ON SURREY'S HEATHLAND TRAIL
Golf Digest Middle East|January 2020
Three clubs in the heart of picturesque Surrey highlight Harry Colt’s underrated genius as one of England’s greatest course architects.
JU KUANG TAN
ON SURREY'S HEATHLAND TRAIL

TECHNOLOGY, FASHION, AND MUSIC can-not help but change with the times. And so, it seems, has golf course design. The preference for layouts extending beyond 7,500 yards, with greens large enough to house a bungalow with its garage, and fairways wide enough to land a small aircraft have taken over the subtlety of designs past. But for purists, and many experts who understand what it takes to truly challenge a golfer, there are courses that not only withstand the test of time, but also remind us that sadly, like art masterpieces, they don’t make them the way they used to.

In the first place, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more ideal place for golf in all England. This region in the South-East of the country is filled with idyllic hamlets that offer a rustic, village-like atmosphere that feels like a million miles away from London – which, incidentally, is just a half-hour car ride away.

Given this perfect location, the private golf clubs in Surrey are highly sought after for their proximity to the City, and their high-end residential neighbourhoods. The excellence of the courses here is just icing on the cake.

Few discussions of what are the best courses in the country cannot come without mentioning the Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Club. Willie Park’s original design here has long been considered the best in the land. After then Club Secretary Harry Colt’s redesign of a few holes several years after the course opened in 1901, it elevated the course to the top of the list.

“The architecture, flow and mix of long and short holes are the perfect blend when playing the (Old) Course,” admits Tristan Hall, Sunningdale’s Secretary. “I believe that these are the key factors that ensure it continues to be ranked so highly.”

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GOLF DIGEST MIDDLE EASTView All
Tempting Entrée
Golf Digest Middle East

Tempting Entrée

INDUSTRY IDENTITIES AND A FORMER SIX NATIONS STAR AMONG THE BIG NAMES ROLLED OUT FOR THE EAGL’S SUMMER DRESS-REHEARSAL

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2021
Golf Digest Middle East

Year of the Comeback

Tour pros of all ages are rediscovering their mojo

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2021
THE GOLF STAYCATION PERFECTED
Golf Digest Middle East

THE GOLF STAYCATION PERFECTED

Golf Digest Middle East’s inaugural Play & Stay is coming to Radisson Dubai DAMAC Hills and Trump Dubai

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
THE GENIUS OF JORDAN
Golf Digest Middle East

THE GENIUS OF JORDAN

HE WANTED A CONFIDENT, RELIABLE SWING. HE FOUND IT IN A CLEVER WAY

time-read
5 mins  |
June 2021
The Starter
Golf Digest Middle East

The Starter

The Nairn Golf Club

time-read
1 min  |
June 2021
Undercover Caddie
Golf Digest Middle East

Undercover Caddie

Think you could carry a 40-pound bag for a living?

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2021
DRIVE BLAST PUTT
Golf Digest Middle East

DRIVE BLAST PUTT

THREE WAYS TO RAISE YOUR GAME

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
Get Set - Ball-striking success starts at address
Golf Digest Middle East

Get Set - Ball-striking success starts at address

AMATEURS OFTEN STAND OVER THE BALL with their feet too wide apart. I understand the appeal—they want to feel more stable throughout the swing, and a wider stance seems a logical way to achieve that.

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2021
Take 5
Golf Digest Middle East

Take 5

It’s hot but that’s no excuse not to warm-up before every round and range session

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
Classic Closer
Golf Digest Middle East

Classic Closer

Our monthly guide to taming the region’s stroke index 1 holes has gone off-piste. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club professional Matthew Brookes heads to arguably the toughest finishing hole in Middle East golf

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021