Addington Palace - Surrey - England

Addington Palace demonstrates the remarkable depth of Surrey golf courses. It is ranked on this site as only the 36th best in the county, however it is good and well worth spending a day to enjoy. It’s recent history is quite fascinating, and the historic Palace provides a wonderful backdrop for golf.

The front nine is very hilly as it meanders through a wooded area from which has been created an exceptional collection of par4s. The stretch from holes 3 to 6 is quite outstanding and holes 8 and 9 (the last of which is a par5) open out to a joyful downhill romp back to the clubhouse.

The back nine is more traditional parkland fare, starting with a long uphill par4 and then a downhill hole of the same length. A scenic par3 follows where you play from a raised tee over an ornate fountain, before a long straight par5 only reachable in two by the very best. And the pace never lets up, with the 15th, a risk-and-reward par4 the best of the later holes.

The putting green, surrounded on all side by former stables and a hayloft belonging to the Palace, sets the tone for some excellent fast greens, and the tees, fairways and bunkers are also in good order. It seems incredible that a good-sized golf course can be fitted into such a crowded populated area, but the trees manage to create a nicely secluded site and fabulous location in which to play the game.

I have played Addington Palace, like the neighbouring Addington, twice. However, my first time came when only 12 holes were open. So, on a boiling August day, with a good mate of mine, we headed out onto the grounds of the grand palace for a game.

I feel like Addington Palace is overshadowed by the Addington greatly. One of the problems this course has is that the simple architecture isn't on a par with the great setting. While it isn't awful, it almost certainly isn't a match for the Addington's high quality design (which I believe will improve after the renovations will bed in in a few years time).

Really, you don't see the best of the Palace until hole 3. This is a lovely hole down the hill from the tee, then shockingly narrow uphill to the green. I nearly hit a ball over the side of the hill on the right but it stopped just over the edge of the path. The exciting and inspiring terrain continues for next five or six holes, with the highlights being the lovely short par four fifth (it reminds me a little of more heavily wooded Surrey courses), and the beautiful 7th.

It's a shame there wasn't as much of that exciting woodland/heathland stretch afterwards. The 10th is a cracking uphill par four with a great green site, and holes 12 through to 16 is a nice stretch.

So, with these great factors in mind, why do I score it just four balls? Consider this a generous score, there isn't much wrong with this course. Just some poor fairway condition (although understandable), and a few weak holes, especially 17 and 18, let it down a little. It would be highly rated with more exciting design and a few more interesting holes, but very solid indeed and a lovely setting.

Really enjoy this course. Condition is fantastic and you can see the hard work from the green keepers paying off. Hard to believe this course is minutes from Croydon centre.

Years ago The Addington (Next door) was the better course but now Addington Palace is by far a better course.

Get down and give it a go you will not be disappointed

Considering the level of rain the course was immaculate, greens were very fast and true, fairways were excellent and mostly dry. The course is very undulating with many holes that would be considered 'signature', practice facilities include a huge putting green, chipping area, nets and a pitching area. Would highly recommend for winter golf.

Whilst the centre of greens putt true and fairly fast, there were clear signs of disease particularly on the edges of greens. The greens do not hold well struck shots from anyone who plays off more than 6. Of 132 rounds, only one was below handicap! It might be a good track, but it is not somewhere to be recommended.

Played the course today with 3 guests, there was also a society playing today. The course was so well managed we had a 3 1/2 hour 4 ball. The front 9 holes are tighter than the back nine, with some stunning views. The course is so well presented, the greens are amazing, and its only March. Friendly clubhouse with fairly priced food and drinks. The chefs special was fantastic, and the breakfast really well presented.Definitely a must for a GOLF lover.

Addington Palace is a brilliant course in beautiful condition with a contrasting front and back 9. The front 9 is tight and tree lined whereas the back 9 is more open but still in great condition and requires a strategic approach to score well. The greens here are the best I've ever played on. Very fast and true. I think it's a travesty that the likss of Surrey National, Selsdon and Shirley Park are ranked ahead of this gem - play it all you'll see why.

Played in March 2012 and the course was in great condition and the greens true and fast. The first 12 holes are a treat to play, carving their way through some heavy trees and challenging undulations, probably as good as any 12 holes anywhere in the south east. 13 onwards is a bit more like a public course and does not provide anywhere near the excitement of the first 12. In saying this I had a really good day out at Addington Palace and would recommend the course o anyone.

A fantastic layout which requires all your shot making skills with the best greens for miles around.The clubhouse and members are extremely friendly.A must play course!

Played the front 9 only but liked what I saw. Pretty non-descript 1st hole (180 yard par 3) (managed a tee shot shot to 7 inches though) but the next 8 holes are varied, interesting and great design. I have been lucky enough to have played many Surrey courses and this is a decent track that is well worth a visit. Of the holes I played, the 3rd and the 4th are cracking short par 4’s and the 9th is a lovely sweeping arc of a par 5. I will return in the Spring to get the full 18 under my belt and have high expectations.