The 9 Best Golf Courses in London
London is often overlooked as a golf destination, with Scotland typically dominating the conversation. Yet the English capital is home to one of the highest concentrations of world-class golf courses, with many of England’s most prestigious clubs located within an hour of Central London. Combined with easy access from Heathrow and Gatwick airports, a London golf trip is both convenient and rewarding.
From renowned heathland layouts to championship venues, the best golf courses in London showcase exceptional architecture and rich history. Whether you’re planning a dedicated England golf vacation or adding rounds to a London itinerary, the region offers outstanding golf within easy reach of the city.
In this guide, we’ll rank the top London golf courses, explain what makes each one special, and provide expert recommendations to help you plan your next London golf trip.
| Course | Location | Architect | Opened | Best For |
| Sunningdale Old Course | Berkshire | Willie Park Jr. | 1901 | Strategic play, Heathland scenery, Historic rounds, Global ranking |
| Sunningdale New Course | Berkshire | Harry Colt | 1923 | Stunning par-3s, Accurate shot-making |
| Swinley Forest | Berkshire | Harry Colt | 1909 | Classic heathland golf, Exclusive, Relaxed atmosphere |
| Walton Heath Old Course | Surrey | Herbert Fowler | 1904 | Traditional heathland, Championship test, Rich heritage |
| St George’s Hill | Surrey | Harry Colt | 1912 | Hole variety, Roller-coaster terrain, Historic setting |
| The Berkshire Red Course | Berkshire | Harry Colt | 1928 | Unique 6-6-6 routing, Risk-reward scoring, Dramatic scenery |
| Wentworth West Course | Surrey | Harry Colt | 1927 | Elite design and challenge, Championship host |
| Queenwood Golf Club | Surrey | David McLay Kidd | 2001 | Exclusivity, Immaculate course-conditioning, Top-tier hospitality |
| Woking Golf Club | Surrey | Tom Dunn | 1893 | Classic heathland scenery, Strategic shot-making, Historic charm |
Why London is One of the World’s Great Golf Destination
London is one of the world’s premier golf destinations, combining championship golf with one of the world’s greatest cities. The region is home to England’s iconic heathland courses, historic private clubs, and venues that have shaped the game’s history, all within easy reach of Central London. With direct international flights from Heathrow and Gatwick, visitors can pair world-class golf with renowned dining, culture, and sightseeing, making London an ideal base for a golf vacation in England.
“The UK’s capital city of London is the ideal base for a world-class golf trip,” says our expert Mike Eaton. “Combine the historic sights of the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace with some of the finest heathland golf you can find.”
The 9 Best Golf Courses in London
To rank the best golf courses in London, we evaluated each club based on its architectural significance, championship pedigree, course conditioning, overall visitor experience, and accessibility for traveling golfers. While every course on this list offers an exceptional round, each provides something different. Below, you’ll find key details including the course’s architect, notable tournaments, signature holes, difficulty, and our expert recommendations to help you choose the right fit for your golf trip.
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 Willie Park Jr. and opened in 1901, the course is known for its stunning natural beauty, with heathland fairways and challenging greens that require precision and skill.
The Old Course has earned an international reputation for its timeless design and has hosted numerous prestigious championships, including the Walker Cup in 1926, 1955, 1977, and 2000. Its strategic bunkering, fast-running fairways, and exceptional conditioning have made it a favorite among professionals, amateurs, and golf enthusiasts alike.
Opened: 1901
Par: 70
Length: 6,627 yards
Designers include: Willie Park Jr. (1901)
Difficulty: Slope 113 / Rating 70.0
2. Sunningdale Golf Club (New Course)
Sunningdale Golf Club’s New Course is one of Harry Colt’s finest creations and is widely regarded as the equal of the club’s famed Old Course. Opened in 1923, the layout showcases Colt’s signature design philosophy, using the natural heathland terrain to create strategic angles, thoughtfully placed bunkers, and greens that reward precision. While the Old Course often receives more attention, many golfers consider the New Course to be the stronger test, making Sunningdale one of the few clubs in the world where both courses rank among the very best.
Opened: 1923
Par: 71
Length: 6,729 yards
Designer: Harry Colt
Difficulty: Slope 138 / Rating 73.8
3. Swinley Forest Golf Club
Swinley Forest Golf Club, nestled in the heart of Berkshire, England, is one of the country’s most exclusive golf clubs. Founded in 1909 and designed by the renowned Harry Colt, the course is celebrated for its minimalist design, allowing the natural contours and rolling heathland to define the challenge. Its secluded setting has made it a favorite among golf purists for more than a century.
The course offers a peaceful atmosphere that feels more like a walk through nature than a championship venue. The standout 11th hole, a dogleg right requiring a precise drive over a ridge before an approach to a well-protected green, perfectly captures the course’s subtle brilliance.
Opened: 1909
Par: 68
Length: 6,431 yards
Designers include: Harry Colt (1909), Frank Pont (2012)
Difficulty: Slope 136 / Rating 71.0
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. Set among the Surrey countryside, the course is framed by natural terrain that makes it both beautiful and strategically demanding. Its championship pedigree includes hosting the 1981 Ryder Cup, further cementing Walton Heath’s place among England’s most historic golf venues.
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. St Georges Hill Golf Club
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 Harry Colt in 1912, the Red Course is considered the most demanding of the club’s three courses. As one of England’s most exclusive clubs, it offers a rare visitor experience, combining timeless golf architecture with a tranquil setting just outside London.
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
6. The Berkshire Golf Club (Red Course)
The Red Course at Berkshire Golf Club, designed by the legendary Harry Colt and opened in 1928, is one of England’s premier heathland layouts. The course showcases Colt’s timeless design philosophy, with firm-running fairways, strategic bunkering, and fast, undulating greens that reward thoughtful shot-making. Surrounded by towering pines and purple heather, it delivers a classic English golf experience.
The Red Course is known for its welcoming visitor experience and consistently outstanding conditioning. Its varied routing presents a mix of demanding par 3s, strategic par 4s, and risk-reward opportunities, creating a fair but challenging test that appeals to golfers of all abilities.
Opened: 1928
Par: 72
Length: 6452 yards
Designers include: Herbert Fowler (1928), Tom Simpson (1928), Tim Lobb (2017)
Difficulty: Slope 131 / Rating 71.2
7. Wentworth West Course
Wentworth Club’s West Course is one of England’s most prestigious championship venues and the longtime home of the BMW PGA Championship, the DP World Tour’s flagship event. Originally designed by Harry Colt, the course features a strategic design that creates a true championship test.
Playing the West Course offers a chance to experience the same fairways and greens that host many of the world’s best golfers each year. Its tournament atmosphere, modern prestige, and championship pedigree make it one of the premier golf experiences in England.
Opened: 1926
Par: 72
Length: 7284 yards
Designers include: Harry Colt (1926)
Difficulty: Slope 153 / Rating 77.5
8. Queenwood Golf Club
Queenwood Golf Club is one of England’s most exclusive private clubs, offering a luxury golf experience just outside London. Designed by David McLay Kidd and opened in 2001, the course combines modern architecture with immaculate conditioning, featuring heather-lined fairways and a secluded setting that has earned an elite international reputation.
With limited access and world-class service, Queenwood delivers a refined golf experience from start to finish. Its exclusive atmosphere makes it one of the most sought-after rounds in England.
Opened: 2001
Par: 72
Length: 6,851 yards
Designer: David McLay Kidd (2001)
Difficulty: Slope 138 / Rating 73.0
9. Woking Golf Club
Woking Golf Club is one of England’s great historic golf clubs and an underappreciated classic. Opened in 1893 and designed by Tom Dunn before being refined by Stuart Paton, the course is celebrated for its strategic architecture, rewarding thoughtful positioning and precision. Its natural heather and understated design have made it a favorite among golf architecture enthusiasts for more than a century.
While it lacks the profile of some neighboring clubs, Woking consistently ranks among England’s finest inland courses. Its timeless layout and rich heritage make it an essential stop for golfers seeking an authentic heathland experience.
Opened: 1893
Par: 70
Length: 6,273 yards
Designers: Tom Dunn (1893), Stuart Paton
Difficulty: Slope 131 / Rating 71.1
Planning a London Golf Trip
Planning a London golf trip is surprisingly easy, with many of England’s top courses located within an hour of Central London. Heathrow Airport offers the most convenient access to Surrey and Berkshire’s renowned clubs, while Gatwick is another excellent option depending on your itinerary. Renting a car is the easiest way to reach the region’s premier courses, although private transfers are also widely available.
“When planning a London golf trip, I recommend either staying at Penny Hill Park or Fairmont Windsor,” says our expert Mike Eaton. “Both offer easy access to the best golf without having to stay in the city centre, while the UK public transport system means the city is still in easy reach.”
For most golfers, a 4-7-day itinerary provides enough time to play several courses while enjoying London’s world-class hotels, restaurants, and attractions. The best golf conditions are typically found from May through September, with spring and early autumn offering excellent weather and fewer crowds.
Suggested London Golf Itineraries
3-Night London Heathland Golf Experience
- 3 nights’ accommodation at Fairmont Windsor Park
- 3 rounds of golf at Sunningdale, Swinley Forest, and St Georges Hill
- On-site assistance of a Premier Golf representative
7-Night London & The South East Experience
- 7 nights’ accommodation in 4 & 5-star hotels, including daily breakfast
- 6 rounds of golf, including Sunningdale, Swinley Forest, Royal Cinque Ports, and Royal St Georges, Princes, and St Georges Hill
- Self-drive automatic rental car or transfers or chauffeur driven van
- On-site assistance of a Premier Golf representative
London Plus Open Championship Extension
- Enjoy the iconic sights of London while playing world-class Open rota courses, including Royal St Georges and Royal Cinque Ports
Start Planning Your London Golf Vacation
At Premier Golf, we specialize in creating customized England golf vacations that combine the country’s finest courses with luxury travel experiences. Whether you’re planning a golf-focused getaway or a broader UK itinerary, our team handles every detail to create a seamless journey.
From securing sought-after tee times and luxury accommodations to coordinating transportation, we build every itinerary around your preferences. With decades of expertise and access to many of England’s most prestigious clubs, Premier Golf delivers unforgettable golf journeys tailored to you.
FAQs
London is home to some of England’s most prestigious golf courses, many of which are located within an hour of Central London. Standout options include Sunningdale Old Course, Sunningdale New Course, Walton Heath Old Course, Wentworth West Course, Swinley Forest, and St George’s Hill. These courses are renowned for their championship pedigree, exceptional course architecture, and world-class playing conditions, making London one of the premier golf destinations in Europe.
Most of London’s top golf courses can be reached within 30 to 90 minutes by car from Central London. Courses such as Wentworth, Sunningdale, Swinley Forest, and Walton Heath are all located in Surrey or Berkshire, making them easily accessible from Heathrow Airport and the city center. This proximity allows golfers to combine championship golf with London’s hotels, restaurants and cultural attractions.
The best time to play golf in London is typically between May and September, when temperatures are mild, courses are at their peak condition, and daylight hours are longest. Spring and early fall can also provide excellent playing conditions with fewer crowds. Many golfers prefer late summer, when heathland courses such as Sunningdale and The Berkshire showcase their famous purple heather in full bloom.
Yes, many of London’s most prestigious private clubs welcome visitors, although access is often subject to availability, handicap requirements and advance booking. Courses such as Sunningdale, Walton Heath and The Berkshire regularly accommodate visiting golfers. Working with a specialist golf travel provider can help secure tee times and ensure access to highly sought-after clubs.
A three- to five-day itinerary is ideal for most golfers visiting London. This allows enough time to experience several of the region’s premier courses while also enjoying the city’s attractions, dining scene and historic landmarks. Golfers looking to extend their trip can combine London with famous destinations such as Royal St George’s, Prince’s, or other championship venues across England.
Heathrow Airport is typically the most convenient option for international golfers, particularly those planning to play courses in Surrey, Berkshire and surrounding areas. Gatwick Airport can also be an excellent choice depending on your itinerary. Both airports provide easy access to many of London’s top golf courses and luxury accommodation options.
Many private and championship golf courses in England request proof of handicap before allowing visitors to book tee times. While requirements vary by club, golfers should generally be prepared to provide evidence of an official handicap index. It’s always advisable to check individual club policies before traveling.
For first-time visitors, Sunningdale Old Course is often considered the quintessential London golf experience thanks to its historic reputation, outstanding heathland setting and welcoming atmosphere. Wentworth West Course offers a chance to experience one of Europe’s most famous tournament venues, while Walton Heath provides a classic championship test that showcases the best of English inland golf.
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