The Old course at Sunningdale is one of the British Isles’ most aesthetically pleasing inland courses. Arguably, it was the first truly great golf course to be built on the magical Surrey/Berkshire sand-belt.
Sunningdale Golf Club (Old)
The Old course at Sunningdale is one of the British Isles’ most aesthetically pleasing inland courses. Arguably, it was the first truly great golf course to be built on the magical Surrey/Berkshire sand-belt.
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Few can compare to Sunningdale Old - The most incredible inland course I've ever played...
Folks, Sunningdale Old is just... perfect! It’s one of those courses where, as soon as you drive into the parking lot, you know this will be a memorable experience. The beautiful clubhouse and giant oak tree instantly add to the nostalgic vibe as you start to pinch yourself at playing one of golf's finest courses.
We had a very excited yet nervous 4-ball of Americans who admired deeply the golfing traditions. However, we still were not entirely familiar with the customs of courses with such high reputations. We saw our host's name on the board outside the clubhouse for the day's tee time, which was a nice added touch. We had terrific bacon bap and coffee, with the famous tree logo on every detail of accessory in the kitchen. The added attention to detail and the friendliest and most welcoming staff started the day off perfectly.
We later visited the pro shop and admired the quality of every item. I may have actually spent more money in the clubhouse than on the round itself, but I've worn that jumper more than any piece of golf gear I own. Perhaps a rookie mistake, I found myself pulling items in the back of the shop, not knowing those were members-only merchandise. That only made me want the items more, but I escaped with a bag full of merch nonetheless.
We felt all these emotions before we even stepped out to the first tee. We had putted a few balls, noticed some members lining up behind us, and just prayed that our opening shots were boring and down the fairway. For the most part, we succeeded, no mocking was needed.
The history is well noted. Willie Park Jr. designed it in 1901, and then Harry Colt came in and added his magic. You can feel that golden-era vibe everywhere. It’s like stepping into a golf time capsule, but somehow, it still feels fresh and exciting. So many great tournaments have been held at Sunningdale, including the most recent Curtis Cup, so it's no wonder everyone raves about this place.
What really got me, though, was the heather. It’s so pretty—like this purple carpet framing everything—but it’s brutal if your ball lands in it. You’ll be hacking out sideways and questioning your life choices. My advice, don't worry about your score, just enjoy the round! Fairways are a must here, but the good news is the course rewards you for being smart. You don’t have to hit bombs all day; it’s all about thinking your way around.
The best stretch? Definitely 4 through 7. The 4th is this uphill par 3—short, but tricky with bunkers and heather everywhere. Then there’s the 7th, which starts with a blind tee shot over a ridge. When you climb up and see the view on the other side, it’s like, “Wow, this is why I love golf.” It’s just heather, rolling fairways, and trees—it feels like golf heaven. I believe we lost a pushcart during this stretch, down the side of the hill and into a bunker... fortunately, no one saw us, but that remains deep in the memory bank.
And then there’s the 10th. Man, what a hole. Elevated tee, beautiful bunkers framing the fairway, and the green just sitting there daring you to mess it up. I'll never forget a dog walker strolled across the fairway as if they owned the place. We just watched, and at that moment, I became a fan of dogs on golf courses. Plus, the halfway house is right behind the 10th green, so you can grab a pint and sausage sandwich (they’re legendary) and soak in how good life is at that moment.
What I loved most was how fun it is. You can score if you’re smart, but it’s not easy—it keeps you on your toes. Like the 9th, this short par 4. Going for it is tempting, but there’s trouble everywhere if you’re greedy. The course just constantly messes with your head in the best way. Other reviews will give you inch-by-inch details of each hole.
And the vibe? Everyone’s so chill, walking their dogs, hanging out on the terrace with a pint—it’s not stuffy at all. The clubhouse is packed with cool history, too, like Bobby Jones qualifying for The Open here. You could read about Sunningdale in just about every history book. There are descriptions of holes and shot moments that you could admire from afar, but to play Sunningdale and see it yourself... it's worth every penny.
Honestly, if you get a chance to play here, don’t rush it. Soak it all in. I'd love to play the New someday— I hear it's a little more challenging, but it likely makes the Old feel even sweeter. This isn’t just golf; it’s one of those rounds you’ll talk about for years. It started my journey in the UK as a golf nut and I can't stop thinking about it to this day.
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