The Ryder Cup, the AIG Women’s Open, and the NCG Top 100s Tour – its an extensive list of high-level events that Walton Heath has hosted…
It was the first time that the NCG Top 100s Tour was visiting Walton Heath, and the Surrey heathland is certainly one of the most well-known venues on the 2024 calendar.
Thanks to its range of tees, Walton Heath’s Old Course can measure as far as 7,330 yards from the Championship tees, with a Course Rating of 75.7 (+3.7 to par), and as little as 5,610 yards. In between sit the Whites (72.7) and the Greens (70.6), with the latter being what our male competitors played off on the day at Walton Heath.
At a Course Rating of 74.4, the Reds for the ladies is not the most difficult, thanks to the Old Course playing as a Par 74 for ladies. The two additional par 5s come early on in the round, at the 2nd and 4th holes, both of which play 425 yards from the Red tees.
- RELATED: NCG Top 100s – Walton Heath (Old)
What is the course like and what are the best holes?
With tree-lined fairways, heather as far as the eye can see, and plenty of sand traps in all the right places, the Old Course at Walton Heath will provide a true test of golf to players of all abilities.
The Old is exactly the sort of course you would expect to find in this part of England, and also what you would expect from the man behind the design – Herbert Fowler. Both power and finesse are required if you are to tame the Old Course.
The layout begins with a long par 3, of some 195 yards off the Green tees. Be thankful you’re not playing off the Whites or Championship tees, as your opening tee shot would be a 235-yard approach to a green that is not very welcoming. A run of five par 4s then follow as you cross over the road, with the 2nd being a tricky dog-leg right. This hole was used as the 1st when the AIG Women’s Open came to town in 2023, where Lilia Vu ended up walking away with the trophy.
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The 3rd is then drivable for some at just 280 yards off the Greens, but that is just a short reprieve, with the 4th being the hardest hole on the Old Course. From there, the rest of the par 4s on the front nine are all under 400 yards, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are easy… At only 476 yards, the par 5 8th offers up a scoring chance, but it is another hole where you mist find the fairway with your tee shot.
The Old isn’t a course that gets any easier as it goes along, with the closing stretch bringing out some of the toughest holes on the layout. The 16th is only 448 yards from the Greens and plays as a par 5, so you might think this is a good chance. However, even with two good shots, you might still have to chip and putt to get down for par… The closing hole, where Lilia Vu lifted the AIG Women’s Open trophy in 2023, is a stunning final hole, and one that has caught out many – both professionals and amateurs.
What did our competitors think of Walton Heath?
Looking for other opinions on the Old Course at Walton Heath? Check out what some of our players had to say about the major championship venue here:
“Having been at the AIG Women’s Open last year, I knew I had to play here. It is absolutely mesmeric!” – Charles Whittaker
“This is one that has been on my bucket list for a while now. I am grateful I got the chance to play here.” – John Leonard
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What about the off-course facilities?
Along with both the Old Course and the New Course, there are also some glorious practice facilities at Walton Heath. The practice ground is a short walk from the clubhouse, and over the road, while there is also a short game and chipping area which is located opposite the opening hole of the Old Course. Practice nets and a putting green add to the high-quality practice facilities on site.
Inside, the clubhouse is warm and welcoming. Golfers can relax both before and after their round of golf, whether playing the Old or New. Food and drink are served until late, with a dining room and lounge area as just some of the facilities in the clubhouse.
How can you play at Walton Heath?
Tee times are available every day of the week for visitors at Walton Heath, with prices for a game being more expensive on the weekend.
You can check out the green fees for a game at Walton Heath here, and you can sort out your round on the Old Course by emailing the club.
Walton Heath is located just inside the M25 – London’s motorway ring road – providing great transport links to those coming from all directions. It sits just south of Walton-on-the-Hill, with the centre of London around just 20 miles to the north.
- Keep up to date with the ever-expanding 2025 NCG Top 100s Tour schedule here.
Get in touch with Walton Heath
For more information about the club and course, visit the club’s website.
To get in touch with Walton Heath, you can call them on 01737 812060, or you can check out their list of contacts on their website here.
Now have your say
Have you ever played the Old Course at Walton Heath before? Let us know with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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