The Westerham Golf Club

The Westerham Golf Club, Westerham, South East, England, TN16 1LJ

01959567100 | E-mail golf course | Golf course website

23 reviews of The Westerham Golf Club

Played here yesterday and was a little disappointed, to say the least. We hadn't had THAT much rain in the area recently, it was raining very gently when we first arrived to tee off at 11.30 but within about an hour or so it stopped, and turned out to be quite a nice day. But the condition of the course left a lot to be desired. I would guess that 75% of the holes were played off mats. Certainly all of the par 3's were, and the vast majority of 4's. I hate mats with a passion, but understand that they are a necessary evil on some courses during the really bad months. But these were diabolical. You couldn't get a tee peg in the things and half of them were lined up to ensure you were going to hammer a ball into the many trees lining the fairways. Thankfully, winter rules were in operation, which obviously helps on the fairways. But if you ventured off them, you were faced with hardly any grass, and the ball sitting on mud. Around most of the greens it was terrible, very muddy, and most attempts to play chip shots from the surrounds were almost impossible. It's a shame, because Westerham has the potential to be a really good course. But in the Summer it's rock hard and wicked bounces where you don't expect them put you in unplayable lies, and despite their websites claim that the course is built on good draining sandy soil I would take it with a pinch of salt. My trousers were filthy when I came off the course. Not recommended, certainly not for winter golf.

Posted by Robert Smith on 01/11/2010
3
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Overall Rating 3
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 2
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 2

Played in a 3 ball for the first time yesterday. The course is very tight which makes up for the lack of length. There are no 200yard+ par 3s, 400yard+ par 4s or 500yard+ par 5s although the course elevation makes several of the holes much longer. Course was in splendid condition although the greens, whilst looking great, were a little on the slow side. I would recommend that you buy a course planner as there are several doglegs which require semi blind tee shots. Pace of play was fine, I find the best policy with society friendly clubs is to use their online booking system. We booked a time just before an unavailable section of a hours worth of tee-times. The society duly pitched up on the practice green as we walked to the tee. 1st hole is a bit dull but serves as a gently loosener, back 9 is great with some stunning views and drops in elevation to the greens. Pretty much the best course I have played in the price range £25 - £40.

Posted by M Terry on 10/09/2010
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 3
  • Value for money 4
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 3
  • Value for money 4

Played in a 2ball at westerham on a sunday in April. What I found was that generally all the past reviews of the course were on the money. Paid £25 for tee off after 130. Not bad value for that but overpriced at £45. MAJOR ISSUE: The lack of etiquette with some at this course (members or pay/play- not sure) is astounding. A 2 ball let us through and then they and us let a one ball through. The 4 ball in front of us refused to let the one ball through so he gave up after nine holes. The group then held us up all round (even after I'd picked up one of their dropped clubs and took it to them!). It was so bad that at one pt there were nearly 3 groups (incl them) on the 14th tee. This is obviously a recurring issue and there needs to be regular marshalling at weekends. I liked the course and the facilities but will not go back until reviews show me this has changed. Politeness costs nothing people. Course condition: Overall good although about six of the greens should be in better condition and be treated as well as the 9th/18th greens! Clubhouse: Very pleasant and informative staff- also flexible re: teetime as my playing partner delayed. Took a long time to get served at bar though. Course: Punishing if you are not straight off tee. But not long- Only maybe 3 holes where worth risking driver. Better to play 3w or 2 iron off tee- you don't lose much with the approach. Most holes offered something different only found couple of holes (incl 1st) boring. Challenge = 10 if u play 13/14 holes with driver Challenge= 7 if u play 3/4 holes with driver

Posted by B Hill on 27/04/2010
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 4
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 4

We played Westerham on a Friday morning on a sunny July day and loved the course. It is not the longest, but that really doesn't matter as it is pretty unforgiving if you are left or right off the tee. The 1st hole is a gentle introduction but by the time you are on the back 9, there are many challenges and the course gets harder as you go on. Saying all that, it is very playable, just be wise with your club selection! We paid £42, they didn't take 2 fore 1 vouchers on Fridays, which was a shame, but we would still happily go back another time. The staff were helpful and pleasant and we really couldn't fault it other than getting slightly held up by a couple of slower groups on the back 9, but we were in no rush so it didn't spoil the day. Can I also just say that the views from pretty much everywhere on the course were stunning and it is a truly pretty course, undulating without being too hilly and thoroughly enjoyable on the whole.

Posted by jacky legg on 01/08/2009
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4

Played the course 30/05/08. Absolutely loved it! Well designed holes which are very unforgiving if left or right from the tee. The greens are very challenging and play very true with good spin able to be gained. Only crticism can be the fairways were slightly long on a number of holes. Not the longest but that was made up for really having to think your way round. Pace of play not a problem but that will allways depend on who your behind not the course! Can't wait to come back.

Posted by Simeon Miles on 01/06/2008
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4

Very impressed. Not the longest course you will ever play but well designed using the natual elevations. Greens were difficult to read but they were well presented and the holes through the pine trees are very beautiful. I agree that pace of play is a slight issue and needs to be addressed. Overall though a great course, testing enough for all levels, very easy on the eye and not bad value for money. A bit hard on the legs though if you are carrying your bag.

Posted by Alistair Armstrong on 29/10/2007
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5

Westerham is a beautiful course with some delightful holes, especially on the second nine. The greens are testing, and you have to really think your way around. However, the pace of play is a real issue - I was stuck behind a three-ball who played at a funereal pace, with no recognition whatsoever of the people behind. Judging by the comments of other reviewers, this is a long-standing problem at Westerham, and it left a bad taste in my mouth. Having paid £40 for a round on a Sunday afternoon, I expect better than to be (a) needlessly held up and (b) met with a surly-bordering-on-hostile reaction when politely querying whether we could be let through.

Posted by Ian Redman on 08/10/2007
3
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Overall Rating 3
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 3
  • Value for money 3
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 3
  • Value for money 3

I played an early evening round here and found both the course and the facilities very enjoyable. My only gripe was the time taken to play due to a very slow three ball in front of us who failed to call us through. This is a very picturesque course with some very undulating greens. We paid £26 guest fee playing with a member which i thought very reasonable.

Posted by Robert Bedford on 07/08/2007
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

I played this course recently and was more than happy with what it had to offer me. The course was mature and challenging with some interesting undulating greens which were in superb condition, especially as i was told they are used 12 months of the year. The club brought great atmosphere with nice food and pleasent staff both in the bar/resturant and the reception/pro shop. I highly recommend this course to any standard of golfer, really worth a visit.

Posted by Mark Keogh on 11/07/2007
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

I played this Westerham late October 2006 and was pleasantly suprised by the course and freindly clubhouse atmostphre, certainly in my top 3 courses

Posted by Andrew Brunt on 24/10/2006
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

Played here last Friday. Overall the course was in good condition despite the dry summer, but amazingly the greens were very slow and unpredictable. Agree with the lack of signage to the driving range also. Not sure that it's worth £35 on a Friday though.

Posted by Sam Day on 16/07/2006
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 2
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 2

We had played here a couple of years ago, and were looking forward to coming back and playing again. Upon arriving we wanted to use the driving range, there were no signs to the driving range, we ended up on the short practice ground were we had to pick are own balls from the 2 greens. The greens were in good condition, the tee boxes were awful, there were at least 5 mats in use and the 12th hole which is a challenging par4, is now a 100 yard par3. Which no one in the pro shop told us about. The state of the course in general is poor. Hope this improves in the future, as we used to look forward to playing here..

Posted by jon knowles on 15/10/2005
2
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Overall Rating 2
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  • Clubhouse 3
  • Course challenge 3
  • Value for money 1
  • Clubhouse 3
  • Course challenge 3
  • Value for money 1

Played Westerham @ the weekend and out of the courses I have played in the Surrey / Sussex area it is probably the most enjoyable, along with Rusper. What a fantastic clubhouse, and the 9th and 18h greens facing the patio and balcony is great. When I played there was a wedding reception on and there were about 50 guests standing on the balcony in the sun watching us play, quite nerve wracking but FUN :-) Like previous reports have stated it is not just a GRIP IT & RIP IT course. You really do have to plan ahead. Only two of the par 4's could be considered as straight holes. All the other and the Par 5's really make you think which side of the fairway you need to be for your approach. Some fantastic views from the T's. Once you get past the first 3 holes, which are fairly open you get into the woods and it really is a joy to play. My only gripe is the time taken for a round and course etiquette. We had two 2-balls in front of us and in both parties players were taking 3 off the T. Now I am all for getting your monies worth etc, but you are not going to score after well after 2 of the T, let alone 3. I wish players would just walk after 2 lost balls. Fine if they want to drop a ball 150yds out and have a crack at the green, but hitting 5-6 balls on one hole is beyond a joke. If Westerham can sort this out then it would be fantastic. On the note of the greens, I found them in very good order, with lots of undulations. Apparently a member in the clubhouse said there is a new green keeper and the diference is starting to show. Another fantastic point is they have the flag markers, to show where the flag is positioned on the green. One of the few courses I have played that actually do this correct. Congratulations for making the game as it should be.

Posted by Mathew Frost on 29/09/2005
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5

In the area around this golf club, there are some good golf courses; but westerham is simply the best. It is not for the faint hearted though, and I know of 18 handicappers who have struggled to get a decent score. Westerham is all about course management; if your only game is to hit the ball as far as you can, hoping it will go straight, then you will struggle. Whilst the course is not particularly long, very often the area approaching the green is narrow, so accuracy and knowing your limitations are the keys. there are so many "feature" holes, but 9th, 11th, 12th, 15th and 18th are particularly spectacular. I have read prvious feedback about the greens: but I found them true, fast and a real challenge. Go to westerham and play a "real" golf course; but don't expect it to be easy and bring your thinking cap.

Posted by Paul Moakes on 20/05/2005
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5

Unfortunately Westerham is really let down by two key things: the state of its greens and the time it takes to play a round. Usual trip round takes about 5 hours. No-one seems to stick to the tee off times and the lack of etiquette among the players here regarding pace of play is terrible. Otherwise, this course is a cracking layout and a really fun place to play - lots of elevation changes and many interesting holes which will really test you. The greens however are quite simply appalling. I have played here many times and only once have the greens been up to scratch compared to other courses in the region. I played last weekend and the greens were actually better than in the middle of summer!

Posted by J Campbell on 08/11/2004

Took a rather large society to Westerham yesterday and would tend to agree with other posters.....a course with some lovely holes but a few of them a little unfair (although this could be down to the weather we have had this summer and the ground being "rock hard"). Special mention should be made of the 17th hole, a beautifully struck tee shot that seemingly went exactly where it should have gone, only to find that the ball had ended up under a bush in an unplayable lie on the opposite side of the fairway!! The scenery around the course is magnificent in places, and standing on the 11th tee (par 3) you could be forgiven for thinking you were playing Gleneagles or similar. The 9th and 18th are great golf holes, with the 18th especially, a tricky second shot over water to try to secure par. Try standing over your shot with about 30 players who had already finished, standing outside of the clubhouse, drinks in hand, shouting "don't fat it" or "swim, swim!!" There is not a flat green on the whole course, they could have been a little quicker but were in excellent condition, as was the rest of the course. All in all a very enjoyable day and we will return next year without a doubt.

Posted by Robert Smith on 25/09/2003

I've played this twice in the winter and twice in mid-summer. It's a very pretty course and also one you need to think your way around - it forces you to plan a shot or two ahead when you're standing on the tee. Some of the doglegs are trickier than they look; you tend to have a choice between hitting a mid-iron into the corner and leaving yourself a 180-200yd approach shot or driving blind over the trees onto fairways which always seem to camber away from the tee side. That's OK at the moment but in 5 years time when the trees have grown a bit taller it will be very difficult... Not particularly long, although the hills can make a few of the uphill par 5s (ie 3rd and 10th) hard work unless you make good contact on the first two shots. The fairways have a habit of narrowing at landing areas which I guess is good design but inevitably leads to more lost balls than usual (for me, anyway). The clubhouse has a lovely sunny south-facing terrace overlooking the 9th and 18th greens which are each guarded by lakes/fountains, so the 19th hole is a real pleasure on a sunny day.

Posted by Andrew B. on 21/07/2002

i thought that the golf course was great but what really made my day special was the amazing service i recieved in the bar, and the high quality cuisine provided by the head chef. i would thoroughly recommend westerham golf club to all my friends and will certainly return, if only for the food.

Posted by terri on 02/02/2002

We played the course ona hot dry but wind weekday in june. The course was very dry and this made for some long driving. The course still offered a good test of accuracy and shot control. The shorth holes are all testing and there isby no means an easy hole as there are a number of split level greens. The final holes on each nine are indeed beautiful holes but a test with the second shotrequiring accuracy. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and the amenities also gave theimpression of a quelity set up. This course is so good we have arranged a society day there without any concern that would recieve anything other than an excellent day

Posted by richard white on 05/07/2001

I played this course in the pouring rain, and still found it very enjoyable with some holes of the kind which I have never seen before. The ground was very waterlogged due to the heavy rain, yet the winter tees and greens were not in use at any of the holes. The most memorable hole for me was the par 3 11th 170 yard down hill-perfect for the 5 iron-it was memorable for me as I managed to par it! The greens were very fast I found, considering the rain which was terrential. I will be returning there soon to play against a friend. The staff were very welcoming considering it was my first time there and I was playing on my own. 9/10

Posted by James on 29/04/2000

I highly rate this course. Beautiful parkland but mainly woodland course set in rural Kent. The condition of the greens and fairways were first class and many of the holes were lined with magestic great high elm, redwood and pine trees which were pretty impressive. The fairways were resonably wide with generous greens which held fair and true. The most memorable holes were the uphill and downhill 9th and 18th were the greens are guarded by a large lake infront of the clubhouse with a huge fountain in the middle. The par 4 15th with a blind tee shot towards the top of a hill and bunkers lining the left and great big pine trees which intrude on the right asks for a accurate tee shot and a second shot downhill to to a green surrounded by more pines. A fantastic course well worth a visit, easy to get to, ample parking and great looking clubhouse which is saying alot coming from a Palace fan who hates Ron Nodes who by the way owns it.

Posted by Tris on 17/04/2000

This is a great course ( i'm a member) - however there is one major draw back, it is very hilly indeed, a buggy is much advised. The 9th and 18th are particularly attractive holes, finishing downhill into the clubhouse. There is hardly any water, but the course is still testing. The bunkers are not too imposing. The par 5's are a definite birdie chance.

Posted by Rupert Paul on 22/09/1999

A thoroughly enjoying round. Westerham Gc is a very well designed course set mostly in woodland, with mature pines lining many of its fairways. It is a good test of golf, and single figure players would find it very intereseting, considering positional play comes high on the agenda here.\r\nI should mention here that the green fee is in fact cheaper than is quoted above and is œ20 w/day + there is a œ15 twilight fee.\r\nI found the atmosphere at the club very friendly and will no doubt return there!

Posted by Jon Wittenberg on 21/12/1997

Course information

Number of holes 18
Year opened 1997
Designer David Williams
Style parkland

Tee information

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Men's630072
Ladies'533372

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