West Essex Golf Club

There's no need to travel the length of the country to find golfing tranquility.  You don’t have to drive miles from London to play in the middle of an ancient forest. You can have all of that and more at West Essex in Chingford, London E4. Ten miles from the centre of London, but in the middle of Epping Forest, West Essex is a 112-year-old, James Braid-designed course. There are spectacular views in all directions including Canary Wharf, the City, the Olympic and Wembley stadium.  In its lower areas you are surrounded by the beauty of the forest. Everywhere you are provided with peacefulness and tranquility. The course has two distinct nines. The front nine requires accuracy and precision. The back nine is longer and provides the opportunity to open your shoulders on some long par 4s.  Together they provide a 6,300-yard challenge for players of all levels.   The club has very impressive practice facilities including a driving range, putting green and a short game area. It is home to the West Essex Golf Academy, with four leading PGA instructors available throughout the week.  The shop is fully equipped with all leading brand names on offer and the custom-fitting and repair centre is one of the best in the country. There is a large, well-appointed club house with good changing and showering facilities, a large bar, a banqueting suite and an excellent restaurant. Just five minutes from J26 of the M25 and minutes away from the M11 the facility is conveniently located and easily accessed.   The escape from reality really is closer than you might think.

There are spectacular views in all directions including Canary Wharf, the City, the Olympic and Wembley stadium. In its lower areas you are surrounded by the beauty of the forest. Everywhere you are provided with peacefulness and tranquility.

Top Holes by Chris Baron, head professional:

1st 272 yards, par 4 What a great opening hole to tempt you. It’s short enough for some to take on the green with the driver, but be careful as bunkers , water, trees and hedges protect it. Play safe and you are left with a short iron to the green, which could give you a putt for an opening birdie. 9th 411 yards, par 4  The course offers some spectacular views across five counties and the London skyline. At the challenging 9th take a few moments to soak up the views before you open up your shoulders and drive towards the city. The green is on a shelf – miss it and you will face a challenging up and down. Believe me, you will want to come back and play here again and again.