The Royal Treatment
Combining links courses on the coast and heathland courses in Ascot, this trip mixes variety and majesty. The gem is Royal St. George’s (aka Sandwich). Ranked #33, it’s the host of the 2020 Open Championship. But Sunningdale is equally regal and because we can’t decide between the Old Course and the New Course, we always play both.
What We Love About Sandwich
We suggest starting in Kent, which is a two-hour drive from Heathrow. Or save time with a 45-minute helicopter ride that follows the Thames and gives you a great overhead tour of London along the way. For Royal St. George’s, book early and book on Tuesdays, as that’s the only day to play as a four-ball.
We also highly recommend the nearby Royal Cinque Ports, where you need to beware the ancient Roman road, a hazard on a couple of holes. On the way to Ascot, we like to play a round at Rye, an old traditional private club that allows visitors as two-balls only to keep the pace of play moving.
Once in Ascot, nothing beats a 36-hole day at Sunningdale—on two Top-100 courses, both designed by Harry Colt—with a delicious traditional lunch in between. Walton Heath also features 36 holes at a welcoming club that allows outside play on Saturdays.
You can choose from a few great places to stay within 10 miles of Sunningdale, but our favourite is the Coworth Park Hotel, which offers an excellent location, fine rooms, polo lessons and horseback riding. We also love to watch the ponies and the people at the famous Ascot Racecourse.
Favourite Courses
Royal St. George’s: Winding fairways, intimidating pot bunkers and wind that might be with you or agin you for the full round since this is not an out-and-back course
Royal Cinque Ports: Just missed the cut for World Top 100 courses (four balls on Mondays and Tuesdays only)
Rye Golf Club: Only 6,500 yards, but difficult so you have to make your shots. The two-ball rule means a two-hour-and-thirty-minute round
Walton Heath (Old & New): As stern but fair tests of character and shotmaking, these heathland courses have few peers
Sunningdale (Old): Ranked #29, this is one of the earliest inland courses and established a new standard in design
Sunningdale (New): Some people prefer this charming, more muscular course, which is ranked #73
Swinley Forest: A classic heathland course with understated beauty and tranquility, it vaulted to #55 with GOLF Magazine in 2020
St. George’s Hill: The purple heather makes for a beautiful backdrop at perhaps the prettiest of all the heathland courses, which debuted at #86 in the world rankings
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