Sunningdale - New

Bolder, tougher, and more rugged than its sibling. The New Course is a true test of shotmaking set within glorious English heathland.

Slope Rating

142

Par

70

Yardage

6,729

While the Old Course charms, the New Course challenges. Opened in 1923 and designed by Harry Colt, the New Course at Sunningdale is often viewed as the sterner test – longer, tighter, and more muscular in feel. It still shares the same stunning heathland terrain as the Old – towering pines, sweeping heather, and sandy turf – but the routing is more demanding. Tee shots are framed narrower, and several holes play uphill with demanding carries or sloped landing areas. The front nine builds steadily, culminating in the intimidating par-4 9th. The back nine features several strong two-shotters and a long par-3 13th with a sloping green set beneath tall trees. Every bunker is beautifully sculpted, and the green surrounds require delicate touch. Despite its name, the New Course is a classic – mature, revered, and equally beloved by purists. It’s often considered one of the best inland tests in the UK. Play both courses back-to-back and you’ll understand why Sunningdale is a golfing pilgrimage.

Designer

Harry Colt

Opened

1923

Tee time availability

Difficult

Special information

Play typically as a 36-hole day with the Old. Advance booking via invitation or Executive Golf & Leisure programme. Adheres to strict etiquette and attire.

Tiger’s best round

Rory’s best round

Mens course record

62 – Zane Scotland (2005 Open Qualifying)

Ladies course record

Round duration

4 hours 30 minutes

Caddy guide

Recommended – especially valuable for navigating doglegs and tricky green surrounds

Buggies

Permitted by request; walking highly encouraged

Demanding tee shots into narrow corridors. Control spin into sloped greens and be precise with distance. Course rewards patience and full control of trajectory.

More penal than the Old – stick to safe lines and don’t chase flags. Manage your round hole by hole, and lean on your short game.

Challenging, but beautiful. Use forward tees, keep it in play, and take in the setting. Missing in the heather is costly – stay disciplined.

Green speed

10 – firm and fast, with classic undulations

Wind

Light – trees offer protection but breezes still influence shots on open holes

Pace of play

Excellent – strong etiquette culture and attentive marshalling

Nerves on the first tee

Moderate – traditional surroundings and tight fairway create quiet tension

Clubhouse

Same as the Old – timeless, traditional, and among the most iconic in Britain

The par-4 6th is a sweeping dogleg left framed by trees and heather. The 9th is a long, rising par-4 demanding two big strikes. The 13th is a beautiful but brutal par-3 playing over a valley into a sloped, well-protected green.

Superb heathland drainage keeps conditions dry and firm. Summer brings ideal light and bounce. Winter play possible, but spring and autumn may offer the best playing balance.