well.  Two excellent heathland courses and a great lunch.

Only one round?  Swinley may be faviourite for its ambience but Woking or New Zealand would be worthy replacements if Swinley didn't work out.

[David_Elvins]

Swinley Forest is an essential stop for any student of golf course architecture, imo.

If you have time for one round, try to make it Swinley Forest.  If you have time for two rounds, play it twice.

[Mark Chaplin]

I'll second that, Swinley Forest ticks all the boxes. It's short but don't be fooled by distance, a gem of a course and currently undergoing some work by Frank Pont. The lunch is excellent and you'll see lots in the afternoon that you missed in the morning. For it's current condition the summer green fee is a little leggy but the winter rate is good value especially for two laps.

[Mark Chaplin]

Brian as I understand it 17 wasn't on the schedule of works! I believe it is more bunker work, fairway reshaping and removal of rhodedendrums that adversely affect play, than major structural changes but I've seen nothing in writing.

[Kevin_D]

Thanks so much for all the very helpful recommendations. I have put feelers out to a few places and will let everyone know where I end up playing.  I've also noticed a few places mentioned here seem to allow some weekend play, so I am now trying to add a round on Sunday afternoon after I get in.

[Adam Lawrence]

They'll get better at that when their new secretary starts I suspect!

[Paul Gray]

Depending on where you're staying, Richmond or Royal Wimbledon might just be convenient if you're straight off the plane and heading east on the Sunday.

[Mark_F]

I may have just been imagining things!! But it definitely seemed different. Maybe what they do in the winter is take the lower level out of play and grow up the fairway to give that section of the green a rest. Or maybe there was never a lower level and I am going mad!

I don't know, Brian.  You seemed pretty convinced something had changed about the hole, and it did have a different look to it...

[Will Lozier]

Kevin,

I taught school in Surrey for a time and played most of the courses already mentioned - and all are worthwhile.  But, I might suggest heading south to The Addington where you might be able to get round twice (I did get in 36 at Swinley in 5 1/2 hours).  Also, I was lucky enough to play West Hill more than 10 times and even though Woking is the more revered, WH is a tremendous track and I think vastly underrated with many wonderful golf holes within a great routing and very laid back at that.  Another sleeper, Camberly Heath is tightly routed through a housing development but in a very non-intrusive way and is a great little track.

Have fun and report back.

Cheers

[Tom Kelly]

Kevin,

I taught school in Surrey for a time and played most of the courses already mentioned - and all are worthwhile.  But, I might suggest heading south to The Addington where you might be able to get round twice (I did get in 36 at Swinley in 5 1/2 hours).  Also, I was lucky enough to play West Hill more than 10 times and even though Woking is the more revered, WH is a tremendous track and I think vastly underrated with many wonderful golf holes within a great routing and very laid back at that.  Another sleeper, Camberly Heath is tightly routed through a housing development but in a very non-intrusive way and is a great little track.

Have fun and report back.

Cheers

The Addington has a winter offer of 36 holes plus full English breakfast for £50 available until the end of march. If I can sort a day off work and get some decent weather I might try taking them up on that offer.

[Kevin_D]

Thank you to everyone for the very helpful recommendations!  I was able to book Walton Heath Old on Sunday afternoon when I arrive in London (3/17), and Swinley Forest for the Thursday before I leave (3/21).

Between this and Streamsong earlier in the month, this is going to be my most exciting/productive golfing March ever!

By the way - I am currently booked as a single at both courses, if someone wanted to join me I imagine that could me arranged.  PM me for details.

Cheers,
Kevin

[Kevin_D]

I think you nailed it. Weekend access and two very different styles of Heathland course - also both world top 100. Job done!

Thank to the advice from you and others here Brian!  I probably wouldn't have even tried to contact Swinley based on what I had read elsewhere.  Thanks again!

Although I will have to play St. George's Hill next time and compare notes on the two