Walton Heath (Old)

The Club was founded in 1903 with the Old Course, designed by Herbert Fowler, opening in 1904. It was here, on the 18th green of the Old Course, that Winston Churchill is said to have issued the following challenge to his fellow member David Lloyd George: “I’ll putt you for the Premiership.” And during his year of captaincy in 1935, the Duke of Windsor became King Edward VIII, making this the only club able to claim a reigning monarch as a member.

The first pro at Walton Heath was was James Braid, who took up the post in 1904, shortly after winning his first Open Championship (opens in a new tab), and added another four while doubling up as a servant of the club, which he was until 1950. In 1981, the venue played host to the Ryder Cup (opens in a new tab), when the Americans were represented by arguably the strongest side ever assembled by either team. Against the first-ever European team to play together on home soil – a line-up controversially denied of its outstanding player of the time in Seve Ballesteros – the visitors defied wet and windy conditions to romp to a 19 1/2 - 8 1/2 victory. Both the News of the World Matchplay and the European Open have been held at Walton Heath as well, while the venue has also been blessed to be the host for International Qualifying for the US Open. One of the men to come through the first such event in 2005 was Michael Campbell, who holed a nine-footer on his 36th and final hole to earn his place at Pinehurst. Just a few weeks later, he was the US Open champion.

Without wishing to state the obvious of a heathland course, there is much heather at Walton Heath – arguably more so than at any other course in Britain. It threatens almost every tee shot, and wraps round almost every fairway, sometimes even encroaching into the bunkers and right up to the very borders of the greens. This means that driving is at a premium.

The fairways are by no means the narrowest you will ever encounter, but should you miss one the chances are you will pay a heavy penalty. On such occasions, presuming you are lucky enough to find your ball, simply reach for your nearest wedge and hack sidewards and outwards.

Although it can be intimidating from the tee, there is nothing unfair about the golf here. The fairways are wide, firm and bouncy, while the principal hazard depends on the strength and direction of the wind. Walton Heath is several hundred feet above sea level and the trees offer little protection. Both courses offer a wonderful mix of long and short par fours. On the Old, the 3rd tempts the longer hitter to drive the green while the same can be done at the opening hole on the New.

At the other extreme, the Old’s 2nd is a fearsome two-shotter where a good drive sets up a long approach from a hanging lie to a raised green. The most famous stretch is the closing three holes on the Old.

The 16th, formerly a par five, is now a mighty four, with a cavernous bunker awaiting the approach that is either a fraction short or right. Then comes a par three from an elevated tee before the striking last hole, which is dominated by the yawning cross bunker some 40 yards short of the green.

Somehow, it does feel that the Old has a touch more character about it, though it can be hard to pinpoint exactly why. It is easier to say what is good about both – fabulous fast, true greens and fairway turf that is simply a delight to strike irons from. As long-time tournament venues, both courses have been lengthened over the years.

Dan Murphy: The Old remains to me the gold standard of heathlands, by which the others are judged. The views across the vast common are stupendous. The land always does just enough to add intrigue when combined with the firm fairways and often very speedy greens

David Walker: For a predominately flat location there are more undulations on the fairways than many of its heathland counterparts – a quirky element that will appeal to many. Some truly outstanding holes with the 4th, 12th and 16th being the pick

Read more about our panellists here (opens in a new tab).

Where is Walton Heath located?

Walton Heath is located near Walton-on-the-Hill in Surrey. The two courses at the venue sit inside the southern section of the M25 – London's Circular Ring Road – with the centre of England’s capital less than 25 miles from the golf club. Along with the M25, the club is also close to the A217 and the A24.

Tadworth is the closest train station to Walton Heath, just a couple of miles to the north of the golf club. Trains run on a regular basis between Tattenham Corner and London Bridge. For international visitors to the region, both London Gatwick and London Heathrow Airports are within driving distance of Walton Heath. The former is only 15 miles to the south, while Heathrow – the nation’s biggest and busiest airport – is less than 30 miles to the northwest.

Are there any other NCG Top 100s: England venues nearby? 

South of London, there are plenty of high-class golfing venues, many of which have a spot on the NCG Top 100s: England list. Tandridge and The Addington are to the east, while the likes of New Zealand, St George’s Hill, West Hill, Woking and Worplesdon are to the west. You can also throw in Royal Wimbledon to the north, closer to the heart of England’s capital.

What golf facilities does Walton Heath offer?

Due to Dorking Road cutting through the venue, the practice facilities at Walton Heath are a 10-minute walk away, over the other side of the road from the clubhouse. There is also a short game area by the side of the opening hole of the Old Course, with a putting green by the clubhouse itself.

What are the green fees at Walton Heath?

The price of a green fee at Walton Heath changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.

For more information on current green fees at Walton Heath, visit their website here (opens in a new tab).

Visit Walton Heath's website here (opens in a new tab).
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