Inspiring Golfers to Travel the World
✍️ Rick Wilton | ⏰ 7 min read
The demand for first-class golf in the most populated part of the country is massive, as such, some of the best courses in the UK can be found right on London's doorstep. There are a host of stunning woodland layouts within easy reach of the capital, including the famous Sunningdale, one of best 36-hole layouts in the world, and Walton Heath, the host of the 2018 British Masters, one of the European Tour’s most prestigious events.
As you head further out of London, towards the South East coast, the choice of championship golf courses become more varied but equally as spectacular. The east coast of Kent is a mecca for golfers, the legendary links courses here are among the best in the world.
On the stunning shores of Sandwich Bay, there are three Open Championship hosts within a 5km stretch; Prince's, Royal Cinque Ports and Royal St George's, the latter of which is commonly ranked in the top 25 courses in the world.
Course you should be playing when visiting London
Royal St George's
Royal Cinque Ports
Sunningdale Old Course
Prince's
Walton Heath Old Course
Littlestone
Walton Heath New Course
Chart Hills
East Sussex Nationl West Course
The Grove
Surrey
1 Night, 2 Rounds
East Sussex
1 Night, 1 Round
Hertfordshire
1 Night, 1 Round
Often the most overlooked of the three Open hosts in Sandwich Bay, Prince’s more than deserves its place as one of the top links courses in the country. As the direct Neighbour of Royal St George’s, Prince’s shares the same dramatic coastline that makes both courses such epic places to play the game. For anyone golfing in the South East, this track is worthy of a place on the list.
More info on Prince's Golf Club >>
| Prince's Golf Club facts | |
|---|---|
| Location | Sandwich, Kent, England |
| Length | 7,204 yards |
| Par | 71 |
| Designed by | Henry Cotton, Gene Sarazen & Mackenzie and Ebert |
| Established | 1902 |
| Where to stay | Lodges at Princes |
❝You should practice playing low punch shots before visiting Prince's as the key to scoring well is to stay out of the gentle, but sometimes wild, sea breeze. I would also keep well clear of the rough as even if you do find your ball you may well find it unplayable.❞
Rick (Marketing: Handicap 11)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Rick about playing this course.
Kent
1 Night, 2 Rounds
Set in the midst of the Kent countryside, Chart Hills is an awesome and refreshing change of pace from other parkland courses in the South East. Despite being in the Garden of England, Chart Hills has a decidedly American look and feel. As Nick Faldo’s first attempt at course design in Europe, it has been widely considered as a huge success, a definite must play in the Kent area.
More info on Chart Hills Golf Club >>
| Chart Hills Golf Club facts | |
|---|---|
| Location | Biddenden, Kent, England |
| Length | 7,045 yards |
| Par | 72 |
| Designed by | Nick Faldo |
| Established | 1993 |
| Where to stay | Dale Hill, Weald of Kent |
❝Stay clear of the bunkers, there are lots of them!❞
Rob (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 16)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Rob about playing this course.
Kent
1 Night, 2 Rounds
Deciding which course is best at East Sussex National has been a hot topic for debate among locals since the club first opened, however, the West commonly wins out as the prettier of the two. Throughout the round, you are welcomed by glorious views over the South Downs, but don’t let the natural beauty fool you, this course has hosted two European opens, it's no pushover.Kent area.
More info on East Sussex National >>
| East Sussex National (West) facts | |
|---|---|
| Location | Uckfield, East Sussex, England |
| Length | 7,154 yards |
| Par | 72 |
| Designed by | Robert E Cupp |
| Established | 1990 |
"The course gives stunning views of the South Downs and is close enough to Brighton to enjoy a night out if you're in the area for the weekend!"
Ryan (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 5)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Ryan about playing this course.
East Sussex
1 Night, 1 Round
One of the youngest courses in the South East, The Grove only opened for business in 2003, however, since then it has been heralded as a huge success. Now ranked as one of the top courses in the country, this track has become a must-play course for anyone based in the city.
In fact, The Grove has become a serious contender for the top course inside the M25, as the standard is comparable to the great Walton Heath.
| The Grove facts | |
|---|---|
| Location | Chandler's Cross, Hertfordshire, England |
| Length | 7,152 yards |
| Par | 72 |
| Designed by | Kyle Phillips |
| Established | 2003 |
"The superb 4th is a fantastic hole, a daunting par-3 which requires a good long iron to carry the water, characterising the memorable experience of a round on Phillips' truly excellent club."
Rob (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 16)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Rob about playing this course.
Hertfordshire
1 Night, 1 Round
There are 131 golf courses within Greater London covering a total area of 11,000 acres. Corporate or private owners account for 45% of these and 42% are council owned while the Crown Estate owns 8%.
The nearest golf courses for societies are found at Selsdon Park near Croydon, travelling south west of London down the A3, lots of societies head to Silvermere Golf Club and Pine Ridge which are very popular for a range of handicaps. If you'd like to play a golf course as a society that is well suited for low handicaps include the likes of West Hill, Worplesdon and Woking which are the 3 W's just south of London.
Sunningdale, Wentworth and Walton Heath have all held elite professional and amateur golf tournaments throughout their history. Sunningdale has held The European Open which saw Greg Norman and Bernhard Langer triumph as well as Karrie Webb in The Women's Open and most recently Stephen Dodd in The Senior Open. Wentworth has been a stalwart on The European Tour for decades with the likes of Mark O'Meara, Seve Ballesteros and Ernie Els all winning round this Surrey golf course. Walton Heath most recently held The British Masters which was won by Eddie Pepperell, is an annual host of US Open qualifying and hosted The 1981 Ryder Cup.
Handicap: 11
Favourite Course: Chiltern Forest
My 'Expert' areas: Kent & the Home Counties
Best trip I've done: Dubai with golf & Rugby 7's with my dad
Where my next trip is to: Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way
Give Rick a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.
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