Top 10 Best Golf Courses in London

Golf Within Reach of the Capital

Golfers often assume that a great round requires a long journey out of the city, yet London and its leafy fringes boast an extraordinary concentration of world class courses. From historic heathland gems in the celebrated golfing belt of Surrey and Berkshire to parkland layouts within the city's green corridors, the capital offers something for every level of player. These courses combine testing design, immaculate conditioning, and rich history, making them destinations in their own right.

The soil and terrain around London are particularly suited to golf. The sandy heathland stretching south and west of the city drains beautifully and supports firm, fast playing surfaces that many consider the finest inland golf in the world. This natural advantage has produced a cluster of revered clubs that regularly feature among the best in Britain.

The Top 10 Golf Courses

1. Wentworth Club in Virginia Water is arguably the most famous golf address near London. The West Course, host of the prestigious BMW PGA Championship, offers a demanding championship test amid stunning surroundings and is complemented by two further excellent courses.

2. Sunningdale Golf Club is a heathland masterpiece revered by purists. Its Old and New Courses wind through heather, pine, and birch, delivering a serene yet strategic examination that has enchanted golfers for over a century.

3. Walton Heath Golf Club is celebrated for its exposed, links like heathland character. Having hosted major professional events, its firm fairways and clever bunkering reward thoughtful shot making and course management.

4. The Berkshire Golf Club offers two outstanding courses, the Red and the Blue, framed by towering pines. The variety and beauty of the layouts make it a favourite among discerning members and visitors alike.

5. St George's Hill Golf Club in Weybridge combines dramatic elevation changes with classic heathland design. Its scenic, undulating holes provide both challenge and visual delight in an exclusive setting.

6. Royal Mid Surrey Golf Club, located in Richmond, brings quality parkland golf remarkably close to Central London. Its well maintained layout and heritage make it a convenient yet rewarding choice for city based golfers.

7. Coombe Hill Golf Club near Kingston is a hidden gem, offering a beautifully wooded course with subtle contours and superb greens. Its peaceful atmosphere belies its proximity to the bustle of the capital.

8. Addington Golf Club in Croydon is admired by connoisseurs for its bold, natural design across heathland terrain. Dramatic carries and characterful holes make it a memorable and distinctive test.

9. Richmond Golf Club provides a classic parkland experience within Sudbrook Park, offering mature trees, strategic bunkering, and a welcoming clubhouse steeped in tradition.

10. Dulwich and Sydenham Hill Golf Club stands out as one of the closest quality courses to Central London. Set on elevated ground, it offers surprising views across the city skyline alongside an enjoyable, undulating round.

What Makes London Golf Special

The defining feature of golf around London is the heathland terrain. Unlike heavier parkland or coastal links, heathland courses offer firm turf, natural hazards of heather and gorse, and a strategic style that emphasises placement over power. This creates layouts that remain enjoyable and challenging across seasons and skill levels.

Many of these clubs also carry significant history, having hosted major championships and shaped the development of the game. Their clubhouses, traditions, and manicured surroundings contribute to an experience that extends well beyond the eighteen holes.

Tips for Golfers

Several of the most prestigious clubs are private and require member introductions, though many welcome visitors on selected days or through green fee bookings. Planning ahead, respecting dress codes, and booking tee times in advance will ensure a smooth experience. For those seeking convenience, the parkland courses closer to the city offer excellent golf without a lengthy drive.

Whether you crave a championship challenge at Wentworth, the timeless charm of Sunningdale, or a quick city round at Dulwich, London's golfing landscape is genuinely world class. These ten courses represent the finest the region has to offer, rewarding players with memorable rounds in beautiful surroundings.