Best Golf Courses in Surrey — Heathland Golf Capital of England

Ask which part of the London area has the finest golf, and most golfers will say Surrey. The county and its Berkshire border hold a famous cluster of heathland courses. Sunningdale, Walton Heath, Wentworth, Hankley Common and The Berkshire all sit close together. As a result, Surrey is one of the great golf regions in England.

This guide covers why the heathland is so good for golf, the best-known clubs and how to plan a visit. You can browse every Surrey course in our directory or every course we list in England.

Why Surrey heathland is so good for golf

It starts with the ground. Much of west Surrey sits on sandy, acidic soil. That soil drains fast, so the turf stays firm and fast even after rain. In addition, heather, pine and silver birch thrive on it, which gives the courses their look.

Most of the famous courses were built in the late Victorian and Edwardian years. Great designers such as Willie Park Jr., Herbert Fowler and Harry Colt worked here. Our heathland golf guide explains the style in more depth.

Walton Heath Golf Club

Walton Heath sits high on the North Downs near Tadworth. Herbert Fowler designed both courses, and the Old Course opened in 1904. The Old hosted the 1981 Ryder Cup, while the club staged the AIG Women’s Open in 2023. Meanwhile, the New Course is a little shorter, and some golfers prefer it.

Visitors can play, although weekday tee times are easier to get. Our guide to championship golf courses covers Walton Heath’s big-event history.

Sunningdale Golf Club

Sunningdale sits just over the border in Berkshire. Willie Park Jr. designed the Old Course, which opened in 1901. Harry Colt designed the New Course, which opened in 1923. The club has hosted the Walker Cup, the Women’s British Open and the Senior Open. Since demand is high, book well ahead.

Wentworth Club

Wentworth, at Virginia Water, is the course most golf fans know from television. Its West Course, a Harry Colt design from 1926, hosts the BMW PGA Championship each year. The East Course, also by Colt, is older, while the Edinburgh Course was designed by John Jacobs. Wentworth also hosted the 1953 Ryder Cup.

The Berkshire Golf Club

The Berkshire sits near Ascot, just over the county line. It has two heathland courses, the Red and the Blue, through heather and pine. It is known for good conditions and a warm welcome. Therefore, it is a fine choice if Sunningdale is full.

Hankley Common Golf Club

Hankley Common sits on open heathland near Farnham. The club opened in 1897 with nine holes, and it grew to eighteen in 1922. The course feels wild and natural, with heather everywhere. Still, it is less famous than Sunningdale, so tee times are often easier to find.

Worplesdon, West Surrey and Hindhead

Worplesdon, near Woking, threads through heather and pine. It is famous for the Worplesdon Mixed Foursomes, a long-running mixed pairs event.

West Surrey, near Godalming, is a compact heathland course with plenty of variety.

Hindhead sits high in the Surrey Hills, near the village of the same name. The height gives it wide views. In addition, it is often better value than the famous names.

Parkland golf in Surrey

Not all Surrey golf is heathland. The county also has parkland clubs with tree-lined fairways. Our guide to the best parkland golf courses explains the difference between the styles.

Green fees

Surrey is not cheap. The top heathland clubs charge some of the highest green fees in England, while smaller clubs cost less. Since prices change each year, check each club’s own website before you book. Many clubs also offer twilight or winter rates.

Getting there

Surrey is easy to reach from London. Trains from Waterloo stop at Virginia Water and Sunningdale, while Tadworth is the nearest station for Walton Heath. By car, the M25, M3 and A3 serve most of the clubs.

Our page on golf courses near London covers courses on the way out of the city.

Combining Surrey with nearby counties

Surrey sits between Kent and Hampshire, so it pairs well with both. Our Kent golf guide covers the Sandwich links and the Weald. Similarly, our Hampshire golf guide covers heath and downland further south-west. If you are heading for the coast, the directory lists golf courses near Southampton and golf courses near Brighton.

Plan a Surrey golf trip

A good two-day trip might pair Walton Heath with Hankley Common, or Sunningdale with The Berkshire. Book the famous names first, then fill the gaps. Wherever you play, Surrey’s heathland is a joy to walk.

Planning kit? For comparing Motocaddy and PowaKaddy trolleys, see our guide.