I recently got back from a trip where I played Sunningdale Old and New as well as Woking. Woking remains my favorite heathland to play not because it is as great architecturally as say the former courses or even St. George's Hill, but because it is the most cunning, the most delightful and to my mind has the best green complexes. I also love the paradox of its start, facing the prospect of eagle right at the get go and then double bogey on the deliciously devious 2nd which is one of the best par 3s on the heath. But I really must say, I always thought the old 16th was one of the weak links to a finish that left me wanting--that has changed. Tim Lobb who I met many years ago (and he won't remember me as my friend RT who introduced us does not work with him anymore) when he was at European Golf Design--now at Peter Thomson's outfit-- has built a wonderful new hole. It measured approximately 147 yards but plays to the diagonal side of the curling pond (yes check out the curling stones in the clubhouse). Fronted by 4 bunkers that are perfectly in sync with Woking's style of hazard and you have a "duck" of a hole as Patric Dickinson would say. There is a short front bunker which must be flirted with if one attempts a run-up. The spirit of the hole is perfectly after playing the wonderful short par 5 15th which has the best green on the course. I think some may argue the green is too contoured as it is as wavy as a Lays chip but I found it fun to play and like what Tim did (It is in context with Woking's 7th, 13th and 15th greens). The new hole makes the finish much stronger and I say bravo to the club.
with new back tees stretching the course to 6600+ par 70, Woking is even more of a must play and is the EASIEST course to play from central London.. 25 minute train ride + 5 minute cab ride = Heathland bliss.
The pro- Carl Bianco is a kind English gentleman as well..