Wentworth Club (West Course)
Ernie Els's remodelled Harry Colt masterpiece and headquarters of the DP World Tour - a manicured Surrey course where the BMW PGA Championship is decided and well-connected visitors can play as a member's guest.
Wentworth Club (West Course) in photos
Can I play Wentworth Club (West Course)?
Yes, but not by simply booking online. Wentworth is a private members' club that welcomes visitors as the guest of a member or through arranged guest tee times, typically midweek and outside tournament weeks. The most reliable route for travelling golfers is a specialist golf-tour operator or a member introduction; the West Course also closes to guests around the BMW PGA Championship each September.
How to book: Contact the golf office well in advance, or book through an accredited golf-travel operator that holds guest access. Guest green fees are seasonal and a caddie or buggy can usually be arranged. Expect to confirm a handicap and observe the club's strict dress and etiquette standards; tee times are limited, so book weeks or months ahead.
About Wentworth Club (West Course)
Wentworth's West Course opened in 1926 to a Harry Colt design and was comprehensively rebuilt by Ernie Els between 2005 and 2017, giving the club's flagship layout new bunkering, rebuilt greens and a water-guarded finish. Threaded through pine, birch and heather among some of England's most exclusive real estate, it has staged the PGA Championship (now the BMW PGA Championship) every year since 1984 and hosted the 1953 Ryder Cup. It is first and foremost a members' club, but limited guest tee times make it one of the more attainable championship venues near London. Firm, fast SubAir greens and a stern par-5 18th give visitors a genuine tournament test.
Signature hole
The par-5 18th, a sweeping right-to-left dogleg that climbs to a green ringed by bunkers and water - the stage for countless BMW PGA Championship finishes and reachable in two only with two brave, well-struck shots.
What makes it special
Home of the DP World Tour
Wentworth is the headquarters of European professional golf and the long-time host of the BMW PGA Championship.
Ernie Els redesign
The Big Easy rebuilt every green and bunker between 2005 and 2017, adding water to a dramatic closing stretch.
Tournament-firm greens
England's first SubAir greens keep the West Course running firm and fast whatever the weather.
Tournament pedigree
- BMW PGA Championship (1984-present)
- HSBC World Match Play Championship (1964-2007)
- Ryder Cup (1953)
- Canada Cup / World Cup (1956)
Need to know
Best time to play
May to September offers the best turf and weather, though this is also peak demand and the course closes to guests around the mid-September BMW PGA Championship. Late spring and early autumn balance good conditions with easier access.
Dress code
Smart golf attire required: tailored trousers or shorts and a collared shirt on-course; no denim, and smart-casual dress expected in the clubhouse. Soft spikes only.
Good to know
Caddies and buggies can be booked in advance; the West Course is walkable but long. Allow around four and a half hours for a round, and expect firm, fast greens thanks to England's first SubAir system. Practice facilities are excellent.
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) ~20 minutes; London Gatwick (LGW) ~45 minutes.
On arrival
Wentworth sits just off the A30 at Virginia Water in Surrey, about 40 minutes' drive south-west of central London and 20 minutes from Heathrow. Virginia Water station (South Western Railway) is a short taxi ride away, and most visitors arrive by car or private transfer.
Stay near the course
There is no hotel on the estate, so visitors usually base themselves in nearby Ascot, Sunningdale or Windsor, or at country-house hotels such as Pennyhill Park and Coworth Park a short drive away. Central London is close enough for a day 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 Wentworth Club (West 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 Virginia Water — 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 Virginia Water.
Explore Virginia WaterFrequently asked questions
Can visitors play Wentworth's West Course?
Yes, but only as a member's guest or through arranged guest tee times, usually midweek - there is no straightforward public booking, and a golf-tour operator or member introduction is the realistic route.
How much does it cost to play the West Course?
Guest green fees are seasonal, indicatively around GBP 195 in winter up to roughly GBP 360 at summer peak, with caddies and buggies extra. Rates are approximate and change with the season.
Do I need a handicap to play Wentworth?
You should hold a recognised handicap and be able to demonstrate competence and etiquette; the club expects visitors to play to a reasonable standard and observe its dress code.
When is the best time to play?
Late spring to early autumn for the best conditions, but avoid the week of the BMW PGA Championship in September, when the West Course is closed to guests.
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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.