On my final day of a recent trip to the UK, I had the pleasure of visiting Sunningdale Golf Club. In the few days leading up to my visit, the weather was miserable at best, and my fingers were crossed for some improvement. With a bit of luck, it did and perfect golfing conditions greeted me.
The club were very accommodating and welcomed me like a member. The General Manager greeted me at the clubhouse, showed me through the beautiful building and took some time out of his day to have some lunch. After chatting away over lunch, time got away and I had to quickly make my way to the 1st tee of the Old Course.
It seemed quite a busy Wednesday afternoon, and as a single, I wasn't too keen to be stuck in the middle of three's and fours all day. So, I asked a group of three approaching the tee whether I could join them - they welcomed me without hesitation. The three gents were great company and were able to give me a few pointers along the way. One of the members, in fact, was also a member at Swinley Forest and Royal St George's - lucky man!
A wonderful round on the Old Course followed after meeting the three gents on the tee and Sunningdale left a lasting impression on me - a wonderful golf club, wonderful people, and a golf course to match.
Here are some photos I snapped along the way - although photos never do these amazing golfing venues justice, I think I have been able to portray the scale of the place, the beautiful rolling terrain mixed with the heather and pine, and its overall charm.
Club By-Laws, written by H. S. Colt
The Clubhouse, taken beneath the famous Oak tree
The Clubhouse and putting green
Hole 1Par-5, 492 yards
Hole 3Par-4, 292 yards
Hole 4Par-3, 157 yards
Hole 5Par-4, 407 yards
Hole 6Par-4, 386 yards
Hole 7Par-4, 393 yards
Hole 9Par-4, 267 yards
Hole 10Par-4, 475 yards
Halfway Hut (after 10 holes)
Hole 11Par-4, 322 yards
Hole 12Par-4, 442 yards
Hole 13Par-3, 185 yards
Hole 14Par-5, 503 yards
Hole 15Par-3, 239 yards
Hole 16Par-4, 434 yards
Hole 17Par-4, 425 yards
Hole 18Par-4, 423 yards