How do you decide which course to play?

[londonlewis]

I'm always curious as to how people decide which courses they choose to play.
I'm not a member of a club because I am spoilt living in Surrey as there are so many good golf courses around.

How do members on this forum decide which course to play?
ie. recommendations from friends?
research on the internet?
etc...

Also - any definite recommendations for the Surrey region?

 

[scratch]

Seriously...do you need recommendations for the Surrey area? You have the 2nd finest area of heathland golf in the world right on your doorstep

 

[JPH]

There are many factors for me , money , who I'm playing with and whether I can get a lift are the main ones also whether its a day out or just a quick knock factor highly

 

[Hacker Khan]

As I aint a member of anywhere cost and availability are the major factors for me. Most of the time it is essentially anywhere that will let me on for a sensible amount of money. And if there are options after that then I base it on previous experiences (course quality, friendliness of club etc etc.)

 

[londonlewis]

Seriously...do you need recommendations for the Surrey area? You have the 2nd finest area of heathland golf in the world right on your doorstep

I've played at least 2 dozen courses in Surrey and about a dozen in Kent. But I am always open to hearing which courses other people recommend, especially if I haven't played them.

Love living in Surrey though, now I just need to work out what job I can do which allows me to live closer to home and spend less time in my office (currently work in London and work a 60 hour week!)

 

[londonlewis]

As I aint a member of anywhere cost and availability are the major factors for me. Most of the time it is essentially anywhere that will let me on for a sensible amount of money. And if there are options after that then I base it on previous experiences (course quality, friendliness of club etc etc.)

sounds like a good way to decide.
How much is a reasonable green fee?

 

[scratch]

I've played at least 2 dozen courses in Surrey and about a dozen in Kent. But I am always open to hearing which courses other people recommend, especially if I haven't played them.

Love living in Surrey though, now I just need to work out what job I can do which allows me to live closer to home and spend less time in my office (currently work in London and work a 60 hour week!)

You should try to play as many of the W's as possible plus as many of these others that you either have time or money for.......

West Hill
Woking
Worplesdon
Walton Heath
New Zealand
St George's Hill
Tandridge
The Berkshires
Sunningdale
Swinley Forest
Hankley Common
North Hants
Blackmoor
Bearwood Lakes
Hindhead
Liphook


The list is endless but that lot should keep you amused for a while

 

[londonlewis]

You should try to play as many of the W's as possible plus as many of these others that you either have time or money for.......

West Hill
Woking
Worplesdon
Walton Heath
New Zealand
St George's Hill
Tandridge
The Berkshires
Sunningdale
Swinley Forest
Hankley Common
North Hants
Blackmoor
Bearwood Lakes
Hindhead
Liphook


The list is endless but that lot should keep you amused for a while

Great list thanks.
I was under the impression that some of those are members only? if not, they are expensive to play though.

 

[Garush34]

for me it goes on the cost per round and the distance needed to get there. I also like to play courses ive never played before when looking to play somewhere different.

 

[Hacker Khan]

sounds like a good way to decide.
How much is a reasonable green fee?

Depends where you live. Round me I would not want to pay over 25 notes for a round most of the time. But in your part of the world I doubt that would get you through the gates.

 

[cookelad]

Mine is the closest to my front door so it was the 1st I played in the area, played it a few times and decided it was a good place to set up shop, good condition, greens like lightening, reasonably priced for the area and there are a few swindles playing both weekend days!

 

[Rooter]

I too am spoiled for choice, my check list:

Where can i get on (a lot round me are members only until say 2pm on weekends)
Where is not going to be too packed
cost i dont pay the advertised green fee anywhere, so teeofftimes or similar is always used
apart from the above, i will play anywhere at least once!

 

[Foxholer]

Great list thanks.
I was under the impression that some of those are members only? if not, they are expensive to play though.

Certainly most of those (and I've played almost all of them) are either of those 2 inhibiters.

If you want a taste of Surrey Heathland at a reasonable green-fee price, Camberley Heath stands out for value.

 

[Snelly]

I use the top 100 course ranking lists to plan trips to play on courses. That and personal recommendations from friends.

I have played all the courses on Scratch's list and can vouch for them all as being excellent. Sunningdale Old is the best course and Tandridge has the best lunch!

I would also recommend The Addington, Burhill Old, Foxhills Bernhard Hunt, Camberley Heath, Reigate Heath, Kingswood and if you can get on them: The RAC Club, Queenwood and The Wisley.

 

[scratch]

and if you can get on them: The RAC Club, Queenwood and The Wisley.

:rofl:

 

[Snelly]

:rofl:

All are just as tricky to get on as one of your recommendations - Swinley Forest.

I played at the RAC Club three weeks ago with no issues and last Thursday, was invited as a guest to Queenwood. None of these courses are that difficult to get a game on really.

 

[scratch]

All are just as tricky to get on as one of your recommendations - Swinley Forest.

I played at the RAC Club three weeks ago with no issues and last Thursday, was invited as a guest to Queenwood. None of these courses are that difficult to get a game on really.

Swinley takes society bookings and a few visitors if they enquire via their club secretary but Queenwood and Wisley are strictly members and guests, Joe Public has no chance if he doesn't know a member.

 

[Liverbirdie]

When I'm picking courses to play in their opens, you can get look through some review on www.ukgolfguide.com as well as use the search option on here.

Reviews by ordinary golfers, such as ourselves.

 

[vkurup]

I'm always curious as to how people decide which courses they choose to play.
I'm not a member of a club because I am spoilt living in Surrey as there are so many good golf courses around.

How do members on this forum decide which course to play?
ie. recommendations from friends?
research on the internet?
etc...

Also - any definite recommendations for the Surrey region?

Welcome to the forum...
Depends where you are in Surrey..plenty of options. When i started playing, i wanted to play a lot of different courses before settling down. I played a few, but a lot more left on the list.
Usual way for finding a course
1) Green fees
2) Review of the course
3) Ability to get a lift

If it is a course that I have never played, then I try & play with someone who knows. Alternatively, try and play twilight times. It is a cheap way of knowing the course. If you like it, you can then think of playing a regular time and be forewarned.

Check my sig, if you are around my neck of the woods, then we can try and get a game.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Where are you based.

I tend to look at cost first because I couldn't afford to play too many at more than £40-50 on a regular basis although I'm not adverse to shelling up to £100 for a one off if the course is worth that. The great thing about this place is many on here are well travelled in golfing terms and will be able to give you an honest opinion