Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course)
The heathland course that set the template for inland golf - Willie Park Jr.'s 1901 Old Course, a walk through pine, heather and history that welcomes handicap-holding visitors on weekdays.
Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course) in photos
Can I play Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course)?
Yes - Sunningdale actively welcomes visitors, but access is limited to Monday through Thursday and you must hold a current handicap (roughly 18.4 or better for men, 24.4 for ladies). Weekends are reserved for members. Tee times are in high demand, so book months ahead; the Old Course also closes to visitors during August.
How to book: Reserve through the club's visitor office by phone or email, well in advance - popular dates fill many months out. You will need to present a handicap certificate at check-in. Green fees cover a single course; a day ticket allowing play on both the Old and New courses is also available.
About Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course)
Sunningdale's Old Course, laid out by Willie Park Jr. in 1901 and later refined by Harry Colt, is one of the founding masterpieces of English heathland golf - proof that great courses could be built away from the sea. Winding through pine, birch and heather on sandy Berkshire soil, it is a course of strategy and charm rather than length, playing to a par of 70 over roughly 6,600 yards. It has hosted the Walker Cup, multiple Women's British Opens and the Senior Open Championship. Visitors are genuinely welcome, but only Monday to Thursday and by advance arrangement with a valid handicap.
Signature hole
The par-5 10th, played from a high tee that opens up one of the most famous views in English golf, tumbling down into a valley of heather and pine before climbing back to a distant green.
What makes it special
The original heathland classic
Willie Park Jr.'s 1901 layout showed that world-class golf could thrive on inland sand and heather.
Genuinely playable
Unlike many great clubs, Sunningdale welcomes handicap-holding visitors on weekdays.
The halfway hut
The sausage-and-egg roll at the turn is as much a Sunningdale institution as the golf.
Tournament pedigree
- Walker Cup (1987)
- Women's British Open (1997, 2001, 2004, 2008)
- Senior Open Championship (2009, 2015, 2021, 2025)
- European Open (1982-1992)
Need to know
Best time to play
Late spring through early autumn delivers the firm, fast heathland turf the course is famous for, with the heather in bloom in late summer. Remember the Old Course is closed to visitors in August and only bookable Monday to Thursday.
Dress code
Traditional and enforced: tailored trousers or knee-length shorts with a collared shirt, no denim or trainers, and smart dress in the clubhouse. Soft spikes only.
Good to know
The Old Course is walkable and best enjoyed on foot; caddies can be arranged in advance and buggies are limited. Allow around four hours, and don't miss the club's famous halfway hut. Combine with the New Course on a day ticket if you can.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
London Heathrow (LHR) ~25 minutes; London Gatwick (LGW) ~50 minutes.
On arrival
Sunningdale lies just off the A30 on the Berkshire-Surrey border, about 25 minutes from Heathrow and 45 minutes from central London by car. Sunningdale railway station is a few minutes away, with direct trains from London Waterloo, and the course is a short taxi ride from there.
Stay near the course
Most visitors stay in nearby Ascot, Sunningdale village or Windsor, or at luxury country hotels such as Coworth Park and Pennyhill Park. The area pairs naturally with Wentworth and other Surrey heathland courses for a multi-round trip.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Coworth Park - Dorchester Collection
Ascot
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Royal Berkshire
Ascot
A taste of the luxury stays near Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course) — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Sunningdale — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Sunningdale.
Explore SunningdaleFrequently asked questions
Can the public play Sunningdale's Old Course?
Yes, visitors are welcome Monday to Thursday by advance booking; weekends are members-only and the Old Course closes to visitors in August.
Do I need a handicap to play Sunningdale?
Yes - you must hold a current, valid handicap, roughly 18.4 or better for men and 24.4 for ladies, and present a certificate at check-in.
How much is a round on the Old Course?
Indicatively around GBP 450 in the 2026 peak season for a single round, less in winter, with a day ticket for both courses running higher. Prices are approximate and seasonal.
When is the best time to visit?
May to October for the best turf, booking well ahead; avoid August, when the Old Course is closed to visitors.
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Wentworth Club (West Course)
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Pebble Beach Golf Links
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St Andrews — Old Course
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Carnoustie Golf Links — Championship Course
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Guide updated 2026-07-27.