Bucket list experience:
Above all, Sunningdale is elegant. It is a terrific test of golf, and couldn’t be more beautifully situated, in the Berkshire/Surrey sand-belt, surrounded by glorious pines and sturdy oak trees. The surfaces here are carpet-like and fast.
But it all comes together in its remarkable elegance, which is perhaps best appreciated on the elevated 10th. All around you is the history of the place: it was here that Bobby Jones shot his ‘incredible and indecent’ 66 in 1926 – before going on to win the Open Championship at Lytham by two shots.
Next to it is the ‘New Course’, which is almost as good; play them together and you’ve played the best 36 holes in England.
The course is less than a quarter mile from Sunningdale Station, just off the A30. Men need a maximum handicap of 18 (24 for women) to play; handicap certs must be presented in the pro shop. Guests playing before 11.50am get breakfast as part of their tee time; there is a nice halfway house serving food at the 10th.
The course is open throughout the year; it’s best played between April and September when the weather is best. Opt for an early-morning tee time to get out ahead of the crowds.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
London, United Kingdom (UK)[24.2 miles]
A lovely, tranquil retreat for those who want to dip in and out of central London. Richmond Park, Hampton Court and The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are on your doorstep.
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London, United Kingdom (UK)[24.5 miles]
A colourful and stylish ‘countryside retreat’ atop leafy Richmond Hill, overlooking the Thames and just 20 minutes from the city centre. Kew Gardens and Hampton Court are virtually next door.
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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Windsor , Berkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[11.4 miles]
The largest working castle in the world, Windsor is steeped in 900 years of history and is the Queen’s favourite royal residence.
Best for ages: 10+ | £24
Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom (UK)[11.8 miles]
A great day out for car enthusiasts, with Mercedez-Benz cars dating back 100 years, driving displays, F1 and Concorde simulators and racing experiences.
Best for ages: 5+ | Free | 5 hours
London, United Kingdom (UK)[20.6 miles]
England’s greatest Tudor estate and the former home of Henry VIII and his succession of wives, preserved for the public to explore.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Chertsey, Surrey, United Kingdom (UK)[8.7 miles]
The UK’s second biggest theme park (behind Alton Towers). Main attractions include The Colossus, Nemesis and Inferno rollercoasters and the UK’s fastest rollercoaster Stealth.
Best for ages: 4+ | £35 | 12 hours
Chessington, Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)[22.1 miles]
One of Britain’s best adventure parks, boasting thrilling rides, a sea life centre and an impressive zoo.
Best for ages: 4+ | £30 | 1 day
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Spectacular landscapes, impeccable fairways and greens, brilliantly-designed holes and plenty of golfing folklore – we asked golf expert and journalist Fionn Davenport to recommend his top 30 golf courses from around the world.
