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Sunningdale, Berkshire

Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course)

An inland masterpiece where Willie Park Jr.'s genius meets manicured heathland—every shot feels like golf the way it was meant to be played.

About the Course

Sunningdale's Old Course is nothing short of a pilgrimage for serious golfers. Opened in 1901 and designed by Willie Park Jr., this 6,627-yard heathland layout sits among the greatest inland courses on the planet, consistently ranked in the world's top 50. The course unfolds through a stunning landscape of birch and pine forest, where strategically placed heather, gorse, and precisely crafted bunkers demand both precision and respect. Playing the Old is a pure test of placement and strategy—you cannot simply overpower your way around. The undulating greens are legendary for their size and subtle breaks, rewarding the thoughtful player while punishing the careless. Walking away from the 18th toward the iconic oak tree that graces the clubhouse is an experience that stays with you for a lifetime. Bobby Jones called it perfect, and generations of golfers have come to understand why. The course is immaculately maintained, with greens running like glass and fairways cut to championship standards. Beyond the round itself, the historic clubhouse bursts with golf memorabilia, and the legendary sausage sandwich at the halfway house fuels your adventure. This is golf stripped of pretension but loaded with substance—a must-play for any serious golfer.

Why It's Great for Groups
  • Two world-class courses on one property—the Old and New courses represent arguably the finest 36 holes of golf in the British Isles, allowing groups to experience back-to-back masterpieces
  • Historic 125-year legacy with Bobby Jones' famous 1926 'Perfect Round' and hosted major championships including the Senior Open and Walker Cup, creating unmatched prestige
  • Immaculate conditioning and maintenance standards with championship-quality greens and fairways, plus legendary halfway hut sausage sandwiches that have become part of golfing folklore
  • Walking-only, caddie-optional course that preserves the classical golf experience and enforces pace of play, ensuring unrushed rounds under four hours
  • Perfect 36-hole itinerary for groups—play the tougher New first, enjoy excellent hospitality between rounds, then savor the more forgiving but equally beautiful Old Course with fresh energy
Courses on Property
Old Course18 holes · Par 70

6,627-yard Willie Park Jr. masterpiece featuring undulating greens, strategic bunkering, and heather-lined fairways through pine and birch forest.

New Course18 holes · Par 70

6,729-yard Harry Colt design opened in 1923, considered more challenging with raised greens and tougher bunkering, ideal to play first on a 36-hole day.

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Key Details
💰
Green Fees
$325/person est.
🚶
Walking Friendly
Yes
🎒
Caddies Available
Yes
📅
Best Time to Visit
April through October, Monday to Thursday. Summer (May-July) offers best conditions with purple heather blooming July-September. Avoid August (course closed to visitors). Spring and autumn provide excellent weather with fewer crowds. Early season (April-May) and late season (September-October) offer pleasant conditions and better availability for group bookings.
LinksParklandHistoricWalking OnlyCaddies AvailableChampionshipBucket ListMajor Venue
Nearby Lodging