7 Must Play Golf Courses within 60 Miles of Central London
All Square 5min read •
24 Sep 2017
London may be one of the most popular cities in the world. You don’t need to tread too far away from the tourist spots however to discover a wealth of world-class golf courses. Whether it’s your first time in the capital, or you’re a local looking to play some of England’s best layouts, here are seven golf courses you need to discover.
The Grove
Set in 300 acres of beautiful county estate, The Grove is one of the finest luxury golf resorts in Britain. Designed by acclaimed modern architect Kyle Phillips, the 7,152-yard layout played host to the 2016 British Masters. Opened in 2003 to rave reviews, The Grove has quickly become one of the most talked about courses in England. An expert at sculpting land to make dramatic and memorable holes, Phillips has done an inspired job at the Hertfordshire venue.
So much so that within three years of opening the course welcomed the world’s best golfers for the WGC, famously won by Tiger Woods.Despite its exclusive setting, The Grove is a pay-and-play course, meaning it is open to anyone. Having acquired a reputation for its exceptional service and friendly welcome, the resort also houses a 5* Hotel, spa, and a selection of fantastic dining options.
Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club
You might think it’s your lucky day upon arriving at Royal Ashdown Forest to discover that the course has no bunkers. Don’t for a minute think however that this equates in an easy round. Regarded as one of the most beautiful layouts in Britain, the course is strewn with heather, streams, and bracken, as well as, unsurprisingly, a lot of trees. The result is an incredibly natural course, and golfers will find little has changed from the original layout over a century ago. Situated in Ashdown Forest, perhaps best known as the home of Winnie the Pooh, the course was bestowed its royal patronage by Queen Victoria in 1893.
The Wisley Golf Club
Surrey is home to some of the best courses in England. Among the finest is The Wisley, an exclusive private members club which borders the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society. The course’s unique location has given rise to a beautiful, colour infused layout, with shrubs and flowers dispersed around the course to spectacular effect.
The latest member of the area’s revered heathland courses, the pristine 27-holes at The Wisley are unlikely to disappoint. In fact, with each hole offering something unique, it’s very difficult to pick out a signature, with the golfer walking away from every green feeling like they have experienced something special. Be sure to bring plenty of golf balls. There are water hazards on almost every hole. The immaculate course also boasts outstanding practice facilities.
Prince’s Golf Club
Princes forms part of a majestic trio of courses that occupy one of the greatest stretches of golfing coastline in Britain. Bordering the great Royal St George’s, the Kent links played host to its first and only Open Championship in 1932. Having been restored following substantial damage sustained during the Second World War, Princes is a delight to play.
While the three loops of nine are each distinct, all offer an exhilarating test, with deep bunkers, raised greens and punishing rough challenging the golfer throughout. The Himalayas nine, often considered the member’s favourite, is currently undergoing an extensive redevelopment, with the plans set to transform the nine into one of the most exciting links in Britain.
Golf at Goodwood
The Downs course at Goodwood is a majestic James Braid design that is regarded by many as the best downland course in Britain. Situated on the vast Goodwood Estate, the undulating course rises steeply away from the clubhouse towards Goodwood’s famous racecourse to afford fantastic view across to Chichester and the Isle of Wight beyond.
The club’s second layout, the Park Course, is also a picturesque test that winds its way around the flint walls that surround Goodwood House. Designed by the renowned golf architect, Donald Steel, the course is shorter but remains a firm test of golf, with several tricky doglegs and demanding greens. A warm welcome is assured in the historic clubhouse, housed in the estate’s eighteenth-century dog kennels. Goodwood also boasts a state-of-the-art academy, with covered driving range bays, an indoor putting studio, and golf swing video analysis system.
London Golf Club
Another world-class golf resort within close proximity to the capital, the London Golf Club is home to two outstanding golf courses. The Jack Nicklaus designed Heritage is arguably the finer of the two, although The International is also a fantastic layout. A round at the London, located close to Brands Hatch motor racing circuit, is perhaps best remembered for the huge, and cleverly protected, greens. With water hazards also featuring throughout, a well-honed approachgame is essential.
Hadley Wood Golf Club
Hadley Wood is arguably the finest golf course in North London. Set against the backdrop of an impressive stately home, the parkland layout, located just inside the M25 and 30 minutes from Central London, feels a million miles from the hubbub of the city. The undulating course is designed by the great architect Alistair McKenzie. Hadley Wood may pre-date his design at Augusta National, but McKenzie’s signature trademarks are clearly evident. Beautiful bunkering can be seen throughout, while the raised plateau greens for which he is renowned, ensure a challenging test.
Routed through an old deer park, Hadley Wood’s lakeside setting makes for an array of spectacular holes. The most notable is the signature 10th, which requires a 100-yard carry over the water to a green ringed by bunkers. A warm and friendly club, Hadley Wood is an absolute gem, and is a must play for visitors to the capital.
