Most golfers have heard of iconic heathland English golf courses Sunningdale and Walton Heath, there exist many less famous heathland courses that offer a spectacular golfing and are very worth playing if you can. Here are just a few:
Huntercombe Golf Club, Oxfordshire:
Located in the picturesque countryside of Oxfordshire, Huntercombe Golf Club is a historic gem that offers a true taste of traditional heathland golf. Designed by Willie Park Jr. and opened in 1901, the course features sweeping fairways and naturalistic hazards. People who know, say it's a must on any English golf tour.
Woodhall Spa Golf Club, Lincolnshire:
In the heart of Lincolnshire, Woodhall Spa Golf Club is a hidden oasis of heathland golf. Home to the Hotchkin Course, designed by Harry Vardon and later enhanced by Colonel Stafford Vere Hotchkin, Woodhall Spa offers golfers a true heathland experience amidst the tranquil Lincolnshire countryside. With its undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and stunning vistas, the Hotchkin Course challenges players of all abilities while immersing them in the natural beauty of the heathland landscape.
Alwoodley Golf Club, Yorkshire:
Perched atop the rolling hills of Yorkshire, Alwoodley Golf Club is a historic gem that offers a true heathland golf experience in the timeless beauty of the Yorkshire landscape. Designed by the legendary Dr. Alister MacKenzie and opened in 1907, the course features stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Swinley Forest Golf Club, Berkshire:
Tucked away amidst the tranquil woodlands of Berkshire, is the very private Swinley Forest Golf Club, an oft-overlooked gem that offers a unique interpretation of heathland golf. Founded in 1909 and designed by Harry Colt, the club boasts a championship course that showcases the best of traditional golf course architecture. With its narrow fairways, strategic bunkering, and naturalistic features, Swinley Forest provides golfers with a memorable and challenging playing experience amidst the serene beauty of the Berkshire countryside.
Woking Golf Club, Surrey:
Founded in 1893 and designed by Tom Dunn with later enhancements by Harry Colt, Woking Golf Club is a quintessential heathland gem that captures the spirit of traditional golf. The compact routing features a drive-able par 4 1st hole along with many classic design elements that harken back to the golden age of golf course architecture and which requires player to hit every club in their bag. Woking offers golfers a true test of skill and strategy.
Hankley Common Golf Club, Surrey:
A little to South West of its more famous Surrey neighbors, Hankley Common Golf Club offers golfers a unique blend of heathland golf and breathtaking scenery. Designed by legendary architect James Braid, the course meanders through ancient heathland terrain, with each hole presenting its own set of challenges. From the elevated tees to the heather-lined fairways, Hankley Common captivates golfers with its natural beauty and strategic layout.
The Berkshire, Berkshire:
Sunningdale's next door neighbor also has the distinction of having two courses. The Red and The Blue. Designed by Herbert Fowler in 1928, both courses offer a classic heathland golfing experience amidst the picturesque Berkshire countryside. The Red Course, famous for its unusual make up of 6 par 3s, 6 par 4s and 6 par 5s is a blast to play and The Blue, though often lower rated, is no joke - the very first hole is a 200 yard par 3 with a long carry over, you guessed it, heather!.
