The Addington Golf Club

England is perhaps the greatest golfing country in the world, with a plethora of world-class golf courses found both on the coast and inland. Thirteen of the world's top 100 golf courses are in this tiny country, and a total of 45 are included in the GB&I Top 100. We have an extensive list of contenders, but 50 are regularly audited and watched to see if they can crack the Top 100. Watch or Listen to the Podcast discussing the release: For the travelling golf enthusiast looking to play the world's finest courses, England has always been a treasure trove of architectural gems. With the release of the latest Top 100 England rankings, a fascinating transformation is underway that extends far beyond the mere shuffling of numbers. This paradigm shift represents a fundamental change in how courses are evaluated, restored, and presented to visitors, and savvy golf travellers should take note. The Geographic Revolution: Planning Your Golf Pilgrimage The most immediate practical change for travelling golfers is the shift from traditional county-level rankings to broader regional classifications. As the podcast hosts note, "most people couldn't find Wilshire on a map, even if you lived in England." The new system divides England into eight intuitive regions: East England East Midlands London and South East North East North West South West West Midlands Yorkshire This reorganisation isn't just administrative—it's transformative for trip planning. Instead of trying to decipher which obscurely named county contains your target courses, you can now focus on the regions you're visiting. Want to play around London? The "London and Southeast" grouping immediately clarifies your options. Architecture Trumps Reputation: The Fall of The Belfry Perhaps the most telling indication of the new ranking philosophy is the dramatic exclusion of The Belfry from England's Top 100. This isn't just any course—it's a historically significant venue that has long been considered among England's finest. Its removal signals an uncompromising commitment to architectural merit over reputation or conditioning. As the hosts bluntly put it: "We're about golf course architecture, right? It's not about how good your green keeping is." Courses struggling with drainage issues or prioritising manicured aesthetics over architectural integrity are being reassessed. For the travelling golfer, this means the rankings now better reflect courses that offer the most architecturally interesting playing experience rather than those with the most immaculate conditions. The Architectural Renaissance: Rising Stars The Addington's Dramatic Ascent No course exemplifies the new evaluation philosophy better than The Addington. This JF Abercromby design near London has rocketed up over 20 places thanks to an impressive restoration program that includes: Extensive tree removal opening up original vistas and strategic options Heather regeneration restoring the intended aesthetic and playability Routing improvements enhancing the flow and experience Creation of short game areas and alternative routing options What makes The Addington's transformation so remarkable is the passionate stewardship driving it. As the podcast emphasises, having someone "who has educated himself on the minutiae of every single aspect" makes all the difference. With renowned architect CDP consulting and master shaper Mike Devres involved, The Addington is poised to continue its ascent, potentially reaching the heights of courses like Sunningdale, Swinley Forest and St. George's Hill. For visitors, this means experiencing a course that combines historical architectural significance with modern restoration excellence—a rare combination. The Cult Favourites Rising England's ranking reshuffling has elevated several "cult favourites" that architecture aficionados have long championed. Courses like: Cleeve Hill Kington Yelverton These courses might lack the manicured polish of resort destinations but offer architectural integrity and playing interest that reward the discerning golfer. Their rise reflects a broader appreciation for "rough and ready" courses with authentic character rather than manufactured perfection. The Restoration Revolution: What Makes Good Courses Great Perhaps the most valuable insight for the travelling golfer is understanding what separates good courses from great ones in the modern ranking philosophy. Several key factors emerge: 1. Tree Management Done Right Tree removal has become a hallmark of quality restoration, but as the podcast warns, it must be done with expertise. A cautionary tale of a continental course that "actually looked worse after than before" due to improper tree removal underscores the importance of professional guidance. 2. Expanding Greens to Original Sizes One of the simplest yet most effective restoration techniques is returning greens to their original dimensions. Over time, maintenance practices naturally shrink greens, limiting pin positions and strategic options. The podcast notes that even at world-class venues like Sunningdale, Swinley Forest, and St. George's Hill, "they still struggle with the same thing." For visitors, courses that have reclaimed their original green expanses offer more interesting putting surfaces and approach shot challenges. 3. Heather Regeneration The revival of traditional heathland aesthetics and playing characteristics through heather regeneration has dramatically elevated courses like The Addington. Sutton Coldfield is highlighted as another success story, where removing "trees and scrub" has allowed the heathland to thrive once again. 4. Proper Mowing Lines Sometimes the simplest changes make the biggest difference. Proper mowing patterns that reflect the original design intent can transform a course's strategic interest without major reconstruction. The hosts emphasise this as "just good hygiene of a golf course" that any venue can implement. 5. Bunker Restoration While "renewing bunkers is not going to push it to the top of the ranking," thoughtful bunker restoration contributes significantly to a course's overall architectural integrity. Stoke Park is cited as a course that has benefited from this approach. Planning Your England Golf Pilgrimage For the golf traveller assembling an England itinerary, these insights suggest several approaches: Target the Rising Stars: Courses making big moves up the rankings often represent the best value and most exciting developments. The Addington and Wallasey should be high on your list. Don't Overlook Cult Favourites: Venues like Yelverton may lack mainstream recognition but offer architectural interest that exceeds their reputation. Look Beyond the Name: Historic reputation no longer guarantees a spot in the top rankings. Focus on courses that have embraced architectural restoration rather than those coasting on past glory. Regional Planning: Utilise the new regional classifications to build more efficient itineraries that maximise quality golf while minimising travel time. Watch for Restoration Projects: Courses undergoing significant restoration work often provide the most dynamic and interesting experiences as their original design intent is revealed. The New Standards of Excellence What's perhaps most exciting for travelling golfers is the podcast's suggestion that this movement could establish "the American standard to the UK of what it means to restore a golf course." With venues like The Addington and St. George's Hill potentially "setting the bar for restoration work," we're witnessing a golden age of British golf architecture rediscovery. For those planning their next golf pilgrimage to England, these developments promise richer, more authentic experiences that showcase the best of classic design principles. The rankings no longer simply tell you where to play—they reveal which courses are committed to presenting their architectural heritage in its purest form. Whether you're constructing an itinerary around London, exploring the rugged northwest coast, or venturing into the heathlands, understanding these architectural trends will transform your appreciation of England's golf treasures and ensure your next golf journey delivers memorable experiences that transcend the scorecard. Movers & Shakers in the England Ranking The following courses all moved down five or more spots in the latest ranking: St Mellion (Nicklaus), Wisley (Church & Garden), Lindrick, Sheringham, Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin), Woburn (Marquess), Woburn (Dukes), Little Aston, Royal Birkdale, New Zealand, Wentworth (East), Remedy Oak, The Grove, and the Isle of Purbeck. Alongside the courses that fell were those that saw the biggest rise: The Addington, Wallasey, Royal Worlington & Newmarket, Hayling, Huntercombe, Goswick, Blackmoor, Hadley Wood, Ashridge, Stoneham, Rye (Old), Seaton Carew (Micklem), and Cavendish. The standout is The Addington with an incredible 22-spot rise, followed by Wallasey with a 16-spot rise. Changing of the Guard It is probably the Top 10 in the country that will be the most contentious. Sunningdale Old and New are now ranked 2nd and 3rd. Royal Lytham, St Enodoc, and Ganton all rise above Royal Birkdale - no doubt for the first time. Woodhall Spa also stumbles out of the Top 10 after being overtaken by Royal Cinque Ports, West Sussex and Rye.

Review of the Month March 2019 – The Addington Talk about an inauspicious start – a fairly tatty uphill par 3. The sweeping second might have been a better option as an opener, but in truth none of the plain sailing opening 4 or 5 holes left much of an impression on us. The Addington gets off on the wrong foot. We’d played Cuddington earlier in the day, and so far that was the better course. It was April and course conditioning was also poor. There was also a fair bit of litter around the course, either wind blown in or left on site. If you’re going to be a low IQ parkland, you could at least be a pretty one, I muttered to myself. The Addington Golf Club photo by BB However, this all turned out to be a calm before the perfect storm. Or one of those romantic comedies where the nerdy/bullied heroine puts on a dash of makeup and isn’t quite so bad after all, or that moment when Jerry Lewis’s Nutty Professor drinks one of his own concoctions. Anyway, a great big pit next to the 6th green (quite understandable how anyone could take up residence there) with a walkway across to the 7th teeing area, signaled the change. From here on The Addington is thrilling, challenging, and idiosyncratic in equal measure. Mercurial even. The rest of the round blew by in a variety rich maelstrom of pleasure ‘twixt with pain, until, out of breath, you reach the calm waters of the 18th. This closer brings to mind again the mundane opening few holes. There are several highlights here and it is difficult to single one out. 12 & 13 was a great Par 5-3 combo, but so was 16 & 17. There were many challenging and exciting shots required. Some nice views of London too on the back 9, and in summer the course must see the odd purple patch. The Addington is pretty rough around the edges and has a slow start, but for a large part it is also brilliant golf and must be one of the better options within the M25. BB Review of the Month March 2019 selected by Editor-in-Chief, Keith Baxter and sponsored by TaylorMade – click to read more about The Addington.

England is home to some of the best golf courses in the world, and its five highest-ranked layouts can be played without being a member. From a 15-time Open venue on the Kent coast to some of the finest heathland golf in Surrey and Berkshire, plus a spectacular links course in Cornwall, these are the five highest-ranked courses in England that welcome visiting golfers. Royal St. George’s Golf Club (Kent) World Ranking: 19th | England ranking: 1st | Green fee: £430 Royal St George’s offers the chance to play one of England’s most historic and challenging links courses. Founded in 1887, it was the first English course to host the Open and has staged the championship 15 times, including the most recent edition in 2021. Routed through towering dunes in a loose figure of eight, Royal St George’s has undulating fairways, uneven lies and plenty of elevation changes that can make even seemingly straightforward shots difficult. The fourth hole is particularly memorable, with a huge bunker carved into a towering dune guarding the fairway. Despite its reputation as a demanding championship test, the course is as enjoyable to explore as it is difficult to score on. Wildflowers and dune grasses line the fairways, while views stretch across Pegwell Bay towards the white cliffs beyond. Add in distinctive features such as the thatched shelters and St George’s flags, and there is plenty to keep you entertained between the inevitable moments of frustration. Sunningdale Golf Club - Old Course (Surrey) World Ranking: 22nd | England ranking: 2nd | Green fee: £485 The Old course at Sunningdale is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful inland courses in the British Isles. Opened in 1901 by Willie Park Jr, it was one of the first great courses to emerge from the Surrey and Berkshire sand-belt, with Harry Colt later reshaping the layout and giving it the intimate, tree-lined character it has today. Pine, birch, oak and heather frame the fairways, while the firm heathland turf makes Sunningdale a joy to walk and play. The course has hosted plenty of memorable golf, too, including Bobby Jones’ remarkable 66 in Open qualifying in 1926 and Nick Faldo’s 62 at the 1986 European Open. The 10th is a particular highlight, with its elevated tee offering a spectacular view before the halfway hut provides one of golf’s more welcome rewards. The 15th, a 226-yard par three, is another standout. For golfers visiting England, Sunningdale Old offers a classic heathland experience in one of the country's finest golfing regions. Sunningdale Golf Club - New Course (Surrey) World Ranking: 41st | England ranking: 3rd | Green fee: £485 The New course at Sunningdale provides a rather different experience to its famous older sibling. Opened in 1923 and designed by Harry Colt, it is more open and rugged than the Old, with elevated tees, heathery terrain and long carries placing a greater emphasis on driving. At 6,700 yards and par 70, the New is no pushover, with narrow fairways and plenty of undulation making it a particularly demanding test from the back tees. Even the professionals have struggled to make it look easy: Jack Nicklaus once held the course record with a 67 before Graeme Storm carded a remarkable 62 during Open qualifying in 2009. The course has also benefited from an ongoing tree-management programme, allowing more heather to return and restoring views across Chobham Common. The fifth, a picturesque par three played across the heath, is one of the highlights. The result is a course that rewards good driving without becoming a purely distance-based test, with the heathland setting providing plenty of visual interest along the way. St Enodoc Golf Club - Church Course (Cornwall) World Ranking: 49th | England ranking: 4th | Green fee: £190 St Enodoc is unlike almost any other links course in England. Overlooking the Camel Estuary in Rock, with views across to Padstow, the Church Course takes its name from the 13th-century church that sits beside the 10th green. Remarkably, the building was completely buried by sand in the 19th century before being excavated in 1863. Founded in 1891 and redesigned by James Braid in 1907, St Enodoc is defined by its towering dunes and constantly changing terrain, where no two holes feel quite the same. The sixth is the course's signature hole, demanding two blind shots over the towering 'Himalayas' dune to reach the hidden green. The 10th, played across a natural valley to a narrow fairway below, is another memorable challenge. If your ball strays towards the churchyard, you'll also find the grave of Poet Laureate John Betjeman, whose poem Seaside Golf was inspired by the course. The combination of huge dunes, unusual holes and views across the Camel Estuary makes St Enodoc a particularly distinctive addition to any English golf trip. Swinley Forest Golf Club (Berkshire) World Ranking: 52nd | England ranking: 5th Swinley Forest offers a quieter, more understated version of heathland golf on the Surrey and Berkshire sand-belt. Set among mature pines and heather, it has a wonderfully quiet atmosphere and an old-fashioned character that is increasingly difficult to find. The firm, fast-running fairways and purple heather in summer give it all the hallmarks of classic heathland golf. Designed by Harry Colt and opened in 1909, Swinley measures around 6,400 yards and plays to a par of 69. The short holes are particularly strong, with a varied collection of one-shotters that require careful club selection. Around the greens, false fronts, run-offs and subtle slopes provide plenty of opportunities for a good round to unravel. For much of its history, Swinley was an intensely private club where visitors were few and far between. It now welcomes green-fee golfers, although the club retains much of its distinctive character. The result is a course that feels removed from the modern world, with little of the glamour associated with some of its better-known neighbours. For golfers who enjoy traditional heathland golf, that simplicity is a large part of Swinley's appeal. Green fees quoted are summer 2027 rates where available.