West Hill, Woking or East Berks

[Breakfast_Ball]

Hi All,

After a few years of membership at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club I've taken the decision to move on due to the high membership fees and the strategy the club is taking. So far I've reached out to several clubs and have narrowed it down to Woking, West Hill and East Berks. Does anyone have any experience and/or recommendations of any of these? One that has a good representation of similar aged members (mid-to-late 30s) would be greatly valued as I'm looking for a long term home for my golf.

 

[SammmeBee]

Woking

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Always found East Berks a very cliquey club and given the choice it isn't a course I'd choose ahead of either Woking or West Hill.

 

[TheDiablo]

Woking is predominantly a 2 ball club so worth bearing in mind depending on your preferences. Not the easiest to get into unless you know members already.

 

[fundy]

welcome

dont know any of the 3 well enough to comment as clubs to be members of, would be curious to know what strategy the Bucks is taking if you feel free to share

 

[IanM]

West Hill or Woking? Either would be fine!

 

[Foxholer]

My impression of East Berks puts it significantly in a 'lower' league to West Hill or Woking. Nice course,but severely restricted for space.
I too would be interested to know what has 'driven' a Buckingham member to look elsewhere!

 

[IanM]

Buckinghamshire and West Hill/Woking are not that close in terms of ranking or geography either?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Buckinghamshire and West Hill/Woking are not that close in terms of ranking or geography either?

I thought that when I read the OP. Seems a long drive for a game and hardly conducive to a quick nine after work

 

[IanM]

Maybe he lives in Bisley!?

 

[richart]

Definitely West Hill. Greens at Woking would drive me mad.

 

[SammmeBee]

Definitely West Hill. Greens at Woking would drive me mad.

Only 9 is unplayable from above the hole.....

 

[Shooter McPowick]

I’ve just looked into these too, literally 2-3 weeks ago.
Woking said I needed to be introduced and shut me down pretty much there.
Worplesdon were the same.
West Hill was full but said there may be availability in July - £4K joining fee and £2250 annual subs.
East Berkshire in my opinion is over priced. £1500 joining fee and £1795 annual subs. Very short course, pretty but flat and I could see myself getting bored very fast.

 

[SammmeBee]

Not surprised Woking weren’t interested.....if you have to ask then they don’t need you......

 

[richart]

Only 9 is unplayable from above the hole.....

Nope, a lot more were unplayable with the pins we were playing to. West Hill is the better course and more friendly club.

 

[Shooter McPowick]

Not surprised Woking weren’t interested.....if you have to ask then they don’t need you......

From the responses I got from Woking and Worplesdon I wouldn’t have joined anyway, couldn’t see myself being happy there.
West Hill were much more receptive and offered to put me on the waiting list. Stunning course, loved playing there.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

From the responses I got from Woking and Worplesdon I wouldn’t have joined anyway, couldn’t see myself being happy there.
West Hill were much more receptive and offered to put me on the waiting list. Stunning course, loved playing there.

Always had a warm welcome at West Hill and a course I enjoy playing. Given the choices it would definitely be my first choice. Decent practice facilities too which would tick a box for me as well

 

[Breakfast_Ball]

I'm fortunate to live in a location where traveling East to the Bucks or heading south to Woking is the same travel time. I live closer to Swinley, Berkshire, Wentworth and Sunningdale but unfortunately have no chance of getting into any of those.

As for the Bucks, there are many reasons I want to move on which I don't want to delve into. But the nuts and bolts of it is I don't see the club as worthy of the £4k yearly fee's and more importantly I have little faith in the ownership. The rumour among members is that they want to turn it into a more exclusive members club like the Wisley. Unfortunately, the management are keeping their cards close to their chest and not revealing any plans.

 

[Shooter McPowick]

I'm fortunate to live in a location where traveling East to the Bucks or heading south to Woking is the same travel time. I live closer to Swinley, Berkshire, Wentworth and Sunningdale but unfortunately have no chance of getting into any of those.

As for the Bucks, there are many reasons I want to move on which I don't want to delve into. But the nuts and bolts of it is I don't see the club as worthy of the £4k yearly fee's and more importantly I have little faith in the ownership. The rumour among members is that they want to turn it into a more exclusive members club like the Wisley. Unfortunately, the management are keeping their cards close to their chest and not revealing any plans.

Have you considered bearwood lakes?

 

[Breakfast_Ball]

Have you considered bearwood lakes?

Yes, but was warned away by several people that know it well.