We’ve all seen the image of that clubhouse behind the 18th of the Old course and thought ‘corrr’…I’m not exaggerating, it is the best clubhouse experience I’ve had so far!I It’s everything I wanted it to be and more.

My host Will, who’s been incredibly supportive of my page was very adamant that we will be playing the New on my maiden voyage and that the tee of choice was blue! I had read that the New was a sterner test of golf to the Old but I hadn’t anticipated how tough it was from the tips…I got taught a lesson. I’ve been playing good golf of late getting down to 5 and started talking 70’s with the boys pre tee off and basically the course turned round and said ‘not a chance son’!

An incredibly strong 1st hole set the tone, this course doesn’t really let you hit average shots off the tee, even on the par 3’s you’re hitting into greens that have severe run off’s into DEEP bunkers, luckily I avoided too many of them and I’m glad as they were big and deep. The par 3 fifth is thought to be the signature and the following Par 5 sixth has a view from the tips that is beyond intimidating. This is a rugged #harrycolt design littered with his classic green undulations and built up complexes that were beautiful and scary all at the same time. I’d say the front 9 felt stronger than the back bar the 10th, 12th & 14th which were brilliant holes.

Sinking my putt on 18 for yet another bogey I turned to look out over the incredible vista of Sunningdale’s two courses and smiled knowing that I’d just played the hardest inland course on my journey so far, it reminded me so much of Hankley Common at times just this is it’s older brother who listens to Metallica and drinks neat bourbon! The date is set for my outing on the Old later this year and I can’t wait!!!

P.S The club sandwich was spectacular 🤌🏼