Photo: Andrew Smith · CC BY-SA 2.0
Surrey & Berkshire Heathland, England
Sunningdale Golf Club — Old Course
A heathland classic in Berkshire, widely regarded as one of the finest inland courses in the world.
Course overview
Sunningdale Golf Club was established in 1900, with the Old Course — designed by Willie Park Jr. — opening for play in 1901. Routed through pine and birch heathland southwest of London, it is consistently ranked among the best inland courses anywhere and has hosted multiple editions of the Senior Open Championship. Visitors are welcome Monday to Thursday, outside bank holidays.
The essentials
- Architect
- Willie Park Jr.
- Established
- 1901
- Type
- Heathland
- Par
- 70
- Length
- 6,060 m
- Location
- Berkshire, England
Character & atmosphere
A heathland course through pine, birch and heather rather than open parkland — firm, fast-running fairways and a premium on shot-shaping over raw length. Suited to golfers who enjoy strategic, ground-game golf; the course is demanding but genuinely playable across a range of handicaps.
Highlights
Why play here
- Designed by Willie Park Jr., opened in 1901.
Practical guidance
Plan your visit
How to get there
London Heathrow (LHR) is the closest major airport to Sunningdale, approximately 9–10 miles away — around 20 minutes by car. Direct rail service connects London Waterloo to Sunningdale station, a short walk from the club, making this one of the more easily reached heathland courses without a car. Visitors should note the club is closed to outside play Friday through Sunday and during its late-July to August closure period.
Where to stay
Ascot and the village of Sunningdale itself are the most convenient base, putting the Old Course within a short walk or drive of most accommodation. The area is well known for Ascot Racecourse and sits within easy reach of Windsor and Windsor Great Park, giving non-golfing companions genuine options for a short stay.
Location
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England
Explore Surrey & Berkshire Heathland
The pine-and-heather heathland belt southwest of London, home to Sunningdale's Old Course and some of England's finest inland golf.