London Trip

[mci711]

This trip is obviously not happening any time soon any more, but fingers crossed maybe next fall. I was looking at pictures of Sunningdale, if I go over there I might as well play the best. Is it known for pristine condition? The pictures I was looking at made it look unbelievably good. 

 

I guess the over all goal/plan now is when stuff gets back to normal, maybe fall, maybe spring 2022 is to play Sunningdale, St George's Hill and another 1 or 2. But those 2 stuck out to me from what I have read, pictures, their websites etc. 

[Chanceman]

I was able to spend the whole day at Sunningdale playing both the Old and New courses which was awesome. Lovely lunch in the clubhouse and a drink after - cant be beat.

 

And Swinley Forest is uber classy but a nice letter will get you on. You order lunch before you tee off and its there waiting for you.

[duffer987]

4 hours ago, mci711 said:

This trip is obviously not happening any time soon any more, but fingers crossed maybe next fall. I was looking at pictures of Sunningdale, if I go over there I might as well play the best. Is it known for pristine condition? The pictures I was looking at made it look unbelievably good. 

 

I guess the over all goal/plan now is when stuff gets back to normal, maybe fall, maybe spring 2022 is to play Sunningdale, St George's Hill and another 1 or 2. But those 2 stuck out to me from what I have read, pictures, their websites etc. 

I've only been round each of them once, as long as you don't get caught in a bad drought year like summer/autumn 2018 you should be fine. TBH, I've almost universally found the greens on heathland courses to be in good or better shape. You might see some fraying at the edges of teeboxes, fairways, depending on the course/time of year, but not the greens.

IIRC some early golf in April '18 one year and late golf in Oct '18 during the drought have been the only two times I'd even note anything remotely impacting play. Unlike links courses they don't have to fight the sea/ocean.

 

If you click the right-arrow starting here for the next couple dozen pics you can see what it was like last Sept condition wise for Old and New:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/13623225@N00/48794985941/in/album-72157711062841227/

 

In June the previous year for SF: https://www.flickr.com/photos/13623225@N00/28062968107/in/album-72157668304771047/

and SGH: https://www.flickr.com/photos/13623225@N00/42213491324/in/album-72157668304771047/

 

Edited November 30, 2020 by duffer987

[Hawkeye77]

30 minutes ago, duffer987 said:

I've only been round each of them once, as long as you don't get caught in a bad drought year like summer/autumn 2018 you should be fine. TBH, I've almost universally found the greens on heathland courses to be in good or better shape. You might see some fraying at the edges of teeboxes, fairways, depending on the course/time of year, but not the greens.

IIRC some early golf in April '18 one year and late golf in Oct '18 during the drought have been the only two times I'd even note anything remotely impacting play. Unlike links courses they don't have to fight the sea/ocean.

 

If you click the right-arrow starting here for the next couple dozen pics you can see what it was like last Sept condition wise for Old and New:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/13623225@N00/48794985941/in/album-72157711062841227/

 

In June the previous year for SF: https://www.flickr.com/photos/13623225@N00/28062968107/in/album-72157668304771047/

and SGH: https://www.flickr.com/photos/13623225@N00/42213491324/in/album-72157668304771047/

 

I just kept clicking because it let me - saw some familiar sights! And plenty of other cool ones. 

 

Sunningdale looks amazing.  Just rewatched the Nicklaus/Player WWOG from the New Course last night.

[duffer987]

5 hours ago, Hawkeye77 said:

I just kept clicking because it let me - saw some familiar sights! And plenty of other cool ones. 

 

Sunningdale looks amazing.  Just rewatched the Nicklaus/Player WWOG from the New Course last night.

Ha! Ya it'll just go onto the next album and act like a photostream once you get to the end of one of the trips. For sure a few of the Scottish courses in there you would have sauntered down 😉

I forgot to record the WWOG series so I can watch the interesting ones. 2015 Senior Open Championship is the best bet for seeing Sunny Old, but being 5yrs ago I think a lot of the highlights have floated away at this point.

[mci711]

Those pictures are awesome, thanks for sharing. The courses look great. I've played a lot of "good" golf courses in the US and some in Scotland. Maybe my favorite is Sand Valley in WI. Looking at these courses they kind of have a similar vibe to them and it gets me very excited. I thought I was going crazy because I never once heard anyone describe SV as heathland or compare the two but I found this on the course guide and it all makes sense. 

 

 

[milesgiles]

20 hours ago, mci711 said:

This trip is obviously not happening any time soon any more, but fingers crossed maybe next fall. I was looking at pictures of Sunningdale, if I go over there I might as well play the best. Is it known for pristine condition? The pictures I was looking at made it look unbelievably good. 

 

I guess the over all goal/plan now is when stuff gets back to normal, maybe fall, maybe spring 2022 is to play Sunningdale, St George's Hill and another 1 or 2. But those 2 stuck out to me from what I have read, pictures, their websites etc. 

 

I played the Berkshire a few weeks ago, it’s everything I expected, very difficult to find fault. Played with a pro who plays Sunningdale a lot, so I asked how it compared..

in his words, Sunny is ‘much better’ (!!). It’s actually his favourite in the world, and he’s played a few contenders..

 

[milesgiles]

27 minutes ago, mci711 said:

Those pictures are awesome, thanks for sharing. The courses look great. I've played a lot of "good" golf courses in the US and some in Scotland. Maybe my favorite is Sand Valley in WI. Looking at these courses they kind of have a similar vibe to them and it gets me very excited. I thought I was going crazy because I never once heard anyone describe SV as heathland or compare the two but I found this on the course guide and it all makes sense. 

 

 

 

 

Ive not played much in the States and was wondering if there was really any such thing as heathland over there. To me, Scots pine lined heathland courses are as good as it gets, even here they are very playable in the winter when links courses are a tad too exposed unless unseasonably mild..

[hammersia]

21 hours ago, mci711 said:

This trip is obviously not happening any time soon any more, but fingers crossed maybe next fall. I was looking at pictures of Sunningdale, if I go over there I might as well play the best. Is it known for pristine condition? The pictures I was looking at made it look unbelievably good. 

 

I guess the over all goal/plan now is when stuff gets back to normal, maybe fall, maybe spring 2022 is to play Sunningdale, St George's Hill and another 1 or 2. But those 2 stuck out to me from what I have read, pictures, their websites etc. 

If you’re wanting to do Sunningdale, then definitely do the day ticket for both courses, lunch etc. They play pretty short anyway, the “New” is of course still old. There are a few average holes in the there, like in the 36 at Walton Heath, for my money I found Woking or Worpelsdon a bit more consistently impressive.

[duffer987]

1 hour ago, mci711 said:

Those pictures are awesome, thanks for sharing. The courses look great. I've played a lot of "good" golf courses in the US and some in Scotland. Maybe my favorite is Sand Valley in WI. Looking at these courses they kind of have a similar vibe to them and it gets me very excited. I thought I was going crazy because I never once heard anyone describe SV as heathland or compare the two but I found this on the course guide and it all makes sense. 

 

 

You've played Bandon Trails right? For me that is as close as you can get to the overall feel of a heathland course for public golf in the US. In as much as it plays firm and is treelined.

Sand Valley absolutely plays the same in regards to the firm turf - and while it does somewhat mimic properties like Walton Heath and Ganton in regards to their openness, for me the massive scale of the place makes it feel less heathy. Prairie Club - Pines course is another one that if you squint can give that feel. Pinehurst and some out here can give that firm turf experience too.

 

The golf course at Yale is absolutely the top course I've played for being like a heathland course, as it is a golden age course, with template holes and is a contemporary of those UK tracks, and is just sooo good, even with less than fantastic conditions (ie. pipes being laid in some fairways and some other GUR bits)

Edited December 1, 2020 by duffer987

[duffer987]

41 minutes ago, milesgiles said:

 

 

Ive not played much in the States and was wondering if there was really any such thing as heathland over there. To me, Scots pine lined heathland courses are as good as it gets, even here they are very playable in the winter when links courses are a tad too exposed unless unseasonably mild..

And your mate isn't wrong. If someone said Sunny Old was their fave anywhere I can totally see that. For me it's easily the 'best' 36 hole facility I've ever played. It'd be there with St. George's Hill and Pulborough in my top 3.

 

You're spot on - per my post above - it's not something we really have here. There are loads of East Coast privates that were built in the early 20th century that will have the same design cues and on the tee look the same, but I think they struggle to get the same springiness in the turf. You see loads of them being refurbed now too, to try and return them to that firmer and faster play, after having had it beat out of them over 100 years of changing design and agronomy schools of thought.

 

We're fortunate on the West Coast to have some excellent modern public options (Poppy Hills, Chambers Bay, Corica South) that give us the firm playing conditions and enable us to play on the ground and not always through the air. Might not be quite as cool as putting a peg in the ground at a spot like Huntercombe or SGH, but it's still pretty darn fun 🙂

 

[mci711]

Reviving this, as everything has been pushed off. I am hoping this spring is possible. I have decided if I go and I going Wed-Sun for just a quick trip. Going to stay on the west side of London and attend a Chelsea game at Stamford Bridge. I would hope to play 3 rounds of heathland golf. I was thinking if I could get times I would like play a combo of Sunningdale, Swinley Forest, St Georges Hill, Wentworth. All seem to be 20-30 miles west. Can I easily get there without a car? Train/taxi/uber etc?

[duffer987]

Train or Train/taxi combo can get you to Sunningdale, Swinley, St Georges Hill, Walton Heath quite simply from Clapham Junction. Never been interested in Wentworth, but would assume the same. The '3 Ws' would also be dead easy to get to, if you could only get 2 first choices in and were looking for another 1 or 2. Could literally walk to the tee at West Hill.

 

Clapham would also be an easy walk to Stamford Bridge for a match as well. You're not in the thick of it sight seeing-wise, but that's what the tube is for.

 

To increase teetime chances you could also look at Sat-Wed (on the assumption Mon-Weds would have more availability across all the courses, than Weds-Fri) but TBH would need to see what their visitor avail actually is these days.

 

Edit: As a big fan of SV, you should definitely look hard at Walton Heath as 1 of your picks. Get 36 holes in the same spot in that way too.

Edited August 18, 2021 by duffer987

[Schley]

On 8/18/2021 at 11:37 PM, mci711 said:

Reviving this, as everything has been pushed off. I am hoping this spring is possible. I have decided if I go and I going Wed-Sun for just a quick trip. Going to stay on the west side of London and attend a Chelsea game at Stamford Bridge. I would hope to play 3 rounds of heathland golf. I was thinking if I could get times I would like play a combo of Sunningdale, Swinley Forest, St Georges Hill, Wentworth. All seem to be 20-30 miles west. Can I easily get there without a car? Train/taxi/uber etc?

I did uber from hotel at heathrow to Sunningdale there and back. Can't recall the damage, but wasn't high. Walton Heath is a great day as well, although a notch below Sunningdale IMO. Swinley Forest is very quaint and charming. You can't go wrong with your lineup!

[MMB1500]

On 8/18/2021 at 5:54 PM, duffer987 said:

Edit: As a big fan of SV, you should definitely look hard at Walton Heath as 1 of your picks. Get 36 holes in the same spot in that way too.

 

Agree with this. Walton Heath is well worth playing. It's an excellent course with a rich history. I believe the women's Open Championship is due to be played there in a few years. 

 

Another good one, albeit less well known, is West Hill. 

[milesgiles]

On 8/29/2021 at 9:13 PM, MMB1500 said:

 

Agree with this. Walton Heath is well worth playing. It's an excellent course with a rich history. I believe the women's Open Championship is due to be played there in a few years. 

 

Another good one, albeit less well known, is West Hill. 

 

ive heard mixed reviews of Walton Heath.. they had a tournament two years ago and it didnt come over particularly well in television..

 

still looking to play West Hill, thoroughly enjoy the other two.

 

A mate played St Georges Hill recently (with Harry Redknapp lol) and reported he preferred it to Sunny.. and he loves Sunny..

 

So if we are talking money/tee time availabilty no object, Id probably go St Georges, day at Sunny, Swinley, New Zealand?

 

But tbh 16 of the top 60 British courses are Surrey/Berks, of those Ive played I wouldnt argue with those rankings at all 

[mci711]

3 years later and this is finally happening. I am going to be in London in October. I think I'll only play twice since I will only be there for a few days and will be catching Chelsea on the weekend. 

 

I confirmed a time at Sunningdale Old Course. I am leaning towards St Georges Hill for my 2nd. Swinley seems like a bit of a pain to get onto. Walton Heath is the other option I think, at this point. 

 

I don't have a car, so I think I am going to just uber back and forth. Pricey, but I am thinking it will be the easiest option.  

[Chanceman]

I really liked Walton Heath. The Old course is quite memorable, for me at least, so I think you will enjoy it. Kind of neat being surrounded by common land so you see people walking with dogs and riding horses around the place. SD and SF are both great. Playing St George’s Hill in September so very keen to see how it stacks up. 

[mci711]

5 hours ago, Chanceman said:

I really liked Walton Heath. The Old course is quite memorable, for me at least, so I think you will enjoy it. Kind of neat being surrounded by common land so you see people walking with dogs and riding horses around the place. SD and SF are both great. Playing St George’s Hill in September so very keen to see how it stacks up. 

 

I opted to get a caddie for Sunningdale. Not sure it is all that necessary, but feel like it will enhance the experience. 

 

Any idea if I go straight from the airport to St Georges or Walton Heath if they'll store my luggage while I play? I am going to reach out to them in the next couple of days and ask, but figured i'd throw it here too if anyone has done that. 

Edited July 21, 2023 by mci711

[Chanceman]

10 hours ago, mci711 said:

 

I opted to get a caddie for Sunningdale. Not sure it is all that necessary, but feel like it will enhance the experience. 

 

Any idea if I go straight from the airport to St Georges or Walton Heath if they'll store my luggage while I play? I am going to reach out to them in the next couple of days and ask, but figured i'd throw it here too if anyone has done that. 

I am sure they will store your stuff at the pro shop if it’s not too bulky but always best to check first. 

[El Gringo]

19 hours ago, Chanceman said:

I really liked Walton Heath. The Old course is quite memorable, for me at least, so I think you will enjoy it. Kind of neat being surrounded by common land so you see people walking with dogs and riding horses around the place. SD and SF are both great. Playing St George’s Hill in September so very keen to see how it stacks up. 

I agree. WHO is a cracking course. I always recommend it to folks with large budgets looking for southeast England courses. 

[RobYakes]

Was in London last August and emailed about 20ish courses a few months in advance to try to get on. Almost all of them responded, even the ones that weren’t able to accommodate my dates. 
 

Ended up playing 3 days and absolutely needed a rental car:

 

Day 1: Walton Heath Old & West Sussex. Might be a contrarian but WHO was overpriced. I think I paid about $275 and it just wasn’t that memorable. West Sussex was a blast, my favorite heathland course of the trip. 
 

Day 2: Princes. RSG and Cinque Ports didn’t have a time for me. Fun links golf even if its neighbors are more famous. 
 

Day 3: Woking. Another great heathland course. Was supposed to play Worplesdon after but had to cancel as I had blisters the size of golf balls. 
 

For context here was some of the other courses that either didn’t have availability or had just punched: Sunningdale, St Georges Hill, Swinley Forest, Rye, Woodhall Spa, Hankley Common. 

[El Gringo]

For mine, Walton Heath is far more heathy than the other big name London courses except Hankley Common. All the other courses are really heath/parkland hybrids. They all have allowed far too many trees to grow. 

 

I recently played Addington again. It has improved a ton with all the ongoing work. Play it now before greenfees skyrocket. 

 

Also North Foreland in Kent, very impressed. Much better than I expected. Their short course is also worth a go. 

Edited July 22, 2023 by El Gringo

[mci711]

What is the best way going about getting a time at Swinley? I just emailed Sunningdale and was able to, seems like SF may be different though? 

[sabram]

2 hours ago, mci711 said:

What is the best way going about getting a time at Swinley?

E-mail them. The email address is on their website. They answer promptly. They allow visitors from 11 am to 2 pm on weekdays. No visitor play on weekends. Their tee sheet fills up fast. Green fee is £220 per player May through October.

[mci711]

20 minutes ago, sabram said:

E-mail them. The email address is on their website. They answer promptly. They allow visitors from 11 am to 2 pm on weekdays. No visitor play on weekends. Their tee sheet fills up fast. Green fee is £220 per player May through October.

 

Thanks! I read somewhere else it took a letter, so I was worried. I'll send them an email. 

[mci711]

Officially booked. St George's Hill - Tuesday, Swinley Forest - Wednesday, Sunningdale Old - Thursday. Go into London Thursday evening stay thru Sunday. Chelsea game Saturday night. 

 

3 years in the making, thanks for the help all!

[sabram]

10 hours ago, mci711 said:

Officially booked. St George's Hill - Tuesday, Swinley Forest - Wednesday, Sunningdale Old - Thursday. Go into London Thursday evening stay thru Sunday. Chelsea game Saturday night. 

 

3 years in the making, thanks for the help all!

Glad you were able to book Swinley

[Chanceman]

14 hours ago, mci711 said:

Officially booked. St George's Hill - Tuesday, Swinley Forest - Wednesday, Sunningdale Old - Thursday. Go into London Thursday evening stay thru Sunday. Chelsea game Saturday night. 

 

3 years in the making, thanks for the help all!

Beautiful! 3 of the best.

[mci711]

12 hours ago, sabram said:

Glad you were able to book Swinley

 

Ended up being the easiest to book. Emailed them, they sent me a time which was actually outside of their guests times, and they booked it. Didn't have to pay upfront or anything.