Wimbledon Common Golf Club

Played in July 2014. I used to play here regularly in the early and mid-1970s. Fun to go back. What's changed? Not that much really. The same pro who I seem to remember was the club's first about 40 years ago. The same dog walkers all over the course, whom, I have to say, I had forgotten about, but they came to the fore. The same excellent greens, many bowl shaped, with steady undulations rather than borrows all over the place. The same friendly and welcoming atmosphere in the small clubhouse and members who are keen to chat. In the club rooms the lay out is a bit different - you used to have to go through the snooker room to get to the locker room. That was always a bit awkward - a much better arrangement now. On the course there are ladies' tees and there is a ladies' section in the club. Welcome progress indeed. In places the trees grow in on you more than I remember - particularly noticeable on the first ravine hole, the 7th, where the gap to hit the tee shot is much narrower than I remember. Oh, and the ball seems to go much farther off the tee than it used to - a reflection on clubs and balls of the day - and birdie opportunities abound. The only part of the course set up that I found disappointing was the fact that clumps of long grass have been grown on fairways and often in front of greens. These are called "grass bunkers" apparently. To my mind this brings in a whole lot of luck as to whether you end up in them or bounce through or over them, especially if you don't know where they are! I remember the old boys in the 60s and 70s playing incredibly skilful bump and run shots into greens in just the way the course designers, the officers of the London Scottish Regiment I believe, no doubt mindful of their links heritage, had in mind. I'm afraid that the bump and run is not now necessarily the way to play into some of the greens and in my opinion I think it's a shame that someone has felt it necessary to try and "trick up" the course in this way. I would have preferred the club to hold on to it's heathland traditions and keep the course set up as was originally intended. Nonetheless an enjoyable day out and I'm glad to have gone back. One last thing - how fantastic to play 18 holes in just about three hours without hurrying. Not too many courses facilitate that nowadays!

Really attractive, natural course. It's not long, has only one Par 5, and quite a few short Par 4s, but it is a course you have to think your way around. No bunkers, but some savage grass bunkers in the summer months, and tree-lined, which means you have to be accurate. The greens are the stand-out feature. Incredible they're so good, given the fact that the course is on a Common, with quite a few walkers, dog-walkers, etc. Small but nice clubhouse, and the staff are extremely friendly and welcoming

A great course, wonderful greens, and so close to London. I would recommend WCGC to everyone.

A delightful golf course, which although comparatively short, provides a good test for any golfer. The common is public land, but has a true natural beauty, which can be enjoyed anytime of the year. The course remains dry and playable, except in extreme weather. A true jewel in SW19's crown!

Very nice course - really enjoyed it. Fairways really aren't that great but the greens are fabulous running quick and true. The front 9 is fairly easy with drivable par 4's giving birdie opportunities. The back 9 is harder with tee shots requiring 140 yard carries. Although this is not challenging it is certainly intimidating for the average golfer. Situated in Wimbledon Common it means members of the public are allowed to walk which can be a little frustrating at times. You area also required to wear red which can be a bit of a nuisance.

An extremely friendly club just around the corner from Putney, Hammersmith, Richmond etc. From what I have experiences, a good mix of old boys and young guns. True, some of the par 3s are tough, but the quality of the greens for a public course is phenomenal. Compare this to Richmond or such like, and suddenly you realise the value of Wimbledon Common. Ideal practice for straight driving and honing the short game. The key to a good round here is straight, controlled hitting of the tee, and using the contours with the chips and approaches. Love the fact that it is a public common, so tree-lined on almost every hole, and on some of the fairways large trees to drive over or around. An excellent and diverse challenge of 18 holes on a beautiful and picturesque stretch of common. Highly recommended.

Easy and friendly place for a round, and the course was almost empty playing mid-week. The walkers right of way is a bit of a pain, and the fairways are a bit hap-hazard but the greens are good and there are some really challenging par 3's. Overall - excellent value, and some interesting holes - great for a quick knock if you live in London.

The person who commented on 18/05/00 obviously had a "bad hair day". The course is in magnificent condition and the club is going from strength to strength. We offer superb value for money aned I doubt you would find a friendlier group of people or a nicer place to play golf. PS: James Vintcent is no longer the Secretary.

I think the course offers the best value golf in and around London. It has a small but relaxed and friendly Clubhouse . I found it very welcoming. While some of the fairways are a bit worn the greens are in great condition . I understand local "common ground" byelaws restrict maintenance of the fairways to a basic level. Some challenging par 3's . A pleasant surprise to find a club like this inside the M25!