Alex
I had the pleasure of playing Walton Heath the first week in May. Michael Campbell and another New Zealand pro were on the course getting in a practice round that day.
Based on advice from GCA members I chose the round at the Old Course at Walton Heath over a round at Wentworth and I was very glad I did.
The course did indeed play firm and fast, if I remember correctly I had about 110 yards in on the 494 yard par 5 8th hole, having caught the downslope just right, I managed to hit my next shot 30 feet past the hole on to the top shelf and was happy to three putt back down the slope for par, many of the greens have significant slope and character.
The back to back par 5's on the back were also running well, the 13th with it's deep green that runs away followed by the 14th with if I remember correctly plays uphill to a slightly bowl shaped green that reminded me of NGLA just a bit.
Althought the course plays over 7000 yards from the back tees, I think it will be dependent on how treacherous they can get the greens, hitting fairways did not seem that difficult, although I did manage to lose a ball off the tee on the second hole not realizing how much trouble there was down the right side just over the crest.
Our caddy told a story about Nicklaus and Watson discussing a tee shot on one of the par 5's, I forget which one, in the Ryder Cup on one of the holes that was obviously a driver for most mortals to just reach the corner, with Nicklaus choosing to hit a 6 iron to cut the corner and eventually hit the green in 2 and that was thirty years ago.
The par 3's were all great, from the first hole which is a pleasant start similar to the par 4 first hole at Prestwick (no railroad tracks though) to the 17th, surrounded by a circular bunker giving the hole an island green appearance.
The high point of the day was my english partner and I prematurely counting our winnings and the exchange rate as my good friend Philip poured in a 45 foot putt to win the back and halve the match.
The clubhouse reminded me very much of GCMC, and the small museum honoring the memory of James Braid and his connection to the club added to the history and perspective a round at Walton Heath has to offer.
While I am at it, I also had the pleasure to play The Wisley Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones Jr. course next to the famous Wisley Gardens and although it was very similar to courses I have the opportunity to play in the states, I found it to be very enjoyable, similar in some regards to Southern Highlands in Las Vegas, one of my favorite courses in the Vegas area.
Challenging tee shots, big sloping greens, very well maintained, beautiful setting and an excellent practice facility, something I have not seen to often in during my visits to the UK, Ireland and Scotland. I recommend it highly if you have the chance to visit.