When it comes to English heathland golf there is very little that compares with the Surrey 3Ws Tour. The 3Ws are a trio of inland classics, Worplesdon, Woking, and West Hill. Located in the Surrey Sandbelt, these courses are some of the finest England has to offer.
In addition to the golf, there is also the chance to pair your trip with a stay at one of Exclusive Collection’s luxurious hotels, the Pennyhill Park or Royal Berkshire. Here’s everything you need to know before you book your trip…
The 3Ws
The 3Ws are more than just excellent golf courses, they each offering a unique golfing experience. Golfing in this part of the world also offers up the chance to book a stay at the luxurious Pennyhill Park or Royal Berkshire. For golfers seeking that sense of tradition from quality golf courses, the Surrey Sandbelt won’t disappoint.
Founded in 1908, Worplesdon was designed by J.F. Abercromby, whose other work includes Coombe Hill and The Addington.
The course is stacked with strategic bunkering, undulating terrain, and fairways guarded by heather. It is also not overly long, standing at around 6,500 yards. Its challenge instead lies in precision and strategy rather than sheer length.
Personally I am here for the routing, save the treacherous road crossing, greens fall into tees creating a great flow and cadence to your game.
Fans of a half par or a par nine stretch will enjoy the couplets of the 5th and 6th, the 10th and 11th and the 13th or 14th all giveth and taketh in nature.
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Arguably the intellectual heart of the 3Ws, Woking Golf Club dates back to 1893. It is a bit of a golfing epicentre where many strategic design twirls came to pass.
An early renovation by Low moved the course away from the envogue penal architecture of the day to a more risk reward routing, radical at the time but his addition of cross-bunkering on the 4th hole is now widely recognised as a pivotal moment in the evolution of modern course design. One of the nothing new under the sun department Low’s work is not dissimilar to the renovators of today in CDP and Johnson, determined to put back width and choice.
The flow here is also just so, and again it is not long so pace of play is great. I am here for the short 4s and the significantly challenging greens, and the recent renovation work restoring some of the original playing lines.
Established in 1907, West Hill Golf Club is perhaps the most underrated of the trio. The course offers up some extremely impressive holes, that you find take your pick over that of the others.
Once again it short, but it is a demanding driving course. The par fours are particularly, see 7 and 9 and the final hree holes that offer a brilliant conclusion.
There is an unpretentious charm here.
Where to stay?
To fully immerse yourself in this golf-rich enclave, base yourself at one of the nearby Exclusive Collection hotels. Both offer the comfort, class, and proximity needed to elevate your trip from memorable to unforgettable.
First off, golfers have the option of a luxurious retreat with 124 individually styled rooms, called Pennyhill Park. It is known for being as grand as it is welcoming. After a day on the fairways, you will have a chance to unwind in its award-winning spa or indulge in fine dining. The hotel’s packages often include play at Sunningdale, The Berkshire, and Walton Heath. They start from around £2,200 per person for a three-night stay.
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The Royal Berkshire is also a great option to spend the night. Located in Ascot, it offers 66 tastefully appointed rooms in a more intimate setting. Prices start from around £1,750 per person for a three-night golf break, whilst having the chance to play some of the region’s finest courses.
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