Key Takeaways
- Sunningdale Golf Club combines the historic Old Course and the modern New Course, creating a unique 36‑hole experience in Surrey.
- The Old Course, designed by Willie Park Jr in 1901, is praised for its traditional charm and character; the New Course, laid out by Harry Colt in 1923 and later refined by Gil Hanse, offers a stiffer test of golf.
- Playing both courses back‑to‑back highlights their contrasting layouts, making Sunningdale stand out among UK golf venues.
- The annual foursomes tournament at Sunningdale serves as a season‑opening showcase, attracting tour pros, celebrities, and amateurs alike.
- Visitors often debate which course is superior, but many agree the pairing elevates the club to one of Britain’s finest—and possibly the world’s—36‑hole destinations.
Introduction to Sunningdale’s Appeal
The United Kingdom boasts a wealth of outstanding golf venues, from rugged coastal links to serene inland heathland tracks. Yet few places capture the imagination quite like Sunningdale Golf Club in Surrey. Its reputation rests on the seamless marriage of two distinct 18‑hole layouts—the Old Course and the New Course—offering golfers a rare chance to experience contrasting styles on the same estate. This duality has earned Sunningdale a place among the most admired clubs in British golf and frequently sparks debate over whether it constitutes the best 36‑hole venue in the UK, if not the world.
The Old Course: Tradition and Character
Originally crafted by Willie Park Jr and opened in 1901, the Old Course embodies the classic spirit of early‑20th‑century golf architecture. Ranked eighth in NCG’s Top 100s GB&I list, it is celebrated for its quirk, mature tree lines, and subtle undulations that reward strategic play. Many players, including LPGA star Charley Hull, describe the Old Course as possessing an “old school” feel reminiscent of iconic venues such as Augusta National. Its layout encourages imagination and shot‑making, making it a favorite for those who cherish the nostalgic charm of traditional golf.
The New Course: A Modern Test
In contrast, Sunningdale’s New Course debuted in 1923 under the direction of legendary architect Harry Colt, with later refinements by Gil Hanse. While still rooted in heathland aesthetics, the New Course presents a firmer, more demanding challenge. Its fairways are tighter, bunkers more punishing, and the greens demand precise distance control. Nicola Slater noted that the heather feels more intrusive here than on the Old Course, adding a visual and strategic layer that tests a golfer’s ability to adapt. The New Course is often described as a “proper test of golf,” appealing to players who enjoy a stern examination of their skills.
Why the Two Courses Complement Each Other
The true strength of Sunningdale lies in how the Old and New Courses interact. Tom Irwin of NCG Top 100s observed that the contrast between the layouts creates an “extra bit of x‑factor” that lifts the club above many peers. Playing the Old Course first allows golfers to settle into a rhythm, appreciating its subtleties before confronting the New Course’s sterner demands. This back‑to‑back experience highlights the variety of shot‑making required and showcases the versatility of a player’s game. The pairing thus offers a holistic golfing experience that few single‑course venues can match.
The Foursomes Tournament: Season‑Opening Showcase
Each year, Sunningdale hosts a prestigious foursomes tournament that acts as a curtain raiser for the golfing season. The event draws a eclectic mix of tour professionals, celebrities, and amateur enthusiasts, all eager to test their mettle on the club’s famed 36‑hole layout. During NCG Top 100s’ “48 Hours In” feature, host Tom Irwin and pro Nicola Slater immersed themselves in the competition, playing both courses across a practice day and the opening round. Their firsthand account underscored the tournament’s vibrant atmosphere and the unique challenge of switching between the Old and New Courses in rapid succession.
Player Perspectives: Old vs. New
Opinions on which course reigns supreme vary among visitors. Charley Hull openly admits a natural gravitation toward the Old Course, citing its beautiful, traditional feel and the sense of awe it evokes—comparable to stepping onto the grounds of the Masters. Conversely, many players who relish a stern test gravitate toward the New Course, appreciating its strategic bunkering and undulating greens that demand precision. This split in preference reinforces the club’s dual identity: a haven for lovers of classic golf and a proving ground for those seeking a modern challenge.
Assessing Sunningdale’s Status as a 36‑Hole Venue
When evaluating whether Sunningdale merits the title of the best 36‑hole venue in the UK—or even the world—several factors stand out. The quality and condition of both courses are consistently high, maintained to championship standards. The contrast between the Old and New offers a varied test that keeps the experience fresh across multiple rounds. Moreover, the club’s historic pedigree, coupled with its ability to host high‑profile events, adds prestige beyond mere course design. While subjective, the consensus among many golfers and commentators is that Sunningdale’s combination of tradition, challenge, and atmosphere places it at the pinnacle of British golf destinations.
Conclusion: A Golfing Gem Worth Experiencing
Sunningdale Golf Club exemplifies what can be achieved when two complementary designs share a single landscape. The Old Course’s timeless charm and the New Course’s rigorous test together create a 36‑hole experience that is both enjoyable and demanding. Whether one prefers the nostalgic allure of the Old or the stern examination of the New, the club offers something for every golfer. For those seeking a venue that captures the richness of UK golf while pushing the boundaries of what a dual‑course layout can deliver, Sunningdale stands as a compelling contender for the finest 36‑hole destination in the nation—and perhaps beyond.