Walton Heath’s Old Course is one of the great inland tests in British golf – an expansive, windswept heathland layout just south of London. Designed by Herbert Fowler in 1904, it has hosted a Ryder Cup, British Masters, US Open Qualifiers, and the 2023 Women’s British Open. The course sprawls across an open, heather-covered common, with firm turf, subtle elevation changes, and deep bunkering that frames every shot. Unlike many parkland or woodland tracks, there’s no protection from the elements here – wind and strategy dictate everything. Tee shots must be precise to avoid swathes of purple heather, and approaches require creativity into fast, undulating greens. The routing is wide but thoughtful, flowing through natural terrain without feeling repetitive. The opening hole is famously long and tough, while the closing stretch offers scoring chances if you’ve stayed disciplined. It’s traditional, stern, and honest – a throwback that still holds its own in the modern game.