Golf, a sport revered for its precision, strategy, and scenic beauty, offers a diverse array of courses around the world. Two distinct types of courses, parkland and heathland, stand out for their unique characteristics and challenges yet both are routinely overlooked as being less special than links courses. This week it’s hard to overlook the most epic of parkland courses so it seems like a good moment to point out the heathland equivalent.
In my opinion, the answer to the question above is Sunningdale.
Augusta National is the epitome of a parkland golf course. Designed by Alister Mackenzie and opened in1933 in the heart of Georgia, this meticulously manicured course is a verdant oasis. Towering pines line the fairways, azaleas bloom in vibrant hues, and meticulously sculpted bunkers and water features add to its aesthetic appeal.
The allure of Augusta lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its strategic design. The undulating terrain, coupled with strategically placed hazards, demands precision and strategic play from golfers of all skill levels. The iconic Amen Corner, comprising the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes, is a testament to Augusta's blend of beauty and challenge, offering a thrilling test of skill and nerve.
The immaculate greens, renowned for their speed and subtle breaks, present a formidable challenge to even the most seasoned pros. Augusta's rich history, tradition, and exclusivity further elevate its status as a golfer's paradise, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe to walk in the footsteps of legends.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Sunningdale Golf Club embodies the timeless allure of heathland golf. Located in Berkshire, England, this storied club boasts two championship courses, Old (Willie Park Jr. in 1901) and New, (Harry Colt in 1923) both beautiful and strategic in their presentation.
Sunningdale's heathland setting is characterized by expansive swathes of heather, gorse, and bracken, punctuated by towering pines and silver birches. The rugged terrain, undulating fairways, and natural hazards pose a different set of challenges compared to the manicured splendor of parkland courses.
The firm, fast-running fairways reward well-placed drives and careful course management, while deceptive bunkering demands precision on approach shots. Sunningdale's greens, renowned for their true roll and subtle slopes, provide a stern test of putting skill, adding to the allure of this heathland gem.
Unlike the grandeur and spectacle of Augusta, Sunningdale exudes a quiet elegance and understated charm, drawing golf purists who appreciate the purity of the game in its natural habitat. Both are exclusive, undeniably special and provide an amazing playing field for any proper golfer.
How are they different?
While both parkland and heathland courses offer their own unique charms and challenges, several key differences distinguish them:
- The Setting: Augusta (and parkland courses) typically feature lush, manicured landscapes with mature trees and flowering shrubs, while heathland courses showcase rugged terrain with native vegetation such as heather and gorse.
- The Design: Augusta (and parkland courses) often incorporate water features, bunkers, and strategic mounding to provide challenge and visual appeal, whereas heathland courses rely more on natural hazards and undulating topography to test golfers' skills.
- Playing Conditions: Parkland courses tend to have more consistent playing conditions year-round due to extensive maintenance efforts, while heathland courses may exhibit seasonal variations in firmness and rough thickness, adding to the challenge.
- Grandeur: Augusta is home to a formidable entrance, major security, uniformed caddies, extensive practice facilities and high touch service. Sunningdale is not and while it is extremely elegant with a beautiful old clubhouse and caddies, many members carry their own bags and bring their dogs. The whole experience is just more understated and English.
- Visitors: Augusta is probably the toughest invitation in all of golf whereas with a little planning and a polite request, any proper golfer can play Sunningdale.
- The sandwich: Pimiento cheese vs. sausage on brown.
The juxtaposition of parkland and heathland golf courses exemplified by Augusta National and Sunningdale Golf Club highlight the diversity and beauty of the game. Whether one seeks the grandeur of manicured splendor or the rugged elegance of an ever changing natural landscape, both places are undeniably special and worth dropping everything to play if given the chance.
