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Mike Hendren

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London Logistics
« on: January 02, 2014, 09:25:36 PM »
Planning a May visit with my wife.  First time for both of us.  Staying in London for 5-6 days followed by golf.  Wife doesn't play.  Preliminary rota includes Huntercombe (a certain Red Wings fan has offered to pick me up at the train station) Sunningdale Old/New, Woking, Walton Heath Old then Sandwich, Deal and Rye.  Would rather leave the wife in the city with plenty to do so does it make sense to catch a train/cab to Sunningdale?  What about Woking and Walton Heath?  Or should I go ahead and rent a car and stay outside the city during the golf portion of the trip?   Rye and Canterbury look like convenient quaint towns for my wife to enjoy while I'm on the links.   Other charming villages?

I've already searched other threads on this issue and received some good advice.  I apologize for this redundant thread but welcome any suggestions.

Kindest regards,

Bogey
Two Corinthians walk into a bar ....

David_Tepper

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #1 on: January 02, 2014, 09:32:31 PM »
The first tees for both Sunningdale courses are very close to the village train station.

Mark Bourgeois

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #2 on: January 02, 2014, 09:35:28 PM »
Sunningdale station from Waterloo on Reading Line no problemo. About 50 mins train, 5 mins taxi.
http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/timesandfares/WAT/SNG/today/0745/dep

The three Ws, Walton Heath, St George's Hill -- all London area courses can be had by train. Walton Heath IIRC can be a little more complicated -- Ascot brain cramp: Epsom I think sometimes is the best station -- but I've done it numerous times.

EDIT:

By the way, May is my favorite month for London. Daylight is such that you could spend the daytime with your wife then get in a full 18 in the evenings if you wanted to do things upside down. (But London return trains don't always cooperate.) Or if through the miracles of drugs and biology you roust yourself in the wee hours you could sneak out for a very early 18 (you'd have to jump the gates) then join your wife for breakfast. And fall asleep at the play that evening.
« Last Edit: January 02, 2014, 09:43:01 PM by Mark Bourgeois »
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Mike Sweeney

Re: London Logistics
« Reply #3 on: January 02, 2014, 09:43:56 PM »
I would contact Mr Whitaker for one day trip at:


Wife is happy, Bogey is happy.

Scott Warren

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #4 on: January 02, 2014, 09:55:15 PM »
Bogey,

Huntercombe is accessed by catching the train to Henley-on-Thames. Your wife would well enjoy a few hours seeing the town while you play golf. It is beautiful, sits - as the name suggests - on the Thames (is home to a famous annual regatta) and has some great history to be soaked up.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henley-on-Thames

Returning home, step off the train at Maidenhead and catch a cab five minutes to Bray - a quaint little village that is home to Heston Blumenthal's magnificent "The Fat Duck" and his michelen-starred pub "The Hinds Head".

Great day, happy Bogey, happy Mrs Bogey.

David_Tepper

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #5 on: January 02, 2014, 10:27:39 PM »
"Sunningdale station from Waterloo on Reading Line no problemo. About 50 mins train, 5 mins taxi."

Mark B. -

If I recall correctly, it is more like a 5-minute walk from the Sunningdale train station to the golf club. Am I mistaken?

DT

 

David_Elvins

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #6 on: January 02, 2014, 10:42:43 PM »
Mark B. -

If I recall correctly, it is more like a 5-minute walk from the Sunningdale train station to the golf club. Am I mistaken?

It's 400 yards but up a hill.  

Bogey,

The golf courses are all really accessible by train from london but it does make for a long day if you are playing 36 or doing several days in a row.  

When I had consecutive 36 hole days in Surrey I stayed here whilst the wife stayed in London.  It was only about 25-30 pounds from memory for a good room with perfectly fine dining options on site.  I would recommend it as an option if you can handle being apart from your wife.
http://www.deverevenues.co.uk/en/venues/sunningdale-park/  Although having said that, it isn't that close to Woking or Walton Heath.

 
PS A pity you don't have time for Swinley, I think you would love it.  
« Last Edit: January 02, 2014, 10:50:21 PM by David_Elvins »
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Michael Felton

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #7 on: January 02, 2014, 10:48:39 PM »
Walton Heath is not that easy to get to via public transport. Kingswood is probably the closest train station. I'd guess around 5-10 minutes by taxi, but probably wouldn't be cheap. You might want to make sure that you have a way to get a cab afterwards too. They'll probably call one for you in the clubhouse, but it may take some time to arrive. There isn't that much by way of hotels nearby either that I can think of at any rate. There's the Reigate Manor in Reigate, but that's a little way away.

Ash Towe

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #8 on: January 02, 2014, 10:55:49 PM »
Sunningdale is a five minute walk from the station, I did it in June 2013.

Walton Heath is to far from the nearest station.  You would need a taxi.

Joel_Stewart

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #9 on: January 02, 2014, 11:16:44 PM »
I would contact Mr Whitaker for one day trip at:


If you haven't seen Book of Mormon it is a must.  It is the craziest, funniest show. 

Tony_Muldoon

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #10 on: January 03, 2014, 01:24:47 AM »
What does Mrs Bogey like to do?

There is so much to see in London and she could manage day trips herself to  Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Paris - you get the idea.

Both Canterbry and Rye are charming (Sandwich, Deal too) but none of them has more than a days interest for the committed tourist.

Deal and RSG can be done in a day by train (and I suspect Rye too, but I've never done it.)

For the Surrey courses Windsor is a short distance from Sunningdale and not that far from Woking.
Windsor would be a two day tourist trip!

Hard to argue with that itinery,  I would drop Walton Heath for St Georges Hill or Swinley and it would make logistics a little easier.  But can understand the call of WHO too.


Enjoy the trip and welcome to London.
« Last Edit: January 03, 2014, 01:38:23 AM by Tony_Muldoon »
Let's make GCA grate again!

Alan Strachan

Re: London Logistics
« Reply #11 on: January 03, 2014, 03:04:36 AM »
Walton Heath isn't too bad via train, take a direct train to Tadworth from London Bridge (50mins) and you're less than a mile away from the course, probably best to arrange a taxi or if I'm about, I can collect you, just let me know when you want to come and I'll sort out your day.

Adam Lawrence

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #12 on: January 03, 2014, 03:38:37 AM »
One thing you should know if you're thinking of taking the train to various courses is that there won't be taxis waiting outside a lot of the stations. Larger places like Woking, no problem, but at most of the smaller suburban stations, if you're going to need a cab you should identify a local company you can ring when you get there (or from the train I guess).
Adam Lawrence

Editor, Golf Course Architecture
www.golfcoursearchitecture.net

Principal, Oxford Golf Consulting
www.oxfordgolfconsulting.com

Author, 'More Enduring Than Brass: a biography of Harry Colt' (forthcoming).

Short words are best, and the old words, when short, are the best of all.

Ulrich Mayring

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: London Logistics
« Reply #13 on: January 03, 2014, 04:29:37 AM »
And I thought these days you just punch a button on your smartphone, you are automatically located and the nearest taxi arrives!

Ulrich
Golf Course Exposé (300+ courses reviewed), Golf CV (how I keep track of 'em)

Adam Lawrence

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: London Logistics
« Reply #14 on: January 03, 2014, 04:53:55 AM »
You probably can in the big city. I'm just a country boy  :)
Adam Lawrence

Editor, Golf Course Architecture
www.golfcoursearchitecture.net

Principal, Oxford Golf Consulting
www.oxfordgolfconsulting.com

Author, 'More Enduring Than Brass: a biography of Harry Colt' (forthcoming).

Short words are best, and the old words, when short, are the best of all.

Sean_A

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #15 on: January 03, 2014, 04:57:41 AM »
And I thought these days you just punch a button on your smartphone, you are automatically located and the nearest taxi arrives!

Ulrich

Is that button adjacent to the Google Glass button?

Ciao
New plays planned for 2024: Nothing

Tony_Muldoon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: London Logistics
« Reply #16 on: January 03, 2014, 05:45:20 AM »
Mike,


One last thought: Woking and Huntercombe are very fine golf courses and also lovely clubs with loads of character, but I wonder whether people visit them after they have seen the very best of what the London area has to offer? That is no sleight on either course, and they definitely show the amazing the strength in depth London has to offer, but I would forego at least one of those in favour of Swinley. The whole experience there is just awesome / magical. Trust me.

Edit: just saw your comment re: leaving the missus in London. If you stay in London (which may be wise given that comment), I can ferry you via car on one day if we end up meeting up.

I seem to remember Bogey you’ve been mulling this one over for some time and for the student of GCA trip I can’t argue with your choice of Huntercombe, Walton Heath Old, Sunningdale Old, Woking as being the most important 4.  Swinley would be next on that list?  Given the time cost constraints and the fact you are right there, rather than a mile down the road, I think it’s reasonable to play Sunningdale new rather than Swinley (both Colts).


Is there a reason for doing this in 2014?
Let's make GCA grate again!

Sean_A

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #17 on: January 03, 2014, 06:37:10 AM »
Its very difficult to go wrong with playing 4-5 of perhaps twice that many heathlands.  I know Sheehy is a huge fan of Swinley, but in truth the course is no better than Sunny New.  That said, one can play Sunny Old one day (why rush around?) and play Swinley another day for likely less money (believe it or not!).  

The historical aspect is always tough to gauge because unless the club does an outstanding job of showcasing its history, there often isn't much to see.  With Huntercombe, the course is its history and it remains unique among the southern clubs.  Woking really only has its PN on #4 and a few other bits n' bobs.  While the greens etc are part of the history, so what?  Also, there isn't that much to peruse on the walls.  What one really gets with Woking is a charming day.  The same could be said of Sunny.  Although, the charm of the course and club are into uber territority and rightfully should be the #1 stop.  Once you have seen the Old though, the New, while excellent, doesn't offer any additional charm or history.  Walton Heath on the otehr hand is as much about history as a true quality heathland design  - the only one of its type around London.  So from this PoV, I think Bogey has nailed it with Sunny Old, WHO, Woking and Huntercombe.  The only thing I would consider changing the itinerary for is if invites come along.  As Sheehy says, the one I would eliminate in this case is Huntercombe.  Its further out and the course is not anything near presented in the manner it should be to show off the intended design.  Anyone with an ounce of sense will see what is going on, but I fear its current state may serve as a disappointment.  Still, Bogey, if diaries match my offer stands because I am always happy to tee it up at Huntercombe.        

Bogey, if you want to use trains, I suggest breaking up your time.  Rather than 5-6 tourist days on the trot then 6-7 golf days, why not intersperse the events?  You may remember and enjoy both aspects of the trip a bit more that way.

Ciao
New plays planned for 2024: Nothing

Ben Jarvis

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #18 on: January 03, 2014, 07:22:11 AM »
36 holes at Swinley with beers, lunch and wine is as good a day out as I've had anywhere!

It's a very special place with an atmosphere that oozes understated class.

Swinley will be on my itinerary for any future UK trips.

Ben
Twitter: @BennyJarvis
Instagram: @bennyj08

Greg Taylor

Re: London Logistics
« Reply #19 on: January 03, 2014, 07:32:43 AM »
36 holes at Swinley with beers, lunch and wine is as good a day out as I've had anywhere!

It's a very special place with an atmosphere that oozes understated class.

Swinley will be on my itinerary for any future UK trips.

Ben

+1 on this... Swinley is a must play. The feel of the club/course is special... not to be missed.

Tony_Muldoon

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #20 on: January 03, 2014, 07:39:36 AM »
Greg and Ben can you please confirm you've also experienced 36 at Sunningdale?  

Yes the house at Swinley is preferable, but hard to argue for it based on the golf?


Bogey has nailed it.
Good variety in types of Heathland Courses with WHO, Sunny Old and Huntercombe.  
Similarly for variety in the Links he's got RSG (huge dunes and space), Deal (classic out and back) & Rye (quirk).  Arguably all you are lacking are domineering sea views.
« Last Edit: January 03, 2014, 07:45:53 AM by Tony_Muldoon »
Let's make GCA grate again!

Ben Jarvis

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #21 on: January 03, 2014, 07:44:54 AM »
Greg and Ben can you please confirm you've also experienced 36 at Sunningdale? 

Yes the house at Swinley is preferable, but hard to argue for it based on the golf?

Tony

Unfortunately, I was unable to play the New on my one and only visit to Sunningdale.

That said, a lovely lunch, golf on the Old and a few Pimm's on a sunny late afternoon was pretty good also!

Ben
Twitter: @BennyJarvis
Instagram: @bennyj08

Tom Kelly

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #22 on: January 03, 2014, 08:46:45 AM »
I don't want to hijack the thread but does anyone know how the greens are looking at Swinley at the moment? If the rain ever stops I was considering taking advantage of the winter rates at some point, but I'd been told they almost lost the greens last year so I might wait if they are still struggling.

Sean_A

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #23 on: January 03, 2014, 10:37:32 AM »
Sheehy

That has been my experience with Swinley.  I never played when the greens were a mess, but they have never been commiserate with green fee.  With the exception of new courses, SF easily has the most indifferent greens conditions of any big name-big price course I have played.  Its a great pity, but it seems obvious the club doesn't place conditioning as a high priority.  

Ciao
New plays planned for 2024: Nothing

Mike Hendren

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Re: London Logistics
« Reply #24 on: January 03, 2014, 10:39:18 AM »
36 holes at Swinley with beers, lunch and wine is as good a day out as I've had anywhere!

It's a very special place with an atmosphere that oozes understated class.

Swinley will be on my itinerary for any future UK trips.

Ben



I must say that the plated english peas significantly diminish the odds of  adding Swinley to my plans.  They would have had me with turnip greens.

You gents are the best - I'm so stoked I won't get any work done today.

Cheers.
Two Corinthians walk into a bar ....