Any Surrey golfers played these?

[Jay1]

I'm looking at joining a club local to me. I'm in Sutton, Surrey and don't want to travel too far to play.

I've pretty much narrowed it down to Banstead Downs, Woodcote Park, and Purley Downs.

I haven't had the chance to play any of the 3 yet but hope to fairly soon to make a decision. In the meantime I was wondering if anyone on here had played any of them and, if so, what you opinions are on the courses, the practice facilities, the clubhouses, and overall impression.

Cheers
J

 

[Oddsocks]

Purely downs: a traditional members course with no green fees at weekends and a strictly guests only policy at weekends. Not played it personally but only ever hear good things about it, not sure on winter drainage though.

Don't know much about the other two

 

[Mattyboy]

I suppose that Walton Heath is a bit out of the price range? Mine too alas. I have played the three you mention and know Purley and Woodcote very well. Both are decent courses. Purley drains very well by the way, but the greens tend to leave a bit to be desired IMO. Both have good social sides too. Practice facilities for most of the courses around here are lacking however.

If I had to choose one it would be a close thing.

I would play them all first and then make a decision.

Whats your price range and why have you opted for these three btw?

 

[Jay1]

I've narrowed it to these 3 as when I used to live in Suffolk I was a member of a "members club" and want to join that type of course, mainly as they are not as busy on weekends, and less traffic generally means better condition.

Of the members courses within 5 or 6 miles of me, these are the only ones I know of. Aside from Walton Heath, Cuddington and Kingswood, all of which are too expensive unfortunately. I would love to join Kingswood as I really like the course and atmosphere of the place but £2k a year and £1600 joining is just too much!

Budget is maximum of what these 3 are charging. All 3 are just under £1400 a year although joining fees differ.

Banstead is closest to me and as such is currently top of the list. It also has a proper practice ground where you take your own balls, rather than a range. I'd definately prefer a practice ground although not necisarily a deal breaker.

My old club was a traditional James Braid heathland layout, but I like all types of courses so style isn't necisarily an issue. Good condition is though.

Thanks for the feedback, any other comments appreciated.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

As your in Sutton I'd consider Wimbledon Common too. Very testing little course with exceptionally good greens. Members only at weekends (members guest after 9.00 I think). I like Banstead Downs and from memory think its on chalk soil so should drain pretty well. My advice is to contact the clubs and arrange to go for a nose round and see if they'll offer a free/ reduced rate round

 

[Scottjd1]

Venture a couple of miles north and have a look at Croham Hurst and Addington Palace. A little further from you but don't thinkk you will be disappointed and from what i recall at the right budget.

 

[Jay1]

I had looked at Wimbledon, looks nice and good value but it's too short for my liking.

As for the Croydon clubs, I've played Addington Palace and like it but it's too far. It's ok for a weekend round but not the straight from work run around or practice. Although not many miles it's a long journey with rush hour traffic.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I had looked at Wimbledon, looks nice and good value but it's too short for my liking.

As for the Croydon clubs, I've played Addington Palace and like it but it's too far. It's ok for a weekend round but not the straight from work run around or practice. Although not many miles it's a long journey with rush hour traffic.

Trust me don't let the length put you off. Its a tricky course and never that easy to beat your handicap as the greens are small and quick. It isn't a bombers course and you have to think your way round it. No booking of tee times so you can wander up and go straight out after work

 

[TheJezster]

I'm a member of Wimbledon Common. It's a great course, I love it. It isnt long, but crikey it can be tough. Pretty much every hole is tree lined, so you HAVE to keep it straight!

Other than that, have you tried the Oaks? Thats only round the corner from you and a nice course to play. Not sure how much it costs to join though.

 

[Jay1]

Yeah played the oaks a few times. It's ok but not somewhere I'd look to join.

I have been a member of a shorter tricky course in the past, and although they are great when done properly, which it sounds like Wimbledon is, I'd just prefer something over about 6300