Since 2018, when Wentworth professionals Kristian Baker and Tom Reid had a bright idea to revitalise and transform this charming plot of land adjacent to Sunningdale Golf Club, I have often heard about its remarkable inclusivity and warm atmosphere.
Such an image, for many, might seem surprising considering its proximity to its revered and distinguished neighbour. Yet, originally formed in 1902 as Sunningdale Ladies Golf Club, this Harry Colt design has been providing golf in a shorter format for over a century.
A couple of weeks ago, I spent some time up at Sunningdale Heath for the very first time, and took with me my mum, Elaine, who’s relatively new to the game. Playing off a handicap of 23, I was really interested to find out more about what Sunningdale Heath can offer to the golfer that is looking to improve and sharpen their game.
There is no doubting that the picturesque village of Sunningdale, with the wealth of golfing treasures in its surrounds, is already an esteemed place for golf. Blessed with Bagshot sand and an abundance of history, ‘The Heath’ enjoys its prime location. Add in a late summer’s evening, with glorious Surrey sunshine dappling across the fairways and you have a pretty unbeatable setting for a quick round after work.
Upon arrival, the ‘premium inclusivity’ of the Club hit me straight away. The friendly welcome from the team in the small, relaxed and informal clubhouse was somehow trumped by the sight of Daniel Messom, General Manager and PGA Pro, giving a cheery group of juniors (still in school uniform) a putting lesson on the 18th green.
Now I don’t know about you, but when I was a junior, proper golfing attire was an essential precondition, regardless if you had just finished up double maths.
When it comes to the course, it’s the perfect golfing playground. Although it plays as a 3,700 yard par 58, it is certainly not an easy course. With heather, elevation changes, undulations, runoffs and tricky bunkers, it has all the ingredients to test games of all abilities.
For the longer handicap, Elaine was channelling Susan Fitzpatrick’s win at the Dunhill alongside Matt, hitting fairways and greens and keeping it steady. I actually think it was a perfect test for my mum, who swings the club very consistently but perhaps struggles with the longer irons and hybrids in hand. The Heath has an abundance of long par 3’s, which often required driver or wood for Mum to reach.
Chipping in on the second, it was evident that Mum’s short game was in good shape, but it was the longer par 3’s that were going to engage the most focus. For myself, it was less the length, but more the chance to really hone my pitching and chipping, an aspect of the game I usually neglect, that was so enjoyable.
It’s such an entertaining course, varied and attractive with a feel of something you could loop around well into your old age. I found myself tempted to drive all of Colt’s short par 4’s, and their risk-reward design eminently entertaining.
With three stern par 3’s at well over 220 yards, The Heath won’t forgive any poor ball striking if you have any ambitions of breaking par. Yet, you still also have the charm of quaint holes like the 9th, which at 142 paces, only requires a flick to a picture-perfect green site. Running right alongside Sunningdale’s Old Course, it is golden golfing turf.
Mum’s approach, which rattled the flagstick and sat within inches of the hole, was typical of the sort of memories that this course can create in abundance for the improving golfer and keep them coming back for more.
The closing stretch and its assortment of holes are perfect for creating matchplay moments between players of all ages and abilities. 16 is a standout: playing towards the original Sunningdale Dormy House, it can be relatively simply played in two shots for the shorter hitter, but chased by the longer hitter who can reach the green. However, trouble lurks all around and with just two holes before reaching the house, full commitment is required.
A view up the par 4, 16th hole with the original Sunningdale Dormy House providing a stunning backdrop.
Not only is the course simply delightful to play, Kristian, Tom and the team have added extra facilities to make Sunningdale Heath an industry-leading place to take up the game and hone golfing skills.
A state of the art ‘Ultimate Golf Studio’ sits at the heart of the project and provides the perfect space for the Club’s numerous academies to practice no matter the weather. With a coaching team that have proven track records of helping some of the world’s best golfers, it truly is a brilliant place to learn.
Above all, however, the Club has an unmatched family-friendly feel to it. The perfect hangout for golfing families, Sunningdale Heath, which has ambitions to become the greatest short course in Great Britain, is an exciting project to watch.
Unsurprisingly, Elaine took home the spoils that day. It’s clear I’ll have to return with my dad if I am to have any chance of beating one of my parents. He doesn’t play golf.
