New Londoner needing advice

[swskum]

Hi Everyone,

I am moving to London in two months for a job, having graduating from Uni this summer.

I don't really know much about London golfing - but have had a brief look online. I am failing to find much on the golf front, except Dukes Meadow Golf & Tennis, a well reviewed 9 hole near/in Chiswick.

Where do the Londoner golfers among these forums play? Do they leave London to play? I won't be bringing a car to London, so would need to use public transport to get to a course. I don't particularly want to leave Greater London to play.

I am going to law school and don't start my job until next september. Consequently I don't have enough money, ability or connections to become a member of a decent London club yet, so that is unfortunately out of the question.

Any advice from London veterans would be greatly appreciated.

swskum

 

[fundy]

where in London will you be based, makes a huge difference to your options due to travelling

 

[swskum]

Thanks for the reply.

Probably the Islington area. I am looking next month though, so am flexible. It is unlikely to be far west though, as I will be working in the City so would like to have a short commute.

 

[lyricist65]

i use Dukes Meadow as a driving range and it is excellent. the 9 hole course however is all par 3s, but very well kept. I play a number of courses in and around london, but if you don't have a car then you will need ones close to train stations.

Trent Park is 1 minute walk from Oakwood station on the Piccadily line and is a very nice public course, though it can get busy so play early. Another one virtually next to a train station is Mitcham, and also Woldingham.

 

[fundy]

I expect your nearest options are Hampstead, Highgate or Muswell Hill. All as far as Im aware are members club, the latter two both pleasant enough courses. Further afield you have Finchley, Winchmore Hill, Muswell Hill or if you go as far as Enfield out you have Enfield, Crews Hill, Trent Park or Bush Hill Park.

If you had a car then all these are readily accessible, without a car gets a bit trickier, Trent Park whilst probably the least desirable of the courses is the mosty accessible by tube, not so sure what would be best by bus though expect the answer may be the same.

Depending on how important the golf is to you maybe live slightly further out, add 5 mins to your commute but live close by the course of your choice?

 

[hangukgenius]

I play on the public courses in West London and you can get them fairly cheaply. There are a couple of decent courses plus some good priced visitor days at the private clubs. I also work in the City but commute from the west. It's not so bad, but I get through a book a week!

 

[lyricist65]

I play on the public courses in West London and you can get them fairly cheaply. There are a couple of decent courses plus some good priced visitor days at the private clubs. I also work in the City but commute from the west. It's not so bad, but I get through a book a week!

which courses in west london ? perivale is a fun little practice course for me after work

 

[MegaSteve]

Quite a lot play at Ruislip as it just accross the road from West Ruislip station [central line]...

Horsenden Hill [9 hole] is a short walk from Sudbury Town [piccadilly line]...

Both are public courses...

 

[JPH]

You have Hainault , lovely muni in east London With two courses , it's a train ( central line) and a bus (5 mins) , or not so nice fairlop waters right outside Fairlop station also central line , or picketts lock , Enfield short but tight muni near ponders end station , or
Woodford Gc a members club that welcomes visitors also short with no bunkers but greens protected at sides and back by trees or
water and ditches at front of some greens , on public land and been there since 1890 ( it's short but pretty ) you have to wear an item of red clothing to play but it's cheap at 9 pounds after 2pm for as much golf as you can grab before sundown , that's the east side done , there's more but I can't vouch

 

[Bratty]

Hainault Forest is a nice course. The Fulwell near Twickenham is worth a look too.

 

[BoadieBroadus]

living in islington, Enfield is pretty accessible via train from Highbury & Islington / Finsbury Park. Enfield GC is less than 10 min walk from Enfield Chase station or you could go to Trent Park on the tube at Oakwood.

There is a driving range in the City not far from LIverpool St, otherwise Trent Park range might be a possibility.

Trent Park is a pay as you play whereas the others fundy mentions are members clubs and probably restricted to visitors on weekends. Trent Park is apparently rammed solid on weekends, but many say its a good course.

 

[swskum]

Thanks guys, all the advice dispensed is golden.

Any more tips would be greatly appreciated as well.

swskum