Ultimate London Golf Travel Guide

Most inbound travellers dismiss London as a golf destination in favour of Scotland and Ireland. Ardent travelling golfers have made multiple trips to Scotland to visit secondary regions after Fife such as East Lothian, Aberdeenshire, the Highlands, and Ayrshire. After Scotland, Ireland draws the most attention with the delights of County Kerry and County Donegal leading the way. The curious thing is most will access the richest golfing destination in GB & Ireland en route to other destinations – London!

Why is Golf in London So Special?

What makes London so special is the concentration of world-class golf in a small geographic area. London is a massive city, but the golf is more or less concentrated to the south-west corner or between 6 and 9 on the clock face. Why? The Bagshot Beds – a massive geological formation stretching across the South of England. The sandy loam and acidic nature provide a perfect canvas for creating golfing conditions that one usually finds only on links land… with one added perk – heather! Heather is a ruddy, low-growing shrub that vibrantly flowers creating a gorgeous bouquet seen rarely elsewhere on golf courses. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also a perfect half-shot hazard that typically lines the wide fairways of London’s heathlands.

The Best Time to Golf In London

The best time to visit is June to August. Recently, rains have all but ceased during the summer months with England enduring drought most summers for the last decade. The conditions of London’s heathland golf courses are never better when the heather is in full bloom, the turf grasses have browned off and the golf is firm and fast.

London is a busy city with millions visiting every year. The demand in summer is high so prices increase accordingly. Additionally, many of the more exclusive private clubs limit visitor play during peak season so it is often best to book early or work your black book to gain access. Tee times are more readily available in Autumn and the shoulder season still has superb playing conditions.

Winter can also be an option as most of the heathland courses are free draining. Daylight will limit 36-hole days, but access will be much easier, and the cost reduced. You’ll also be chancing the weather but if you're willing to take a chance, the trip could turn out to be one the best value destination golf vacations on the planet. I guess what we’re trying to say is, with a bit of luck, there is never a bad time to visit London!

Why Golf in London is Great – A Historic Explanation

As golf’s popularity took off in the late 19th century, a growing middle class had more leisure time but also less flexibility as many moved from blue-collar to white-collar jobs in offices in the city. Previously, the aristocratic elites had no such concerns and travelling to the seaside to enjoy pursuits like golf posed no issue. As more flocked to the game, the newly converted golfing zealots shouted for golf links closer to home. Many attempts were made to create golf inland until they stumbled across the London heathlands and found the equivalent ingredients that replicated the game so well seaside.

St Andrews was still the beating heart of golf but London became the hotbed of golf because of its unique mix of wealthy elites, a massive emerging middle class, and the combination of ready funding, virgin golfing land and ambitious talent. Harry Colt, Herbert Fowler, Tom Simpson, JF Abercromby, Sir Guy Campbell, and James Braid would have been all active in the immediate area. This all created a perfect storm the results of which we still marvel at today.

The London Golf Dream Itinerary - Introducing Harry Colt

If all the pieces come together and you can line this up, you’ll probably never experience a better trip for the rest of your life. All of these are in the World Top 100, have been recently or could be again… The Addington is just about there and with renovation work ongoing - it’s only a matter of time.

Sunningdale Old – Willie Park Jr & Harry Colt - World 22/ GB&I 9/ England 2

Sunningdale New – Harry Colt & Tom Simpson - World 53/ GB&I 18/ England 5

Play 36 in a day. April to July and September to October visitors are welcome. You won't be able to play from Friday to Sunday so plan ahead. If you play on two separate days, the 2024 Sunningdale Green Fee is £350. If you play 36 on a single day, you save £100 and have one of the best days of golf in the world.

Swinley Forest – Harry Colt - World 47/ GB&I 17/ England 4

Monday to Friday, limited numbers are allowed strictly by prior arrangement. 36-hole days are possible during the summer months. You can call or email the club directly.

St George’s Hill – Harry Colt - World 72/ GB&I 28/ England 9

April to December, you are able to play the course from Monday to Friday. It is best to call the club directly to discuss the options. Green Fees for 2024 are £255 for 18 holes on the Red & Blue.

West Sussex – 3 Majors (Hotchkin, Campbell & Hutchison) GB&I 31/ England 12

Some may baulk that Pulborough isn't in London but travel times in the UK, and especially around London, are relative... You're welcome to play at West Sussex year-round, 7 days a week. In what must be the best value green fee in the London area, green fees for 2024 range from £110 to £175.

Theoretically, you could play all five golf courses in three days but you'll want to pace yourself... As well, these courses are extremely busy and sought after. If you plan well enough in advance, you might be able to get them done in a week...

Your Second Visit to Golf in London - Introducing Herbert Fowler

If you’ve been to London once or need to substitute out one or two rounds mentioned above here is the next set:

The Addington – Harry Colt & JF Abercromby - England 58

Visitors are welcome Mondays to Fridays and after Noon on weekends. 2024 Green Fees range from £110 to £165 and can be booked online. The Addington will become world-renowned very soon... get in now before the tee times reflect the scarcity and desirability of the golf courses mentioned previously.

Walton Heath Old - Herbert Fowler - GB&I 39/ England 14

Walton Heath New – Herbert Fowler - GB&I 89/ England 38

Walton Heath Golf Club is an epic 36-hole experience. Visitors are welcome 7 days a week but after the members play earlier in the morning. 36-hole days range from £385 to £450 depending on time and day for 2024.

Berkshire Red - Herbert Fowler - GB&I 50/ England 21

Berkshire Blue – Herbert Fowler - GB&I 82/ England 33

The Berkshire Golf Club is perhaps the sister club to Walton Heath in that it too offers 36 holes of Herbert Fowler. Visitors are welcome seven days a week and after midday on weekends. 36-hole days are available year-round and range from £220 to £330.

Woking – John Low, Stuart Paton, and Tom Simpson - GB&I 67/ England 28

Visitors can pay green fees from Monday to Friday for £180 to £195 depending on the season.

Your Third Visit to Golf in London

The same applies to these courses… if you’ve been bit by the bug, here are quality golf courses that will add depth to your golf course architecture resume. Any of these could be swapped for ‘Your Second Visit’ Courses.

Worplesdon – JF Abercromby - GB&I 73/ England 30

Be careful crossing the road and enjoy golf Monday to Friday for £185.

New Zealand – Tom Simpson - GB&I 94/ England 41

Call or write to the Secretary for more details... It's a great club worth the patience to access. It is everything a traditional English golf club could want to be.

Hankley Common – Harry Colt & James Braid - GB&I 58/ England 25

A wee drive from London, Hankley is known for and provides many other courses with heather... Visitors can play on weekdays and weekends after lunch. Green fees range from £175 to £195.

Liphook – 3 Majors (Hotchkin, Campbell & Hutchison) & Tom Simpson - GB&I 75/ England 31

Visitors are only allowed from March to October seven days a week with restricted play from Friday through Sunday. If you plan it right, you can get a rare Twilight Round for £110. Normal rates range from £145 to £175.

West Hill – Cuthbert Butchart & Sir Guy Campbell - GB&I 78/ England 32

The 3rd W, year-round play is possible. Monday to Thursday will set you back £160 and Fridays have a £20 premium. Summer Twilight is a bargain for £100. Weekends after 2 p.m. are £210. Winter rates plummet, with weekdays costing just £95 and weekends at £160.

London Golf on a Budget

Some of these will fly below the radar even for English golfers. Make no mistake, golf in England is some of the richest in the world and these will compete in terms of quality with those higher up the list. All of these will accept visitors for green fees.

Knole Park – JF Abercromby - England 89

Visitors are welcome after 10:30 a.m. Monday to Thursday and after 12:30 p.m. on Friday to Sunday. Green fees range from £75 to £120. A Twilight Offer is available 7 days a week after 3 p.m. for £70!

Tandridge – Harry Colt - England 74

Depending on the season, you can play one of Harry Colt's most bunkered courses from £100-£160 during weekdays.

Hindhead – JH Taylor - GB&I 91/ England 39

A very unique design, play is possible from £149. It's also a little drive from London - car hire will be needed.

Camberley Heath – Harry Colt - England 79

Of 1913 Harry Colt vintage, it has pedigree. Summer green fees are just £98 from Monday to Friday.

North Hants – Harry Colt, James Braid, and Tom Simpson - 82 England

Monday to Thursday, rack rates are £120 with a £30 premium for a tee time from Friday to Sunday. You can play after 4 p.m. for £80 or £90 on Friday to Sunday.

Editor’s Gourmet Choice

Jasper Miners has lived in and around London since 2009 and has played all the golf courses on the list. He has studied in depth the history of most of them and has done the golf course architectural history of St George's Hill in association with Renaissance Golf Design. In a few words, he explains why he chose the courses below:

Sunningdale Old – Willie Park Jr & Harry Colt - The UK's finest inland golf course that makes up one-half of the best 36-hole day in golf. The course largely follows the original routing with a handful of new holes from Mr Colt. This is arguably where the transition from penal golf course architecture to strategic golf course architecture was perfected.

Sunningdale New – Harry Colt & Tom Simpson - How good is the land at Sunningdale? harry Colt laid out the first iteration. Tom Simpson rerouted some of the holes before Colt was called back to adjust it further. Oversimplifying it, Colt used Simpson's loop in reverse and we have the course as it stands today... Photos of all three iterations are immense.

St George’s Hill – Harry Colt - Swinley Forest was considered to be Harry Colt's favourite golf course. St George's Hill was built in 1913 by Colt overseeing works. This is the very best of Harry Colt the pinnacle of his career. St George's Hill inspired much of the design at Pine Valley. Work is ongoing, led by Brain Schnieder, that will only elevate this course further up the World Rankings.

Walton Heath Old – Herbert Fowler - Cut from similar cloth to Ganton and Woodhall Spa, this is heathland golf with features that aren't found anywhere else.

Walton Heath New – Herbert Fowler - The perfect compliment to the Old, the New is a little shorter and just as sporty. 36 at Walton Heath is one of the best experiences in golf.

The Addington – Harry Colt & JF Abercromby - The Addington has become a beacon of light for restoration in the UK. Other clubs have put a renewed focus on heather regeneration, firm and fast turf and tree removal but nothing like has been seen here. The golf course has the quality and pedigree of any of the others on the list and it won't be long before you can tell your friends you knew of The Addington before the world did...

West Sussex – 3 Majors - Perhaps the most complete set of 18 holes near London. No weak holes and work to improve the 10th with a return of Sahara. The visuals are astounding with some of the par 3's looking like the incarnation of a Tom Simpson sketch.

London Golf Courses Left Off

The courses listed below are private member’s clubs that most golfers would love to play given the opportunity. However, if you’re travelling halfway around the world to experience something different, we would prioritise others on the list. New builds dominate here but similar golf can be enjoyed at elite private clubs throughout the Western world.

Queenwood – David McLay Kidd
Beaverbrook - David McLay Kidd & Tom Watson
The Wisley – Robert Trent Jones Jr
Wentworth West - Harry Colt & EGD

Wentworth East - Harry Colt & EGD - This is the one exception we'd make. The East was the first of the two courses Harry Colt courses on property. Mr Colt made good use of the land on offer and with recent work, the course will shine a little more brightly. Access isn't possible without an invite.

Nuances of London & English Golf

If you're used to a warm-up on the Driving Range or powered golf carts (called buggies) in the UK, be warned most golf clubs don't have either... You may also need to check which socks are acceptable and if you should pack a jacket and tie. Embrace it - it's part of the experience.

Getting to London - Private Airports

If you’re flying private, here are the closest airports to the golf. A helicopter or short private hire later you’ll be teeing off in less than an hour from touchdown.

Luton
Farnborough
Stansted
Biggin Hill
London City

Getting to London - Airports

London has a plethora of airports – some named London that still require a journey into the city after you’ve arrived. Heathrow is the preferred option when flying with commercial carriers.

Heathrow - Located inside the ring road around London (M25), frequent services throughout the day mean you can get to London Paddington with ease. The journey takes 15 minutes directly from the airport but it will still be a taxi from your hotel from the train station. Alternatively, a private hire minicab or taxi can have you on the first tee at St George’s Hill in 20 minutes from the Arrivals Terminal.

Gatwick – Frequent services throughout the day mean you can get to London Victoria with ease. The journey takes 30 minutes directly from the airport but it will still be a taxi from your hotel from the train station.

Stansted - Frequent services throughout the day mean you can get to London Liverpool Street with ease. The journey takes 30 to 45 minutes directly from the airport but it will still be a taxi from your hotel from the train station. You’ll also be on the wrong side of London for golf.

Luton – Connecting Luton to St Pancras International, trains run frequently and take 30-45 minutes but it will still be a taxi from your hotel from the train station.

City – Located in the East end of London, it is mainly used to access continental Europe by suit-wearing business executives. It is very well connected but away from the action on the wrong side of London. If you get invited for a golf vacation in London’s east end, go to work instead.

Preferred Airlines

Heathrow (LHR) is the preferred option when travelling to London for golf. Most inbound travel will come by air from the USA. With that in mind, let's look at some of the options:

American Airlines

There is direct service from Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/ Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York (JFK), Philadelphia, Phoenix, Boston, Raleigh/ Durham and seasonal service from Seattle/ Tacoma.

United Airlines

There is direct service from Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco and Washington.

Delta

There is a direct service from Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/ St Paul, New York (JFK), Salt Lake City, and Seattle/ Tacoma.

British Airways

There is a direct service from Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago (O'Hare), Cincinnati, Dallas/ Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New Orleans, New York (JFK), Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego, San Fransisco, San Jose, Seattle-Tacoma, Washington - Dulles.

If you're travelling Economy Basic, you'll need to pay extra to bring your golf clubs. As well, it pays to tell the airline as soon as you book you're bringing your golf clubs. In some instances, they won't travel with you due to constraints...

Virgin Atlantic

There is a direct service from Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle/Tacoma, and Washington-Dulles.

Driving In The UK

If you’re not put off by ‘driving on the wrong side of the road’, car hire is a great option. Be warned though, that large vehicles are not the norm in Europe and parking can be an issue even at hotels. Check for car parking – often it incurs a fee and the spaces may be tight!

Trains are the traditional transport for golf in Scotland and whilst that is one way to do it, you will still need a taxi from most stations to the golf course. Taxis in London are very expensive with longer journey's hundred's of pounds. Donwload Uber and you'll save a bundle. Hire a car and you'll save more. Drink driving laws are enforced but it is not zero tolerance like Scotland.