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Sunningdale (Old), England |
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Sunningdale Golf Club
Ridgemount Road
Sunningdale
Berkshire
SL5 9RR
England |  | Willie Park Junior, Harry Colt |  | Keith Maxwell |
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 | +44 (0) 1344 621681 |  | 0.25 mile from Sunningdale Station off the A30 |
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Golf Club Website
Pro Shop Website
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 | Contact in advance - Not Fri, Sat, Sun or public hols |  | Stephen Toon |
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The Old course at Sunningdale is one of the British Isles’ most aesthetically pleasing inland courses. Arguably, it was the first truly great golf course to be built on the magical Surry/Berkshire sand-belt. The land was (and still is) leased from the freeholder, St John’s College, Cambridge. It is a Willie Park Junior masterpiece and opened for play in 1901, becoming known as the Old after the opening of the New Course in 1923.
Lined with pine, birch and oak trees, it is a magnificent place to play golf. The emblem of the club is the oak tree, no doubt modelled on the huge specimen tree standing majestically beside the 18th green. It’s incredible to believe that originally the golf course was laid out on barren, open land. Harry Colt was a big influence at Sunningdale; he was Secretary and Captain in the club’s early years and redesigned the Old course, giving it a more intimate and enclosed feel.
In 1926, during qualification for the British Open, amateur Bobby Jones played the Old Course perfectly, scoring 66, made up of all threes and fours (taking 33 putts). This
The Old course at Sunningdale has seen many great rounds of golf, but these three rank amongst the very best:
1. 1926 - the perfect 66 by Bobby Jones in Open Qualifying.
2. 1986 - a remarkable 62 by Nick Faldo in the European Open.
3. 2004 - an incredible eagle, albatross start by Karen Stupples in the Women's British Open. | type of scoring was unheard of in those days. Bernard Darwin brilliantly summed up Jones’ round as “incredible and in decent”. “Few joys in this world are unalloyed”, wrote Darwin in Golf Between Two Wars, “and though Bobby was naturally and humanly pleased with that 66 he was a trifle worried because he had 'reached the peak' rather too soon before going to St. Anne's.” Jones went on to Royal Lytham & St Annes and won the 1926 Open by two strokes, beating fellow American Al Watrous.
If you have already played the Old course, you will surely remember the elevated 10th tee, a fabulous driving hole and one of our all-time favourite holes. By the time you have putted out on the 10th, you will be ready for refreshments at the excellent halfway hut that sits welcomingly behind the green. What sheer delight! The 5th, a lovely par four, is beautifully described in The 500 World’s Greatest Golf Holes: “From an elevated tee, the fifth is clearly defined. The fairway is bordered by heather, golden grass and dark green forest. There are two fairway bunkers in the right half of the fairway; a small pond and four sentinel bunkers protect the green. Success calls for two pure shots…” The 15th is also featured in the same book – it’s a superb par three, measuring 226 yards.
Many people regard Sunningdale as the perfect golfing venue. The Old and New courses taken together are probably the finest pair of golf courses anywhere. On a sunny autumn day, walking on that perfect heathland turf, surely there is nowhere better to play golf with a few friends. “If we have not been too frequently ‘up to our necks’ in untrodden heather – nay, even if we have – we ought to have enjoyed ourselves immensely,” as Darwin said in his 1910 book, The Golf Courses of the British Isles. | |
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If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |  | | | I went to Sunningdale with a variety of expectations. I expected a somewhat snooty atmosphere in which I might be made to feel like an intruder. I could not have been more wrong. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating. The staff welcomes guests with a very high degree of professionalism. As for the course, my expectations were extremely high. While I enjoyed it thoroughly, it failed to wow me in the way that Birkdale or Turnberry did. Sunningdale seemed quite similar to many of the courses I regularly see in the USA. The classic British links strike me as far more dramatic. Perhaps the Brits would come to America and be more impressed with places like Winged Foot and Bethpage Black than Pebble Beach. |
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| 26 April 2013
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| | Sunningdale has always been at the top of a personal hit list of courses to play in the London area, especially after watching the 2009 British Seniors Open and listening to Peter Alliss rattle on about how lush the heather is and that you can easily polish off 3 or 4 sausage sandwiches in the legendary half way house. Well let me tell you the whole experience of probably the best inland course in The British Isles did not disappoint one bit.
From the minute we strolled out the historic and comfortable clubhouse you are treated to glorious views of giant pine trees and bright purple heather which is only divided by pristine fairways and immaculately smooth greens. The Old Course starts with a gentle Par 5 easily reachable in 2 for moderate hitters at 492 yards. At first the course doesn’t beat you up too much and brings the best out in your game with generously wide fairways with plenty run. The 5th hole is a particularly memorable Par 4 with an attractive pond guarding the front right of the green. The standout hole for our group was the 10th with probably the best view on a golf course in England from a high elevated Tee a long 475 yard Par Four lies ahead with the green perched in front the halfway house. After treating yourself to some bangers and a beverage be wary for the blind 11th tee shot on this short Par 4 , stay well left with a fairway wood or iron to avoid being blocked out by a gathering of pines trees protecting to the front right of the green.
Overall there are no poor holes at Sunningdale Old and a strong uphill finish in front of that famous clubhouse. Make sure to take a few minutes to soak up the views and enjoy a shandy or something stronger afterwards as we all did. For pure enjoyment and quality of course Sunningdale Old would take some beating and I already want to go back sample the whole experience again.
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| 06 September 2012
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| | This is my second review of this fine course and I will start by saying that it is still right up with the best and just about my personal favourite.
Played today on a glorious September day, course in superb nick with greens running fast and true. the variety of holes is excellent and a look at the card and relatively short yardage says you should score really well - however to do so requires your very best game. It is easy to get greedy and try and overpower the course, but as we all found today there is only 1 winner if you try.
Many great holes - especially like trio of short par 4's at the 3rd, 9th and 11th. The 11th is a great example of how a short par 4 can be far from straightforward - blined tee shot with an iron or hybrid leaves a short approach to a green that will only accept a perfectly hit shot. the 12th which follows is a really strong par 4 and it is difficult to think of any poor holes albeit I can relate to one reviewers comments about the final few holes being a slight anticlimax.
Overall it remains a great place to play golf and one can only be very jealous of the members.
Despite the above we did have a couple of gripes:
- bunkers very inconsistent - several with virtually no sand eg short of 13 and a few that had obviously been topped up which had too much sand.
- biggest gripe however was a 5 hour round. Our start was delayed by 10 minutes because they were already running late. After this we waited to play every shot and on several tees there was more than one group waiting to tee off. There was a real feeling that the club are being greedy and trying to squeeze too many golfers onto the course - 8 minute intervals mostly for 4 balls is too tight. At the end of the day when visitors are paying nearly £200 each you shouldn't need to get too many golfers out on the course.
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| 06 September 2012
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| | So the experience does not come cheaply but how many of courses I the top 100 do? In fact, if this place was American you would be lucky to play it in your dreams, but that is what’s so great about the vast majority of British courses, you can play them!!
We had a grey but mostly dry day here and from the drive in to the classic clubhouse and the service at the door we knew it would be special. The day started on the new at 8 am where we were first on and had the course to ourselves. It’s a great course in itself but old is a step up in our view.
From first to last there are quality holes. Not particularly long from out tees but always enough to make you think about position and shot selection, with plenty of risk/reward options. Have to say the half way house that is at the meeting point of both courses was a nice addition and some nice sausage sandwiches to boot.
Coming down 17 and 18 are a great experience and overall I would have to doubt that there is a better 36 hole venue in the UK and I feel both are reflected fairly in the rankings..
It has to be done if in town, just pretend you’re a city bigwig for the day, pay the money and enjoy the experience.
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| 30 July 2012
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| | I Played here on a glorious Friday in December with a member who informed me there have been some changes to the bunkering. I never noticed which ones had been done and which hadn't. This course is a real treat to play offering a seemless blend and variety of holes set over moderately undulating ground that invites you to play beautiful golf shots! I loved it! I cant wait to go back; Fantastic facilities, Historic club house and wonderful service. a very special day. thank you Sunningdale. JCB LAY |
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| 16 December 2011
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| There are many things to be said about the Old Course that have been said countless times already, such as it being the best inland course in the UK, that’s it’s the standard bearer for the Surrey / Berkshire heathland belt, or that it oozes pure class. I could go on …. and all of the above seem very valid things to say, in my humble opinion.
I was debating with my playing partner why subjective opinion on favourite courses varies from golfer to golfer. I take his point about playing ability being key, and the Old Course seems that it can accommodate the shorter hitter, whilst in no way indulging the professionals. What it does do is find you out if you think you are a better golfer than you actually are, attempting to conjure up magical recoveries. Better take your medicine with humility.
I personally felt that the course you grew up playing the game on sets the blueprint in your mind for what that elusive ‘perfect’ course might look like. I grew up on a real goat track, and have always found myself most excited by traversing some serious terrain. Maybe that’s why I’m slightly underwhelmed by the Carnoustie’s and St. Andrews’ of this world, but able to see pure magic here, especially from the 2nd to the 14th. It’s probably also why I felt the final stretch was a tad anticlimactic (the 16th aside). Lacking that barnstorming finish, it just took away that feeling that I’d found my perfect golf course. But it’s damn close ….. Matt Richardson |
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| 25 July 2011
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| | Disappointing. I have now played both the Old and New Courses a number of times, in both summer and winter. I cannot conceive how they are ranked so highly. In comparison to links courses such as Royal St George's, Rye, Prestwick, Troon, and Brancaster they are mundane and their layout uninspiring. In comparison to Australian in-land courses such as Kingston Heath, Metropolitan and Royal Adelaide they are (constantly) in sub-standard condition, with slow greens and average looking fairways. Both the Old and New are perfectly pleasant, as is the grand clubhouse, the hospitality and the lunch! But there is a difference between a wonderful club and a wonderful course. |
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| 21 July 2011
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| Response: | | | Oliver | 22 July 2011 | | I get the feeling the above review has been written with the intention of provoking outraged responses - no one who has played at Sunningdale could describe either course as mundane. The conditioning, whenever I have visited, has been fantastic, and even when the greens are not at their very quickest great to putt on. Both courses are packed with classic holdes which remain a great challenge even for very good golfers and with modern equipment. It looks like the same reviewer has made similar comments about St George's Hill - obviously not a lover of the Surrey/Berkshire heathland - but a surprising point of view when you're a fan of the likes of the great old links courses. | | | Max | 24 July 2011 | | The course is beloved because it is prestigious, beauty everywhere you look, the holes are framed so well (Royal St George's is only prestigious). The conditions are usually very good despite not being located in sunny warm Melbourne (Brancaster is unique but a bit raw when it comes to conditioning). Almost every hole is designed brilliantly they are all different (Prestwick has some mundane holes mixed among some excellent ones). The club's setting, stunning clubhouse, & the giant oak tree behind 18, all add to the overall value. They don't make the course's better but make for a more memorable day at Sunningdale. It is that wonderful emotional connection we get from playing and being at this club that have us strongly supporting it high ranking. I agree that Sunningdale is best played in hard & fast conditions like you would find at at Kingston Heath or Royal Melbourne. | | | Mark | 25 July 2011 | | Favourites, whether it be golf courses, food, drink or anything else are a matter of personal taste. Sunningdale is a fantastic golf course and a special place to play the game. To grade this course at 3 balls, even if it is not your cup of tea, is an act purely designed to provoke. I would suggest anyone interested in playing this wonderful old course should read the other reviews rather than stalling on this, all of which will give you a much clearer view of the course from golfers that understand that the game should not just be played in the dunes, where perhaps this reviewer should remain. | | | Luca G | 26 July 2011 | | This review defies belief. Sunnigdale Old, rated as average? Clueless reviewer who understands nothing about what makes a golf course great. Simply one of the very best golf experiences in the world. | | | doggo | 09 September 2011 | | Best inland course and club in the British Isles..simple as that |
| | | Sunningdale remains one of the premier courses around London. Played there on several occasions and always find it quite enjoyable. The heather surrounded bunkers make the shots appear more difficult and the greens were in excellent condition. |
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| 19 July 2011
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| | Had the great fortune to play here on 8th June - 2 days after both courses had been used for Open Championship Final Qualifying.
This was my 4th visit and in my opinion if there is a nicer place to play golf anywhere in the UK I have yet to find it. There are a few courses around which are undoubtedly stronger, but for the vast majority of golfers these are just too difficult to play day in day out. Don't get me wrong, Sunningdale is a very stiff test of golf, but also a very fair and playable one that will have you aching for a return trip as soon as possible.
I played 10 holes of the New in the morning which I think is slightly more deamnding, and then the Old in the afternoon. Sandwiched in between was the legendary Sunningdale lunch which in itself is a very special experience.
First of all the greens - apparently they had been 'ironed' yesterday morning and the pro informed us that they were running at a round 11 1/2 on the stimp meter. I can honestly say that in 15 years of playing top quality courses that they were the fastest I have ever putted on. Stories of 4 putts, putting into bunkers and off greens were heard from several players yesterday. A real test and without doubt the best surfaces I have ever seen.
The course starts off fairly gently with a straight away par 5. After that there is a fantastic blend of short and long par 4's, par 3's of all lengths and one more par 5 on the back nine. Fairways in the main are reasonably generous, but if you wander into the heather you will beseverely penalised. Bunkering is good both from the tee and around the greens and you really do need to strike the ball well and have all parts of your game in good shape if you want to score well. That said, if you are playing well and think your way around (use the driver sparingly and stay away from sucker pins) then a good score is perfectly possible.
All in all absolutely fantastic - if I was lucky enough to be able to choose 1 course to play for the rest of my life then the Old at Sunningdale wins hands down. |
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| 09 June 2011
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| | What a great course! It is one fun hole after another. There is great variety in all aspects; length, shape, uphill, downhill, big greens, small greens etc. And it's all beatifully done. Maybe the course was a little too dry due to the obviously very dry spring, but that is not a complaint, just a note that it probably can be even better.
A full day at Sunningdale is a real treat. |
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| 20 May 2011
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| | I played the old course on 10th November 2010. As soon as you enter via Sunningdale’s gates you feel that you are somewhere very special, and indeed you are. When you enter The Club House you feel as though you have travelled back in time, the building is beautifully appointed and filled with golden golf memorabilia. The staff were very friendly and helpful from the pro shop caddie master to the bar and halfway house staff. The course is quite simply stunning. I just found myself standing on each tee feasting my eyes on the layout of each hole. The course was in very good condition despite the recent heavy rain. I played the Hotchkin on 1st November 2010 (see review) and Sunningdale old for me is a 9/10 course compared to a 7/10 for the Hotchkin. Sunningdale just has more interesting terrain contours and swales. I also played Sunnindale New later that same day and I could barely split them apart. The New was more rugged and on a larger scale. It has been the greatest golfing experience. I also think you’d have to go a long way to play 36 holes of such quality. |
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| 10 November 2010
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| | Played it two days ago on a gorgeous day - sunshine and no wind. Absolutely the most beautiful golf course I have ever played and with courses like Bethpage Black, Kiawah Island Ocean, RSG and Valderrama under my belt, I know what I say. Looks like a fairy tale, super natural design and quite challenging esp. off the back tees. The greens are super quick and true and the course is very well balanced, - you MUST think on every shot. All in all the best golfing experience of my life and well worth the 190 pound green fee. |
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| 02 September 2010
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| | Superb course, setting, and facilities. Best inland course I've played, beating Woodhall Spa, Ganton, Gleneagles King's, Notts and Little Aston. The course is brilliant with stand out holes being 7 and 10 but all the rest are excellent. Not a weak hole on the course. Half way house must also get a mention. The only negative was that the greens were a little slow, but saying that they were very true. Played the New course which is also excellent and if viewed as a course on its own would certainly get a higher ranking if it wasn't in the same grounds as the Old course. A must play if you a serious golfer. |
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| 19 August 2010
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| | I've played many great courses in the UK including Royal St George's, Royal Cinque Ports, Wentworth, Belfy (Brabazon), Forest of Arden, St George's Hill, The Wisley, London Golf Club, but Sunningdale Old tops them all. It's my personal favourite and one I would chose to play over all the others named above. I've played it three times and it's always been in superb condition. The place just has an amazing aura about it that is hard to describe until you come here and experience it yourself. A truly magnificent place. The New course is equally as stunning. You certainly won't find a better 36 holes in the UK... or even the world? |
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| 15 April 2010
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| Response: | | | John | 15 April 2010 | | Sunningdale - best 36-holer in the world? It's a good thought but I think Winged Foot just has the edge for me. | | | Anthony Daniels | 15 April 2010 | | I haven't played the Old yet (planning a visit there later this year), but I played the New a couple of weeks ago, followed by RSG the day after. When you say the New is equally as good as the Old, does this mean you think the New is also better than RSG? I can't see this myself. Whilst I thought the New was absolutely superb, it was not a patch on RSG, which is simply the finest course I've ever played. | | | Jey | 17 April 2010 | | At least you can play the great 36 at Sunningdale. Winged Foot is far too exclusive for me to think of it in the same breath. I do agree however that RSG has the edge. | | | spencer pearce | 24 May 2010 | | I caddied at sunningdale for fifteen plus years untill the mid nineties and I have to say the old course at sunningdale is by far my favourite course in britain and contrary to what some people say about its length it is and allways will be a great test of golf sunningdale old has an aura all of its own full of tradition and quaintness for me it has to be up there with the best inland courses in britain(personally I think it is the best)and to the person who thinks the greens are flat at sunningdale well they must have changed them a lot since I was there because the first forth sixth eight etc etc all had massive borrows on them and as a previous person said if the boss of the moss loren roberts three putted twice on consecutive holes that says it all I would have to say there is no place I would rather play a round of golf in the world with my mates than sunningdale old its truly magnificent and worth every penny if you haven't played it make sure you do sometime you won't regret it. | | | max | 28 May 2010 | | Best 36 holes in the world....?? Have you spent the day at Ballybunion?! That takes some beating. | | | Dom | 21 February 2011 | | Having only played both Sunningdale courses recently, I can agree to their quality. Special indeed, however I preferred 36 holes around Royal Portrush last summer, with the Dunluce standing out as a magnificent course, and the Colt designed Valley links a very enjoyable test. Very different courses from Sunningdale, I agree, but great courses, and a true test. | | | Max | 24 July 2011 | | Saunton offers a great 36 hole duo. It is hard to beat great Links courses even if you are Winged Foot. |
| | | Had the chance of playing the old the day after the womens british open 2008 with the added bonus of playing the same course the ladies had played on sunday.It was a really good test of our golfing skills and so much fun, just walking down the fairways makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck i know some will say it's too short a course for the very best players in the world but having to think your way around is a big part of golf not just hitting the ball along way & this coures makes you think on each hole and for me that's the true test of a golfers game. A great place to play this great game with views from some tees to take your breath away this is how golf should be. |
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| 14 April 2010
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| | Well, the previous is entitled to an opinion. the course does perhaps get the benefit of its reputation, but i suspect he misundersands the greens. They are rather old fashioned in being low to the ground and rather oddly shaped. Not outrageously contoured, but still very tricky.
yes perhaps it is a taken a tad too seriously, but it still remains an extraordinary golfing experience that is something of a throw back to a diferent age. Not to be missed, but hard to compare to a modern course |
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| 16 October 2009
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| | In my mind, one of the more overrated courses in the world. A great course yes, but no2 in england, not a chance. Lovely location, fabulous routing, and 3 or 4 fantastic holes, but otherwise .... The greens are the big weakness, generally flat, and almost all perfectly cricular and so present little or no strategic challenge. Yes it is a good course, but if it were in the midlands rather than Surrey, it would be rated 20 places lower.
It is a good package, and possibly the best of the london heatlhland tracks (by a narrow margin) but not a patch on the better england links |
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| 14 October 2009
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| Response: | | | Chris Jones | 15 October 2009 | | It would great to understand what inland courses in England you would place higher than Sunningdale's Old. There are certainly a couple that are close but over-rated? I have to disagree strongly ... | | | Shaun | 17 October 2009 | | Struggle to comprehend this review, Sunningdale is truly outstanding. | | | TB | 25 January 2010 | | The greens are generally flat? Excuse me?! Have you played the course multiple times? Have you ever been above the pin on 4? On the left hand side of 6? On the left of 8? There is a lot of slope to the greens. Indeed last summer Loren Roberts - The Boss of The Moss - three putted consecutive holes for the first time in his professional career. And he's one of the best putters ever. If you do ever play again, just try putting from the back of the 4th green and stopping the ball near the front. Good luck! |
| | | simply the best inland golf course in the british isles (i'm sorry loch lomond but you are a close second)....if you have not played it ..PAY UP !!! you wont regret it. |
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| 21 September 2009
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| | The minute you enter the big front gate, you have the feeling of Sunningdale being a big place. And so it really is...The greens were the best I've putted on in a long time. The question always remains? Do one prefer the Old or the New? I don't have an answer yet. The Old is meant to be easier but I scored better on the New! The Old is a little quirky in places, so it probably gets easier when you know all the lines on the blind tee shots. I thought hole number 2 was quite uninteresting, but the 17 others are really top class. 10th is an obvious favorite, but 3rd to 9th are also very strong and the rest of them pretty much also too. I thought the New was a bigger golf course, but the Old is probably prettier, more cute. And the clubhouse is very impressive!! Loved every minute... Cédric |
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| 15 May 2009
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| | Played the Old and the New, 36 super holes can't think you can get a better days golf at any other venue. It has a timeless feel to it here, especially when your out on the course feels like your miles from anywhere. A number of short par 4's get you thinking of the tee, but beware trouble lie's in wait for you in the form of heather and the many deep bunkers. The 5th and 10th get most of the fame here and you can understand why, but I would say the 7th is the equal of these after a blind tee shot over endless heather you walk over the top of the hill to a stunning hole surrounded by huge oaks and manicured bunkers, just awesome. I played Woodhall Spa a month ago and they are hard to split, maybe Woodhall just has the edge?? Our group were made to feel very welcome and we all hope to return next year, its pricey but worth every penny. |
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| 23 April 2009
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| | Played the Old in the afternoon after playing the New in the morning. Not sure how much was down to personal fatigue/concentration but the Old came across as a subtely more difficult challenge (the conditions also deteriorated as the day progressed). Loved both and both were in excellent condition for the time of year considering the winter we've had. Felt the Old asked a few more questions... especially along the lines of...are you sure you want to take driver here? Several driveable par 4s but only opted for the driver on 1 (the 11th - and got my birdie). That immediately made me want to go back to the 3rd & 9th tees and get the big stick out - decisions decisions, questions, questions. That's what the Old does from start to finish. Finished the day 2 under my handicap on the New but 4 over it on the Old. Would be interested to know how typical (or not) that is. |
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| 23 March 2009
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| | Played Sunningdale Old & New last April. Both are fantastic courses, however the Old is a touch of class. If you get chance to play, don't forget to stop off for a sausage on the 10th! |
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| 23 January 2009
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| | A great course and a great atmosphere.
Golf as it should be.
Played here a couple of times, and also watched the Ladies Open here when the standard of golf was amazing.
Would love to play it again. |
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| 26 September 2008
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| | Golf how it should be. Not an ego-plate in sight in the car park - the members here know they don't have to show off. The clubhouse is tremendous, a real old colonial feel to it. A pre-round breakfast is a must, the eggs benedict to die for. The course is up there with Woodhall and Hollinwell, a real test of golf and glorious scenery. It's also a proper golfers course, no members allowed > 14 handicap and, more importantly, your dog can accompany you on the way round. The half-way house has the obligatory dog bowl outside. Striclty no BMW drivers! |
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| 13 May 2008
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| | Great Course - Comparible to Woodhall Spa and Hankley Common for design and heather alike. How anyone could compare this to Brocket Hall is a joke!! Must be a member of Brocket I guess! |
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| 16 August 2007
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| | Easily the most beautiful course I've played in England. Played it in Aug 07 with the heather in full bloom. Absolutely stunning. Every which way you looked there were hills lined with heather. Much prettier than any of the Wentworth courses. Some great views from some of the tees (7th, 10th). They had hollow-tined the course the week before and treated the fairways but it still didn't detract from the enjoyment. Can't wait to play the New course. |
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| 14 August 2007
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| | This is a great course, much better than its Wentworth neighbour. the fairways are beautiful and must be experienced. the aura is of its own. Here's a tip though, the course plays much like the not so well known Palmerston course at Brocket hall. |
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| 17 July 2007
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| Response: | | | Chris Jones | 17 July 2007 | | I like Brocket Hall (a lot) but comparing Sunningdale to Brocket doesnt feel right. Brocket Hall and Woburn's Marquess maybe but not Sunningdale... |
| | | Stunningdale! The old and new courses must be the two best inland courses associated to one club in the British Isles.
Played the Old in the pouring rain, but so what. Would gladly play in the rain here everyday. An experience not to be missed. |
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| 24 June 2007
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| | Fantastico!!! Sheer golf heaven and no one can argue that at all. Loads of positives, only negative is the amount of play and societies here!! Not surprising Lineker departed for Queenwood where he wouldn't be disturbed so much :). Right up there with Woodhall Spa (although Woodhall is better IMO), and comparible to Hankley Common and St Georges Hill for sheer golfing heathland pleasure. |
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| 26 April 2007
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| | Some courses have an aura about them (St Andrews, Wentworth, Loch Lomond, Turnberry, Augusta etc.) the Old course at Sunningdale sits comfortably in this category. The whole experience is just wonderful from start to finish, beautiful setting, testing golf and just a place as a golfer you want to be. A world famous venue with so much written already – this is one of the truly best golf courses around. The start is gentle with a reachable par 5 but the course bites back later, so watch out. Many stand out features of the Old, but for me it is just the way each hole flows and is in total balance with holes that you have already played – a warm visitor welcome too. There is a feeling after the 18th of, is that it? Can I play around again…please? |
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| 19 April 2007
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| You can read as many books and browse as many websites as you like before playing at a top venue but no amount of research can ever prepare you for the feel of a place – you have to be there to experience the setting,  play the course, evaluate the routing and survey the landscape before you can really appreciate how good a golf course -like Sunningdale Old - really is. Having played the New course in the morning, I was eagerly anticipating the challenge of the Old in the afternoon and it did not disappoint. A surprising element for me was the elevation changes at the most southerly points on the course between the 7th and the 10th holes where even slightly errant shots are severely punished. Overall though, fairways were more open than I had anticipated and some of the tee carries across heather were more intimidating than I had previously imagined. Teeing off from the 10th is definitely as exhilarating as you might expect but other favourite holes were either side of this one at the short par fours on 9 and 11. It’s a pity the green on the third short par four on the card, the 318 yard, 3rd was out of use but the new greenside bunkering work with sand and heather on that hole looks simply sensational. There is a somewhat understated finish to the round on the 18th hole – if anything, this slightly uphill, semi-dogleg hole is a slight letdown but it would be churlish to overly criticise when all that has gone before it has been one strong hole after another. The other real surprise of the day was the informality of a very hospitable clubhouse which was far from the stuffy establishment I may have anticipated but in reality was anything but that. Sunningdale is an experience to savour so if you plan a visit, play the 36 holes of both courses with a lunch in between and you will have had yourself as good a days golf as you will find anywhere in the British Isles. Jim McCann |
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| 31 March 2007
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| Response: | | | Gerry Cannon | 03 April 2007 | | It sounds by your report Jim, that this was one of your better golf experiences. One would also gather from your report that your game was raised in terms of a challenging course and the overall ambiance of the setting. One day my friend!! |
| | | Some courses have an aura about them which will always remain – the Old course at Sunningdale is in this category. The whole experience is just wonderful from start to finish, beautiful setting, testing golf and just a place as a golfer you want to be. A world famous venue and so much has been written already – this is one of the truly best golf courses around. The start is gentle with a reachable par 5 but the course bites back later, so watch out. Many stand out features of the Old, but for me it is just the way each hole flows and is in total balance with holes that you have already played – a warm visitor welcome too. |
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| 29 March 2007
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| | Sunningdale is without question a wonderful course. No real weak holes and a fair amount of undulation and variation in design make this a very memorable experience. Is it the best heathland course in Surry/Berkshire? Debateable - we preferred St Georges Hill, but Sunningdale is though streets ahead of Wentworth. Staff were very friendly and the half way hut a welcome stop before you get in to the back 9. |
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| 14 March 2007
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| | I am fortunate to be a member & every time I play another course & come back to the dale I realise how lucky I am. I can honestly say I have played the new & old course hundreds of times & each time is an absolute pleasure. is the old better than the new? its like comparing rugby & football. They are both a delight to play....if i had to play 1 golf course only for the rest of my life...it would be a tough call...but I would say the old course. |
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| 22 December 2006
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| Response: | | | Joe Richardson | 12 August 2007 | | Interesting to hear another person that ranks the two Sunningdale courses as close to one another. I was lucky enough to play both, but my lasting recollection of the day was of the New being the better. - This was my favourite inland course until playing the Hotchkin @ Woodhall Spa yesterday! |
| | | 36 holes on the Old and the New at Sunningdale takes some beating. I have played Walton Heath and Woodhall Spa this year and I think this shades them both. The Old is my favourite with a little more room off the tee and "big" greens. Mid morning 2 ball (with caddies) and due to a very good caddie master, rounds of 3 hours & 3 hours ten mins. This is real golf in a sublime setting where the staff take time for the visitor and the members are some of the most courteous i have ever had the pleasure of meeting. We played through 3 member fourballs with the minimum of fuss, just a - good afternoon and I hope you're enjoying the course. Saving up to go back next year. Glorious! DB |
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| 28 July 2006
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| | A fantastic course - The Old. One of the finest inland courses in GB&I - Not quite as good as Woodhall Spa, but close. The turf is gorgeous and its a course that is pleasing on the eye. Every bit as good as Walton Heath, Hankley Common, St Georges Hill and the remainder of the Classic Heathland Gems in Surrey or Berkshire. Only downsides, gets very busy in Summer and some of the houses make you feel a little enclosed. Awesome all the same. |
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| 11 January 2006
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| | The Old course is simply a stunner. It’s not the most difficult course in the Top 100 but you will need to read the greens properly in order to score well. This classic layout is very tight off the tee with heather and pine trees bordering every fairway. Make sure you stop off on the way round at the glorious halfway hut but before you do, enjoy that drive on the elevated 10th tee…it’s a cracker and one of my all time favourite golf holes. The greens sometimes come in for criticism in that they are less firm than classic heathland courses, I personally have no problem with this, at least you can fly the ball at the greens, except during the height of summer. If you are to score well here, you’ll need to shape the ball in both directions to negotiate the doglegs and then you’ll need to keep out of the heather, it can be a nightmare. Sunningdale is one of the most exclusive clubs in the land and it’s pretty expensive to play here but it’s cheaper than Wentworth and in my book Sunningdale is better. The clubhouse is simply gorgeous and the food is scrumptious too…a stunning golf club. Hugh. |
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| 07 April 2005
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| | Without doubt the best inland course in the country. Play this one before all others on your list of courses to play.
You won't be disappointed. |
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| 27 August 2004
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| | One of the prettiest courses around - a heathland delight. It's pricey, but worth every penny. |
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| 27 March 2004
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