The 9 Best Golf Courses in London

London is home to some of the finest golf courses in the world, offering a blend of rich history, exceptional design, and challenging layouts that cater to golfers of all skill levels. 

Renowned clubs like Sunningdale Golf Club, with its immaculate fairways and a reputation as one of the top courses in England, showcase traditional yet challenging design amidst scenic Berkshire heathland. St George’s Hill Golf Club, equally prestigious, offers a beautifully crafted layout that has hosted numerous championships. 

Here, we’ll discover the best courses in London you need to add to your next England golf adventure.

1. Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course)

Sunningdale Golf Club’s Old Course, located in Berkshire, England, is widely regarded as one of the finest in the world. Designed by Harry Colt and opened in 1901, the course is known for its stunning natural beauty, with heathland fairways and challenging greens that require precision and skill.

When the course was being constructed, the club received a special gift of “sacred turf” from the Old Course at St. Andrews, a gesture that further solidified its prestigious connection to the game’s roots. When playing the course, don’t let the scenic beauty distract you – the hazards are strategically placed, and patience is crucial to navigate them.

Opened: 1901
Par: 70
Length: 6,627 yards
Designers include: Willie Park Jr. (1901)
Difficulty: Slope 113 / Rating 70.0

2. Swinley Forest Golf Club

Swinley Forest Golf Club, nestled in the heart of Berkshire, England, is a hidden gem with a rich history. Founded in 1909, the course was designed by the renowned architect Harry Colt, and its layout blends seamlessly into the surrounding pine forests. 

The course’s fairways and greens are actually set in the middle of a working forest, giving it a unique, serene atmosphere that feels almost like a walk through nature. The 11th hole is one to watch – a dogleg right that requires an accurate drive over a ridge, followed by an approach to a tricky green.

Opened: 1909
Par: 68
Length: 6,431 yards
Designers include: Harry Colt (1909), Frank Pont (2012)
Difficulty: Slope 136 / Rating 71.0\

3. St Georges Hill Golf Club (Red & Blue)

Red

St George’s Hill Golf Club’s Red Course, located in Surrey, England, is renowned for its challenging layout and picturesque surroundings. Designed by renowned architect Henry Cotton in 1912, the Red Course is considered the most demanding of the club’s three courses.

One of its unique aspects is its combination of traditional parkland and heathland, giving the course a distinctive character. The 4th hole, a dogleg right, is an excellent example of the strategic design – position your drive well, and you’ll have a good chance at birdie.

Opened: 1913
Par: 35
Length: 3210 yards
Designers include: H. S. Colt (1913), Tim Lobb (2017), Neil Coles
Difficulty: Slope 135 / Rating 71.6

Blue

St George’s Hill Golf Club’s Blue Course, also designed by Henry Cotton in 1912, offers a unique golfing experience within the club’s scenic and prestigious grounds in Surrey, England. 

Known for its strategic layout, the Blue Course is often considered slightly more forgiving than the club’s Red Course. The 4th hole, a dogleg right, is an excellent example of the strategic design – position your drive well, and you’ll have a good chance at birdie.

Opened: 1913
Par: 35
Length: 3331 yards
Designers include: H. S. Colt (1913), Tim Lobb (2017), Neil Coles (N/A)
Difficulty: Slope 135 / Rating 71.6

4. Walton Heath Golf Club (Old Course)

Walton Heath Golf Club’s Old Course, established in 1903 and designed by Herbert Fowler, is a classic example of traditional heathland golf. The course is set in the picturesque Surrey countryside, with vast stretches of heather, gorse, and natural terrain that make it both beautiful and challenging.

The Old Course’s signature holes are the par-3 16th and the long par-4 18th, both of which are steeped in history and offer a true test of skill. The par-3 16th, known as the “Witch’s Hat,” demands accuracy over a large waste area to a green that slopes severely. Make sure your approach shots to the greens are well-calculated to avoid trouble.

Opened: 1904
Par: 72
Length: 7331 yards
Designers include: Herbert Fowler (1904), Donald Steel (2014), Tom MacKenzie (N/A), Martin Ebert (N/A)
Difficulty: Slope 131 / Rating 75.7

5. The Berkshire Golf Club (Red Course)

The Red Course at Berkshire Golf Club, designed by the legendary Harry Colt in 1928, is one of the most respected and challenging courses in England. Set within the club’s picturesque parkland, the course is known for its traditional design, featuring strategic bunkering, subtle doglegs, and fast, undulating greens.

The layout is characterized by its variety of holes, from testing par-3s to demanding par-4s, which require both power and accuracy. The Red Course is often praised for its immaculate condition and its ability to test golfers’ skills without relying on length alone.

Opened: 1928
Par: 72
Length: 6452 yards
Designers include: Herbert Fowler (1928), Tom Simpson (1928), Tim Lobb (2017)
Difficulty: Slope 131 / Rating 71.2

6. The Addington Golf Club

Just 10 miles from the heart of London, the Addington Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in London, founded in 1885. The club is renowned for its beautiful and challenging course, which is set in the rolling countryside of South London and surrounded by lush greenery.

The Addington Golf Club is often overlooked, but it’s a hidden gem. Its wide fairways can make it seem more straightforward, but the greens are fast and often tricky. Pay close attention to approach shots on holes 8 and 16, where the greens are surrounded by bunkers that demand a precise shot. 

Opened: 1913
Par: 69 
Length: 6300 yards
Designers include: N/A
Difficulty: Slope 113 / Rating 70.0

7. Worplesdon Golf Club

Worplesdon Golf Club, founded in 1894, is a prestigious and historic golf club located in Surrey, England. Designed by renowned architect Harry Colt, the 18-hole, par-71 course offers a challenging yet fair test for golfers, set amidst the picturesque Surrey Hills. 

Known for its tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkers, and scenic views, the course provides a classic English golfing experience. The 10th hole is a par-4 that plays longer than it looks – be sure to select the right club off the tee to leave yourself with a manageable approach shot. Also, avoid being short on the par-3 13th – the green is deep, and a long putt could be daunting.

Opened: 1908
Par: 71 
Length: 6481 yards
Designers include: Willie Park, Jr. (1908), H. S. Colt,  Jonathan Gaunt (2003), Steve Marnoch (2003)
Difficulty: Slope 110 / Rating 70.0

8. West Hill Golf Club

West Hill Golf Club, founded in 1903, is a prestigious golf club located in Woking, Surrey. Known for its beautiful, tree-lined 18-hole course designed by Harry Colt, West Hill offers a challenging and scenic golfing experience. 

The par-71 course features undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and picturesque views, making it a favorite among golfers of all levels. When playing the par-4 4th, avoid the fairway bunkers on the left side; they’ll leave you with a tricky approach. 

Opened: 1909
Par: 69
Length: 6402 yards
Designers include: Jonathan Gaunt (2001), Willie Park, Jr. (1909), Steve Marnoch (2002), Neil Coles
Difficulty: Slope 137 / Rating 70.9

9. Knole Park Golf Club

Knole Park Golf Club, located in Sevenoaks, Kent, is a historic and picturesque golf course set within the stunning 1,000-acre Knole Park. Established in 1924, the club offers a challenging 18-hole, par 69 course that blends natural beauty with strategic design. 

The course winds through ancient woodlands and parkland, with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and the famous Knole House. Known for its commitment to preserving the natural environment, the club features an array of wildlife, including deer that roam the park.

Opened: 1924
Par: 70 
Length: 6669 yards
Designers include: James Braid (1924), Simon Gidman (2014)
Difficulty: Slope 133 / Rating 71.7

London’s golf courses offer an extraordinary range of experiences, blending rich history with exceptional design and challenging layouts.

To make your golfing experience even more seamless and enjoyable, Premier Golf can handle all the details for you. From booking tee times to arranging transportation and accommodations, Premier Golf takes care of everything, ensuring a stress-free and unforgettable golf trip.