The Best Pay-To-Play Golf Courses Near London
Paul Severn
BEST FOR ALL LEVELS
The Grove Golf Club, Hertfordshire
The Grove is a luxury hotel in Hertfordshire, just 40 minutes from central London by train. The property has one of the best championship golf courses in the south east – Tiger Woods won the World Golf Championship here back in 2006. With a selection of day packages for all skill levels, guests can expect a challenging game across varying hole levels and elevations – look out for hole 13 with its elevated tee. The course is in pristine condition and the friendly staff can help with equipment hire. We like the sound of the day package that includes breakfast and lunch in between play.
Green fees: From £199
Visit TheGrove.co.uk
BEST FOR A SPLURGE
Sunningdale Golf Club, Berkshire
The famous golf architect Harry Colt designed the prestigious courses at Sunningdale Golf Club. The Old Course, one of the best in the country, presents a challenge for even the most skilled players, mainly due to its diagonal and visual hazards. The New Course is tricky too, but provides a scenic backdrop for advanced players with elevated tees. Bonus: the club shop has a stylish edit of golf clothing and accessories.
Green fees: From £325
BEST FOR LESSONS
The Addington Golf Club, Croydon
A great all-round course for golfers of every ability, Addington has expansive city views from the sprawling heathland it occupies, just ten miles from central London. It’s a quiet spot featuring rickety trestle bridges hidden within woodland. Often said to be similar to the more famous Sunningdale, Addington is a characterful course that challenges you to think your way round some of its trickier holes. The team also offers reasonably priced coaching sessions – lessons with head coach Phil Womack start from £60 for 45 minutes.
Green fees: From £125
Visit AddingtonGolf.com
BEST FOR DRAMATIC PLAY
London Golf Club
Designed by the great Jack Nicklaus, the downland International Course at London Golf Club offers fast play with big risks and rewards. The course hosted the 2008 and 2009 European Opens, and is a go-to for some of the sport’s most famous British players. In addition to its challenging tees, the club has two practice greens with grasses matching those of the courses. Always immaculately groomed, it’s highly regarded by pro golfers and offers great value for money.
Green fees: From £55
Visit LondonGolf.co.uk
BEST FOR A DAY TRIP
The Belfry Golf Club, Birmingham
Set off early and beat the weekend traffic to reach one of the best golf courses in the country. Anyone who follows pro golf will know The Belfry, which has hosted the Ryder Cup on no fewer than four occasions. The club, which comprises a spa hotel and resort, has a range of golf packages that attract players from all over the world. The play itself can be challenging but, as a visitor, you have a choice of three courses including the iconic Brabazon. Surprisingly, it’s the most affordable option on this list.
Green fees: From £27
Visit TheBelfry.com
BEST FOR EXPERIENCED PLAYERS
Hindhead Golf Club, Surrey
Founded by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1904, Hindhead Golf Club is just over an hour’s drive from London. Its heathland course is made for experienced players with a WHS handicap looking for a challenging game. The team also offers tailored group packages on Wednesdays and Thursdays for groups of up to 12. A regular award-winner, it comes highly recommended by professionals and those in the know.
Green fees: From £135
Visit HindheadGolfClub.co.uk
BEST FOR VARIED PLAY
Walton Heath Golf Club, Surrey
Founded in 1903, Walton Heath was a favourite of Sir Winston Churchill who regularly took to the course. Today, it continues to host international tournaments such as the British Masters. Its Old Course has featured in the World’s Top 100 rankings every year for nearly a century. Two courses offer varying challenges for players of all skill levels, but the New Course, surrounded by heathland, is the more scenic of the two. Visitors can also use the practice ground a ten-minute walk away.
Green fees: From £175
Visit WaltonHeath.com
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Coombe Hill Golf Club, London
Coombe Hill in Kingston-upon-Thames has a scenic parkland course best suited to beginners and those who like a leisurely pace of play. Originally designed by renowned golf course architect JF Abercromby, the site was restored 20 years ago to ensure the grounds remained in pristine condition. Visitors today can make their relaxed way through 18 traditional holes.
Green fees: From £90
Visit CoombeHillGolfClub.com
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