Looking for club membership suggestions (Surrey)

[jcgolf]

Just stay away from Horton Park.

Unless you want to play golf in a few cow fields with some flags in.

Yeah I got this feeling too. I’ve been up the range there as it’s my closest, but I’ve heard the course itself isn’t up to scratch. Just doesn’t feel like a proper golf course. Although, seems fine for those who are more new to golf and just want to get out and play.

 

[Whydowedoit]

I've just been looking at Surrey National. Would that interest you? You get to play at Westerham as well. Both courses are quite a good challenge & scenic. I've played both many times, not sure how they are these days, but when they first opened the greens & some of the lies were not that good. This might be worth investigating as there are some excellent golf holes on both courses. The group used to be owned by Ron Noades, not sure if it still is?

 

[jcgolf]

I've just been looking at Surrey National. Would that interest you? You get to play at Westerham as well. Both courses are quite a good challenge & scenic. I've played both many times, not sure how they are these days, but when they first opened the greens & some of the lies were not that good. This might be worth investigating as there are some excellent golf holes on both courses. The group used to be owned by Ron Noades, not sure if it still is?

Thanks, will look into Surrey National too! Little bit further out from me so I didn't initially consider, but the course looks nice and the facilities look decent. Their website doesn't have membership costs for any bracket so will put an enquiry in.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Cuddinglton is the obvious choice. I would also offer up Wimbledon Common. Short but don't let that put you off. Tight with some excellent greens. The only downsides would be the public have right of way and limited playability on a Sunday. Drains brilliantly and a very friendly club

 

[Chico84]

I don’t think anyone has mentioned Chipstead yet. Not far from Epsom at all, a decent course, friendly club and practice facilities too. Well within your budget for your age as well.

 

[Blue in Munich]

Cuddinglton is the obvious choice. I would also offer up Wimbledon Common. Short but don't let that put you off. Tight with some excellent greens. The only downsides would be the public have right of way and limited playability on a Sunday. Drains brilliantly and a very friendly club

You missed the compulsory shirt/jumper colour.

 

[Blue in Munich]

I don’t think anyone has mentioned Chipstead yet. Not far from Epsom at all, a decent course, friendly club and practice facilities too. Well within your budget for your age as well.

I think there are better choices, which is probably why it hasn't been mentioned.

 

[jcgolf]

Tandridge looks very appealing, both in terms of quality and cost. A little further out, but I've heard it's a stunning place. Any opinions?

 

[Blue in Munich]

Tandridge looks very appealing, both in terms of quality and cost. A little further out, but I've heard it's a stunning place. Any opinions?

It is a lovely course and has always been in great condition when I've played it. The catering is excellent as well. The only downside from Epsom would be the travel.

 

[TheJezster]

Where you are I'd recommend Cuddington but also don't overlook Epsom Downs itself. Quirky course but right on your doorstep.
But if you can get in, I'd definitely recommend Cuddington. Good start too and the patio area is lovely

 

[Newnsy]

Tandridge looks very appealing, both in terms of quality and cost. A little further out, but I've heard it's a stunning place. Any opinions?

Im a member there so obviously biased but if you want to know anything just drop me a message

 

[road2ruin]

Cuddinglton is the obvious choice. I would also offer up Wimbledon Common. Short but don't let that put you off. Tight with some excellent greens. The only downsides would be the public have right of way and limited playability on a Sunday. Drains brilliantly and a very friendly club

This is exactly why I’d not touch this type of course with a barge pole. Having been a member of a similar course and having walked the dogs on the Common for years it’s just a nightmare where every shot you play is delayed by a family having a picnic on the fairway or kids kicking around in bunkers. Even though it’s clearly a golf course the general public seem oblivious and in the summer it’s a shocker. Avoid at all costs imo.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

This is exactly why I’d not touch this type of course with a barge pole. Having been a member of a similar course and having walked the dogs on the Common for years it’s just a nightmare where every shot you play is delayed by a family having a picnic on the fairway or kids kicking around in bunkers. Even though it’s clearly a golf course the general public seem oblivious and in the summer it’s a shocker. Avoid at all costs imo.

Wimbledon Common doesn't have bunkers so not a problem. To be fair in all my years at WCGC I only had a handful of incidents with the public having a picnic. The compulsory red jumper/shirt lets them know you are a golfer and to be honest most regular users of the common will give way and allow you to play or move across the hole quickly. It is a similar case if the OP was to choose Epsom as again it is on public land although there is not the same dress code requirement

 

[Blue in Munich]

Wimbledon Common doesn't have bunkers so not a problem. To be fair in all my years at WCGC I only had a handful of incidents with the public having a picnic. The compulsory red jumper/shirt lets them know you are a golfer and to be honest most regular users of the common will give way and allow you to play or move across the hole quickly. It is a similar case if the OP was to choose Epsom as again it is on public land although there is not the same dress code requirement

I'll respectfully suggest there is absolutely no comparison between the number of members of the public you'd encounter at Wimbledon Common & Epsom Downs.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'll respectfully suggest there is absolutely no comparison between the number of members of the public you'd encounter at Wimbledon Common & Epsom Downs.

I'd disagree especially the holes towards the grandstand and then along the side of the road at Epsom. Always packed. I will agree that both can be a pain especially on rare days you have a great tempo going and just want to get to the next tee and play your shot and not stand around for 3-5 minutes waiting for a man and his dog to stroll the length of the hole

 

[Chico84]

Whilst the public in the course at Wimbledon Common can be annoying (I am one of them as I regularly walk the dog there and try to be respectful of the golfers) it is not a bad course at all. Probably not what the OP is looking for, especially as there are limited practice facilities, but well worth a round now and then, especially for the quality of the greens.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Whilst the public in the course at Wimbledon Common can be annoying (I am one of them as I regularly walk the dog there and try to be respectful of the golfers) it is not a bad course at all. Probably not what the OP is looking for, especially as there are limited practice facilities, but well worth a round now and then, especially for the quality of the greens.

They do have an excellent indoor practice simulator

 

[Blue in Munich]

I'd disagree especially the holes towards the grandstand and then along the side of the road at Epsom. Always packed. I will agree that both can be a pain especially on rare days you have a great tempo going and just want to get to the next tee and play your shot and not stand around for 3-5 minutes waiting for a man and his dog to stroll the length of the hole

Funny that, I’ve never encountered a problem at Epsom and I play that far more regularly than Wimbledon Common, where I never fail to have a problem...

 

[jcgolf]

Anyone had experience with Banstead Downs? Hopefully will get over there to play soon, but from what I can tell & read online, lots of positive sentiment and close to where I am based (10 mins).