In the early 1930s, Bobby Jones partnered with Alister MacKenzie to design Augusta National, creating a golf course that would become a symbol of exclusivity and prestige. However, before this iconic collaboration, Jones had already fallen in love with Sunningdale Golf Club in England. More than half a decade before Augusta National’s inception, Jones traveled to England and qualified for the 1926 Open Championship by playing two competitive rounds on the Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Club. The beauty and allure of Sunningdale captivated Jones, leading him to refer to it as a course he wished he could take home with him.
Sunningdale Golf Club, located in Surrey County just southwest of London, features a heathland golf course meticulously routed through a hardwood forest. The Old Course at Sunningdale, which opened 124 years ago, showcases stunning hillsides that have a timeless quality to them. Augusta National, designed by Jones and MacKenzie, bears some resemblance to the magic of Sunningdale, reflecting Jones’ enchantment with the English course. Furthermore, Sunningdale’s second course, the New, offers a similarly enchanting experience, with rolling hills, blooming heather, and majestic oak trees framing the fairways.
The experience at Sunningdale goes beyond the golf course itself, extending to the post-round relaxation on the club’s deck. Much like the iconic veranda at Augusta National, Sunningdale’s deck offers a magical setting to unwind after a day of golf. The allure of Sunningdale and its surroundings inspired Jones to create a similar ambiance at Augusta National, emphasizing the significance of this English golf course in the development of Jones’ vision for a world-class golf club.
Surrey County’s heathland courses, including Sunningdale, The Berkshire, Walton Heath, Swinley Forest, and St. George’s Hill, represent the epitome of Old World golf. These historic venues, established in the early 20th century, offer a unique golfing experience characterized by firm, fast-playing sand-based terrain. The courses feature intricate routing that incorporates natural topography, challenging players with bumps, contours, and a ground game that demands creativity and imagination.
One of the defining features of Surrey’s heathland courses is the expansive swathes of heather lining many fairways. While visually unassuming from a distance, the heather poses a deceptive challenge, grabbing golf clubs and stealing golf balls with ease. Playing out of the heather requires skill and finesse, adding an element of unpredictability to the golfing experience. Additionally, the courses leverage natural features like side-hill lies and strategic hazards to create a memorable test of skill without resorting to excessive length.
Despite their private status, Surrey’s heathland golf clubs welcome outside play through proper channels of booking tee times with the club’s secretary. Visitors can appreciate the beauty and challenges of these historic courses, interacting with members who are passionate about sharing their beloved clubs with enthusiasts. The warm welcome extended to non-members reflects a shift in attitude towards visitors, with members eager to showcase the unique qualities of their courses and contribute to the overall appreciation of the region’s golfing heritage.
In conclusion, Surrey County’s heathland courses offer a rich tapestry of golfing history, natural beauty, and strategic challenges that have captivated players for generations. From the timeless allure of Sunningdale to the intricate layouts of The Berkshire and Walton Heath, these courses provide a glimpse into the roots of golf architecture and design. As Bobby Jones found inspiration in the heathland beauty of Sunningdale, so too can modern golfers discover the magic of Old World golf on these historic English courses. With a proper introduction to the region’s golfing traditions and a respectful appreciation for its unique challenges, players can embrace the essence of Surrey’s heathland golf and create lasting memories on these hallowed grounds.
