This Addington is a must play.

I played at The Addington today for the first time. I'd heard about it a lot over the years, but never got round to playing. I was off work and wanted to play a Top100 course, as a reward for nearly making it through another wet UK winter and endless club and shoe cleaning.

My tee time was at 09:40 - I arrived at 08:30 and was greeted very cheerfully by a mixture of members and staff. They seemed genuinely happy to greet a visitor (this is not always the case at courses of this level). They explained where the practice areas were, and even gave me a token for a free bacon roll and a coffee.

The practice area consists of a wedge range, and two large practice greens, with two well-groomed bunkers. These practice greens are not flat, and set a great example of what is to come on the course.

The first hole is a Par 3, which is always a challenging start. Made more challenging by the dubious decision to play from the back tees, in 20mph wind. My thoughts were - 'Get this hole out of the way and you can attempt to settle into your round'

I was completely blown away by the course condition, layout, and complexity of both fairways and greens.

The condition was immaculate. The greens were fast and true, with no damage or impurities, despite the Winter we've had. Perfect lies on every shot on the fairways and run-off areas around the greens.

Every shot was a puzzle. You cannot walk up to your ball and hit it. This course demands respect, and you have to play it . The greens are so intimidating to look at from the fairway, sloping off in all directions. Where do I want to land the ball? What's it going to do when it lands? Should I play a draw and bounce on to the green? Or a fade and land a full shot? How will the wind affect it? What is my plan in 2 shots time?

It's these complex brain-teasers on every shot that let you know you're playing a real golf course. A course designed with thorough, meticulous thought.

Although extremely challenging, I believe this is where the addiction to golf stems from. It's not you against you, it's you against the course. Your only true opponent is the course designer, and at The Addington, it's like you can feel the course laughing at you as you address the ball.

The course also does a stellar job of making you forget you're in London. The valleys and funnelling hole designs create an atmosphere that is so tranquil, and truly enjoyable. The10th, 11th, 12th and 13th are situated on the far corner of the property, in a dramatic valley, and was the highlight stretch of the course.