
Surrey, England
Guildford Golf Club was founded in 1886 and here on the North Downs at Merrow you’ll find the oldest golf course in Surrey. Measuring a mere 6,160 yards, Guildford isn't long but it’s tough to play to handicap.




Guildford Golf Club was founded in 1886 and here on the North Downs at Merrow you’ll find the oldest golf course in Surrey. Measuring a mere 6,160 yards, Guildford isn't long but it’s tough to play to handicap.




2.5
Unfortunately, due to travel restrictions the world seems to find itself under, the entirety of the UK has decided to holiday at Guildford Golf Club, or that is what it seems! I’m not sure if Guildford is Golf Course that allows public access, or a public park that allows golf, but for me this is the antithesis of what constitutes and enjoyable round. I don’t mind public on a golf course, but when an entire family walk across a fairway without looking or cyclists with dogs cycle right across your tee box during your backswing, it ceases to become and enjoyable experience.
Guildford itself is an average downland course with some enjoyable holes. The 1st is a very nice start. A nice driving hole which plays across a valley and back up hill for the approach into the green. The 2nd is a nice short Par 3 over a tree. Pin position here can make the hole tricky. Despite the next stretch of holes being rather average, the views are not and you can see for miles across Surrey and Hampshire. On one hole you can even see the London skyline, which would make it a 50 mile view on a good day.
Other standout holes are the sweeping dogleg right Par 5 8th, with a downhill approach into the green, again which offers some lovely views and the 17th which is another great driving hole, playing into the same valley from the 1st. It shoots sharply uphill for a long approach which makes Par a good score.
On the 18th a drunk couple came and sat on the bench behind us drinking Desperados to cheer on our tee shots, so if you want the full PGA experience, there is a tick in the box for Guildford.
We sat in the clubhouse at the end and watched groups come in down the 18th. The staff were very nice and even they were amused when a young girl cycled right across the 18th green.
For a local pay and play, it’s not bad, if you can block out the hundreds of guests, but not one I will be returning to in a hurry.
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Chris Wanless
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Overall rating
3.5
Overall rating
3.5
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