A classic heathland experience with modern charm.

Nestled in the heart of Surrey, West Hill Golf Club is an easily accessible gem, especially with a sat nav guiding your way. As you approach, the final turn after the railway bridge can be a bit tight, but once you navigate that, you’re welcomed by a short, gated driveway that leads into a spacious car park, complete with an overflow area for busier days.

The course, established around 1909, has a rich history, and its layout remains largely untouched, save for some recent bunker upgrades. The clubhouse, a charming Victorian building, has undergone several modernizations over the years, blending its historic appeal with contemporary comfort. The bar staff are exceptionally friendly, and the terrace overlooking the 18th green offers a perfect spot to unwind after your round. The pro shop, housed in a small building to the left of the clubhouse, is well-stocked and staffed by a welcoming pro who’s eager to share insights about the course.

West Hill’s course is a stunning example of heathland golf, with its gently rolling slopes, undulating terrain, and open expanses. The landscape is dotted with a variety of flora, including heather, bracken, ferns, shrubs, silver birch, and tall, slender pines that are typical of heathland courses. The ground was firm underfoot, with certain sections offering a bouncy, almost hollow feel beneath the lush grass. Despite some summer wear and repair work on the fairways, the tee boxes were in good condition, well signposted, and equipped with benches, ball washers, fountains, and bins for broken tees and divot bags.

The fairways are a mix of wide and narrow, meticulously mown with clear definitions between the fairway, first cuts, and rough, making it easier to locate wayward shots. The greens were superb, with challenging contours, despite being recently aerated. They played at varying speeds, depending on the weather, but were consistently well-maintained, with strategic undulation, run-offs, and well-placed bunkers, some featuring heather-topped lips.

The course is compact but cleverly designed, with a routing that keeps you engaged and guessing what’s next. However, the proximity of some tee boxes to greens means you may occasionally have to wait for the group ahead. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking, with seas of purple heather and beautiful trees creating a serene atmosphere, especially in the quieter, more secluded holes.

The course starts off relatively straightforward with the first two holes, which are a bit unremarkable, but by the time you reach the third hole, the course begins to reveal its character. The elevated tee on the 3rd hole offers a fantastic view, and your drive over the blind crest leads to a generous fairway that slopes downhill towards a well-protected green. The 4th hole is a charming par 3, where the stream and young pines come into play, adding to the challenge.