What are the Best Golf Courses Around London?

Are you planning a golf trip to London? You'd be surprised how many people ask, where can I play golf near London?

London and surrounding areas such as Hertfordshire, Surrey, Sussex & Kent boast numerous examples of top-tier golf destinations for all levels of golf enthusiasts to enjoy. Just a few miles from the busy nature of London, these home counties provide an escape to the best of golf in England's idyllic countryside. Course's range from parkland in design to the London sandbelt where heathland courses dominate the landscape. 

If you're an avid golfer looking to plan your next England golf trip, our guide to the best courses near London should get you started.

The Grove Golf Course

Host to the World Golf Championship in 2006, won by none other than Tiger Woods, and the stage for the British Masters in 2016, hosted by Luke Donald, The Grove has quickly established itself as one of the UK's finest golf courses. 

Ranked consistently within the UK top 100 golf courses, this Kyle Phillips designed golf course offers undulating fairways, which take advantage of the natural contouring, running pleasantly across this mature expanse of parkland, with a wonderful collection of trees lining many holes.

The course pays homage to Tiger Woods with memorable plaques dotted across the fairway of the par 5, 567-yard 9th hole where the victorious Woods recorded an eagle three on three days in succession. 

The course is always in excellent condition, and the greens are a joy to putt on. Recent bunkering renovations have improved the course's appearance and condition.

THE SHIRE LONDON

Responsible for just one-course design in England, the legendary Seve Ballesteros put his name and vision into The Shire London. However, Seve's flair continues to live on just outside Greater London. This unconventional golf course bears the traits of a man who lived his life with the emphasis on having fun. The unique nature of the course comprises six par 3's, six par 4's and six par 5's. 

The fun continues until the closing hole, the par-5 finishing hole, which climbs gently back up to the contemporary clubhouse via a green guarded by an S (for Seve) sculpted lake, promises even more drama. At its full length of 7028 yards, this course is not for the faint-hearted but can be enjoyed by all levels of golfers from the various tee boxes on offer.

BROCKET HALL

Situated no more than 20 miles North of the capital and one of Hertfordshire's finest lies the Brocket Hall estate. Without a doubt, Brocket Hall exudes charm and beauty. 

The 7,080-yard Donald Steel designed Palmerston Course offers a real test. Designed in a way that uses the natural grandeur of the land, this course winds its way through a varying number of well-established trees, creating a natural amphitheatre for golfers to enjoy. 

The Peter Alliss designed Melbourne Course was opened in 1992 and is regarded as one of the best designs from the BBC televisions voice of golf. The course uses the natural landscape of the 18th-century estate, utilizing the River Lea on several holes. Measuring 6,616 yards, the par 72 Melbourne course is not the longest but offers a thoroughly enjoyable test for all golfers. The 18th Hole is the signature hole on this course, with a unique feature that leaves golfers with a memorable experience. This downhill par 5 gives golfers the conundrum of whether to lay or go for it…. 

Whatever you decide, Brocket Hall is one of the best golf clubs in Hertfordshire, and if given a chance to play, I highly recommend you take the opportunity. 

ROYAL WIMBLEDON CLUB

The Harry Colt designed Royal Wimbledon Golf Club is England's third oldest golf club. Founded in 1865 but redesigned by Harry Colt, a member of the club opened again for play in 1924. Golf was initially played on the common over seven holes in 1865, but in 1871, the course was extended to 18 holes by Tom Dunn, the newly appointed professional golfer.

This 6,393-yard par 70 golf course is a tough test, with undulating fairways and narrow tree-lined fairways. However, golfers will enjoy a relaxing and peaceful environment. 

In recent years, the course has undergone a continual improvement programme targeted at enhancing the visual elements, guarding against players' improved equipment and fitness, and offering adequate training and coaching facilities. 

It's not long, it's not particularly hard, but it does have a great variety of golf holes, and overall, it is a beautiful course to walk. So if you get the chance, this is certainly one you want to be ticking off the list of courses played, and you will not regret it. 

Fox Hills Golf Club

Foxhills Golf Club has two 18-hole layouts and a smaller nine-hole par-3 course, all just 20 minutes from Heathrow. The 440-acre estate includes a health club, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, and a cutting-edge gym.

The Bernard Hunt golf course, named after the club's first professional and former Ryder Cup captain, hosts the PGA Senior Professional Championship and is a common feature in England's top 100 rankings. Measuring 6,883-yards, this course provides a challenging yet thoroughly enjoyable round of golf. 

Known as the premier layout, the Longcross Course, one of many top golf courses in Surrey, meanders its way through the dense forest and measuring 6,743 yards in length is certainly no easier than its sister course. However, the Longcross golf course is one of Surrey's finest tree-lined golf courses and has been listed in Golf World's Top 100 golf courses in England since 2015.

The London Golf Course

The accompaniment to the Jack Nicklaus designed Heritage Course, The International course designed by Ron Kirby under the Nicklaus Design umbrella, is an exciting test for all levels of golfers. Measuring at over 7,000 yards from the back tee's, this course is separated by a large valley and boasts four huge lakes, which come into play on several holes. The course has played host to the European Tour Qualifying School and Regional Open Qualifying, and it isn't hard to see why. 

Everything from the moment you arrive emphasizes experience matters. Concierge on hand to take, clean and place clubs on the first tee is just the start of the journey. The clubhouse might seem unassuming upon arrival, but you'll see the natural beauty in design once inside. The London Club comes highly recommended to anyone looking to play a premier golf course just a stone's throw away from Central London.

The Addington Golf Club

A course that remains virtually unchanged since the design by J.F. Abercromby, The Addington Golf Club is a stunning example of a traditional heathland golf course. Measuring only slightly more than 6,300 – yards with mature trees lining the fairways, you get a real sense of peace and tranquillity. 

This course is a real gem during the winter season as it sits on sandy terrain, which drains wonderfully in the wet months. 

The Addington is a superb and established heathland course with fantastic pine and birch trees throughout the course, reminiscent of Sunningdale Golf Club but with its strong character.

The fairways wind through the natural contouring, contrasting views of the London city skyline from the hilltops.

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