What is it that sets Sunningdale apart from its near neighbours?. Sat at the NW end of the belt of greensand that starts at Walton and Reigate Heath and gives us Hankley & Hindhead, the 3 Ws, The Berkshire & Swinley and Sunningdale. The Old has 10 world-class heathland courses as a close comparison.

Firstly the land at Sunningdale on the fringe of Chobham Common has the perfect undulation and variety. It has a known architect in Willie Park Jr but not the stellar names of Colt & Simpson who combined to manifest the lesser New course. A clue might be in the ambition of Willie Park Jr's layouts at Huntercoombe and Parkstone, where his focus is the Green sites and he is not shy with slope and variety. Perhaps it is this variety that is the key. The Old has the perfect mix of long and short holes, and half-pars and plays these in a rhythm that means every part of the round is memorable. Constantly changing by feeling same.

Finally, there is the Clubhouse. Like the course, it has scale and grandeur, but also feels homely. The entrance to the course feels residential, but it quickly whips you out into the country. It is almost a surprise when the 18th spits you back out under it. It's a center piece clock teasing you that you could probably squeeze another 18 in. Perfect? Pretty close.