Why heathland golf is special
Heathland golf is the other great tradition of British golf alongside links — and the least understood internationally. The fast-draining sandy soil, towering Scots pines, heather rough and perfectly conditioned turf combine to create a style of golf that is distinctive, beautiful and genuinely challenging. At its best, in October when the heather is purple and the light turns golden through the pines, it's golf that's difficult to improve upon.
Premier (The Big Four)
Sunningdale Golf Club
The jewel of English heathland golf. The Old Course at Sunningdale is one of the greatest inland courses in the world — a masterpiece of strategic design through ancient pines and heather. The New Course is its equal in difficulty if not quite in romance. Booking for visitors is selective; a letter from your home club secretary and a single-figure handicap gives you the best chance.
Wentworth Club
The home of the PGA Championship and BMW PGA Championship — one of the most famous names in English golf. The West Course is the signature layout: a demanding, tree-lined test of shot-making through Surrey pine forest. Visitor access has been significantly tightened under recent ownership, but day tickets are available at premium rates.
The Berkshire Golf Club
The Berkshire is perhaps the best value premier heathland round in England. Two superb eighteen-hole courses — the Red Course slightly longer and more dramatic, the Blue slightly more forgiving — share the same wonderful heathland terrain. Visitors are warmly welcomed, and the green fees are modest by comparison with Sunningdale or Wentworth. The Red's par-3s are among the finest on any inland course in England.
Swinley Forest Golf Club
Swinley Forest is the most exclusive course on this list — a private members' club where you can only play as a guest of a member. If you can arrange an invitation, do so without hesitation. The course, designed by Harry Colt in 1909, runs through ancient Berkshire woodland and is one of the most private, atmospheric rounds in England. There's no yardage on the scorecard and no distance markers on the fairways — golf as it was meant to be.
Excellent supporting cast
Camberley Heath Golf Club
A wonderful Harry Colt design that gives visitors a taste of top-quality Surrey heathland at a significantly more accessible green fee. Open to visitors throughout the week, Camberley Heath has excellent conditioning and a genuine heathland character — heather rough, sandy soil, mature pines.
Hankley Common Golf Club
Less well-known than its neighbours but considered by many regulars to be among the finest courses in Surrey. A true heathland course with a wonderful natural feel, excellent turf and superb views across the common. More accessible than Sunningdale, more genuine than many of the corporate golf venues in the area.
The Weekend Plan
Day 1 — Morning at The Berkshire, Afternoon at Camberley Heath
Start your heathland weekend at The Berkshire — one of the most visitor-friendly of the top-tier clubs. Book the Red Course for an early morning tee time; the course is magnificent in autumn low light through the pines. Afternoon, a short drive brings you to Camberley Heath for a second round at a course that delivers genuine quality at a lower price point.
Day 2 — Sunningdale or Hankley Common
For Sunday, you have two options depending on whether you've been able to arrange access to Sunningdale. If you have, this is the day for it — the Old Course deserves a full Sunday morning with no rush. If Sunningdale is out of reach, Hankley Common is an excellent alternative: more natural, less manicured, and genuinely spectacular in the autumn heather.
Getting There
Train from London
Sunningdale station is on the South Western Railway mainline — direct to London Waterloo in 55 minutes. Ascot and Camberley are also well-served. A taxi or Uber from the station to the course takes 5–10 minutes.
Drive from London
The M3 and M25 give good access from central London. Allow 60–90 minutes from central London on a Saturday morning. Avoid the M25 anti-clockwise on Sunday evenings — take the A3 or M3 instead.
Stay locally
Pennyhill Park (Bagshot) is the luxury option and is adjacent to its own spa. More affordable options in Camberley, Guildford or Farnham. Booking a local B&B lets you extend the Saturday into a proper late evening.
Autumn is best
September–November is the finest time for heathland golf. The heather turns purple in late summer; the bracken goes golden in October; the courses are in their best condition after summer rest. Even a crisp winter morning through the pines is magnificent.
More Itineraries
Start Your Heathland Weekend
Add these courses to your trip planner, compare green fees and share the itinerary with your group.