Mitcham v Reigate Hill membership

[OldMate]

Hi all,

I moved to the UK a few months ago and am looking to join a club in South London. Played Mitcham today in the rain and liked it - was beating my handicap (7) when I pulled the pin because the greens were starting to flood. The only other courses I've played since I've been here are Farleigh and Chessington (which turned out to be a beginners course). I can't join Farleigh because it is too far off the train line, so am considering Mitcham at the moment. Have discovered Reigate Hill on the internet tonight and it seems to be a lot cheaper because there is a 'pay as you play' membership option (I am unlikely to get more than 2-3 games in per month so that is attractive). Has anyone played both course and able to comment on which they see as a better option? Also, on a separate note, does anyone know whether foreign official handicaps are transferred to England or do I have to obtain a new one (not fussed either way but unless casual rounds count here it might take a while to get enough cards in).

Cheers
Oldmate.

 

[Oddsocks]

It's a Shame you can't join farleigh, they have just finished the £3million refurb , all 27 holes tweeked, all new plant and a major clubhouse refurb which has only just opened

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Where are you based. If you are close enough to play Mitcham then I'd suggest Wimbledon Common. Like Mitchm its on Common land but the greens drain really well. It's short but tight and the greens are small so what it lacks in length it makes up for in guile. Definitely worth a look. You do need to wear a red top as part of the bylaws of the common but other than that it's great.

 

[OldMate]

Thanks for your replies guys. Farleigh was definitely a good option and I would join there but for the fact that it cost an extra £35 return in cabs to and from East Croydon station. I'm based in Clapham. Hadn't really considering Wimbledon Common to a great extent only because a few people I have spoken to had suggested that it isn't a great course, but I will check it out for myself at some stage.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Depends on what you are looking for. It isn't long as I said but you can't just blast driver on every hole. The greens are very good. Worth checking the website and having a game

 

[OldMate]

Will do, cheers.

 

[TheJezster]

Funnily enough I played Mitcham today too. I missed the rain though ;-) it was just starting to drizzle as we tee'd off on the 16th and didnt get heavier until we finished the 18th, which was nice.

I'm also a member of Wimbledon Common, so can give you my view having played both. Wimbledon is by far the better course in my opinion. It's a lot harder than Mitcham, which is fairly open and forgiving. Wimbledon is pretty much all tree lined, and as Homer said, the greens are beautiful. 2nd to none. The course is looking absolutely fantastic at the moment too.

I enjoy playing Mitcham from time to time, but to play every week? It's not for me. You might be different though, but definitely try Wimbledon first before making your mind up, I dont think you will regret it. I believe its cheaper than Mitcham too.