In 1909, Edward George Villiers, the 17th Earl of Derby, founded one of the most unique London golf clubs – Swinley Forest. Built on the golf-friendly Surrey sand belt that has produced so many exceptional courses, Swinley is a worthy addition to the pride of England golf.
Although never obtaining a “Royal” designation, Swinley Forest Golf Club is situated across Great Windsor Park land rented from King George VII for a nominal fee. This course is worth playing on your trip, whether alone or as part of a London golf tour.
The course at Swinley Forest is not long, as a par 68/69, and it measures 6,431 yards. While the scorecard yardage seems short, Swinley Forest plays deceptively long with undulating greens, many with a false front and stunning run-offs that demand an imaginative short game to get close to the pin.
There are only two par 5s as scoring opportunities at Swinley Forest. The course also features eleven par 4s and five par 3s routed through the pines with heather, azaleas, and rhododendrons providing splashes of brilliant color and hazards to low scores.
Villiers was said to have been tired of slow play and other policies at Sunningdale Golf Club, leading to the creation of Swinley Forest. However, he was quite a fan of the pro at the time, Harry Colt.
Along with being a superb professional, Colt was developing a reputation as “the” golf course designer of the day and Villiers was keen that only he could do justice to the new course. Often considered one of his best designs, Colt modestly described his lowkey brilliance as, “…my least bad course.”
It was never built for championship play but rather purely for the enjoyment of the aristocracy. As evidence, it was only in the 1990s that Swinley even had scorecards and scheduled formal member competitions.
Just as scores were not recorded, being the playground of the UK’s Blue Book, most history of the Club and stories of classic matches exist only in member’s heads – much of which sadly will never be known.
What may be the best description and reason to not leave this special place off for your England golf tour is that Swinley Forest has, “The inescapable impression that the place fell asleep many years ago and slumbered on for decades, the Rip Van Winkle of golf clubs.”
It may not have the length of a modern course, but it has more style than all the other clubs combined. While a mystery and off-limits to visiting golfers for much of its existence, Swinley Forest now allows limited visitor play on weekdays and is well worth adding to your itinerary.
Nestled among the pine and heather-filled woodlands on the Berkshire sandbelt, Swinley Forest Golf Club offers a serene golfing experience accompanied by the quintessential English old-world charm. The course sits a few miles from Ascot and Windsor and combines the convenience of being a short trip from a charming urban area with the enjoyment of a quiet and secluded setting.
The golf course itself was designed by the great Harry Colt under commission from the then 17th Earl of Derby, Edward George Villiers Sandley. He wanted a course for himself and his fellow aristocrats to enjoy a less competitive and more relaxed game of golf, which could sometimes be hindered by the longer and more traditional courses.
Swinley Forest was created to embody a quietly refined ethos, which it has maintained from the early 18th century to modern times.
While every hole at Swinley Forest has its charm, a select few have earned legendary status among those lucky enough to play Harry Colt’s masterpiece. These highlights show why Colt modestly called it his “least bad” design—yet many consider it his finest.
At just 324 yards, the 3rd is a tempting, driveable par 4 with no bunkers between tee and green. Shaping a gentle draw along the fairway’s curve rewards golfers with extra roll on the firm heathland turf.
The 4th is among Britain’s most admired par 3s—an uphill Redan-style gem that’s as beautiful as it is demanding.
Renowned architect Tom Doak named the 12th among the best 18 holes in Great Britain and Ireland. This dog-leg left through a heather-lined valley perfectly captures Colt’s genius for routing and strategy.
Don’t let the course dimensions fool you, this is a genuine test from start to finish. Long regarded as one of English golf’s hidden gems, it rewards precision and thoughtful course management over power. Much like its neighbor Sunningdale Golf Club, it also offers an excellent clubhouse setting, making it an ideal place to unwind with a well-deserved post-round drink.
Just a short distance from London, Pennyhill Park stands out as the ideal base for a South England golf tour. The property is pure luxury—highlighted by its world-class spa, widely regarded as one of the finest in the UK, and a Michelin-starred restaurant that elevates the entire experience.
Nestled among the pine and heather-filled woodlands on the Berkshire sandbelt, Swinley Forest Golf Club offers a serene golfing experience accompanied by the quintessential English old-world charm. The course sits a few miles from Ascot and Windsor and combines the convenience of being a short trip from a charming urban area with the enjoyment of a quiet and secluded setting.
The golf course itself was designed by the great Harry Colt under commission from the then 17th Earl of Derby, Edward George Villiers Sandley. He wanted a course for himself and his fellow aristocrats to enjoy a less competitive and more relaxed game of golf, which could sometimes be hindered by the longer and more traditional courses.
Swinley Forest was created to embody a quietly refined ethos, which it has maintained from the early 18th century to modern times.
Combine the fantastic heathland courses near London and the challenging links of southeast England on a week-long South East England golf tour. Include the famous sights of London during your stay.
7 nights accommodation and 6 rounds of golf
Prices starting from $7,855 per golfer
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Swinley Forest Golf Club; Swinley Forest
Swinley Forest Golf Club, Bodens Ride, Coronation Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 9LE, United Kingdom
1909
One of the UK’s more private clubs; limited visitor access on selected days – opening hours and tee availability must be confirmed directly or via Premier Golf.
Harry Colt-designed heathland course – 18 holes; par 69; a little over 6,000 yards from the back tees. Established 1909, routed over rolling pine and heather terrain; famed for its natural bunkering and classic ‘Golden Age’ architecture. Precise WHS rating and slope depend on tee set but it is regarded as a demanding test despite modest yardage.
Classic, understated clubhouse with bar and dining; locker rooms and showers; practice facilities and putting green; pro shop; highly curated visitor days typically coordinated via hosted groups and tour operators.
Frequently cited as one of Colt’s finest inland designs and a regular presence in GB&I Top 100 rankings; widely admired for its charm, routing and pure heathland character.
Sunningdale; The Berkshire; Walton Heath; Wentworth; Mill Ride; Royal Ascot.
Yes, visitors are accepted on weekdays only and must secure their visit through prior arrangement.
Yes, Swinley Forest offers practice facilities, including a short practice area suitable for hitting up to a 7-iron, a practice net, and a putting green. Golfers are advised to bring their own practice balls.
Yes, visitors have the option to rent golf clubs, buggies, trolleys, and electric trolleys. It’s advisable to arrange any equipment rentals in advance to ensure availability.
Swinley Forest Golf Club features a single, highly acclaimed 18-hole course designed by Harry Colt. The course comprises 2 par 5s, 11 par 4s, and 5 par 3s, offering a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers.
No, Swinley Forest does not publicly state a handicap requirement, but visitors are advised to confirm with the club before booking.
The best time to play Swinley Forest is from April to October, when the course is in peak condition and the weather is most favorable.
