Sunningdale - Old

The epitome of English golf. Sunningdale Old is elegant, strategic, and historic – a heathland masterpiece where beauty meets pedigree.

Slope Rating

140

Par

70

Yardage

6,627

The Old Course at Sunningdale is a timeless treasure – often ranked among the best inland courses in the world. Designed by Willie Park Jr. in 1901, it winds gracefully through towering pines, golden heather, and sandy ridges on Surrey’s famous heathland. The routing is as refined as it is beautiful – a series of flowing holes that reward strategy, placement, and touch over brute strength. The course opens gently before building toward a glorious back nine stretch. The par-4 10th, rising toward the iconic halfway house, is one of golf’s great moments. Greens are subtly contoured, fairways impeccably maintained, and bunkering beautifully shaped. Every hole is natural, unforced, and charming – from the short par-3 8th to the dogleg 17th. The setting is quiet, exclusive, and steeped in history – legends from Bobby Jones to Rory McIlroy have praised it. It’s not long by modern standards, but that’s irrelevant – scoring here is about precision and poise. Sunningdale Old isn’t just a round of golf. It’s a masterclass in course design and a love letter to the game.

Designer

Willie Park Jr. (1901)

Opened

1901

Tee time availability

Difficult

Special information

Strictly limited visitor access – book via Executive Golf & Leisure. Play as a guest or corporate invite only. Jackets required in clubhouse.

Tiger’s best round

Rory’s best round

62 – in practice round (2015)

Mens course record

62 – Nick Faldo, Adam Scott (tied)

Ladies course record

Round duration

4 hours 30 minutes

Caddy guide

Recommended – not essential, but adds insight and tradition to the experience

Buggies

Available by request – walking preferred for full experience

Play positionally – aim for ideal angles into pins, and don’t chase yardage. The green complexes require deft short game and distance control. It’s about shaping, not smashing.

Pick smart lines off the tee and favour centre-green targets. The course is fair but punishes impatience. Enjoy the routing – it helps you build rhythm.

One of the most welcoming elite courses in terms of playability. Avoid the heather, stay calm around the greens, and enjoy the tradition. A caddy can be invaluable here.

Green speed

10 – true, fast, and firm with classic contours

Wind

Typically light – trees shield much of the course, but subtle breezes influence club choice

Pace of play

Impeccable – elite standards of marshalling and etiquette

Nerves on the first tee

Moderate – understated setting, but the prestige of the club carries quiet pressure

Clubhouse

Iconic and traditional – wood-panelled, historic, and quietly magnificent

The 10th is world famous – a long par-4 uphill to a green beside the halfway house. The 8th is a short par-3 over a heathery hollow, and the 12th is a sweeping dogleg requiring precise placement and a bold approach.

Dry and playable nearly all year due to sandy heathland soil. Summer is sublime – spring and autumn offer cooler conditions with beautiful golden light.