Selsdon Park Hotel & Golf Club

Selsdon Park Hotel & Golf Club, Croydon, South East, England, CR2 8YA

02087683116 | E-mail golf course | Golf course website

25 reviews of Selsdon Park Hotel & Golf Club

A brief update to my review of 18 months ago. Course layout still impresses and is worth playing. Much work has gone on, the bunkers are now in good condition, all with new rakes. I still think they should reinstate the lost bunkers on 2nd, 8th, 10th etc. Fairways have plenty of growth. Rough is all cut to same height, needs two cuts. Greens are passable, but some have fusarium disease and patches of wrong type of grass. The tees grounds need improving. Pro shop is friendly and better stocked than last time. The hotel has just been taken over again and more investment in the golf course is promised.

Posted by John Slater on 30/10/2013
3
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Overall Rating 3
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  • Green conditions 3
  • Clubhouse 3
  • Course challenge 3
  • Staff service 3
  • Value for money 3
  • Green conditions 3
  • Clubhouse 3
  • Course challenge 3
  • Staff service 3
  • Value for money 3

Selsdon Park is that rare thing, a 1920’s course still playing as its top architect designed it. Some of the key bunkers have disappeared (they could very easily be brought back into play), but at 6473 par 73 off the whites it doesn’t look like anyone has tinkered with it. And JH Taylor used every trick in the book – doglegs, blind drives, plateau greens, greens cut into hillsides, greens at an angle to the fairway, fairway bunkers positioned to force the unconfident to steer away from the proper driving line, echelon bunkers well short of the green fooling you as to distance. Unless you are driving well you will often find yourself on an upslope or a downslope for your second. The course design is a delight and must be one of Taylor’s best in the London area. That said, the course is muddy like many in London and the hotel is still trying to get it back into good condition after many years of neglect and a variety of owners. They have saved it from near extinction about 5 years ago and I hope they keep going at the improvements – and bringing back the lost bunkers. We played on a quiet March afternoon and at £10 it was good value, although sadly we were off temporary tees most of the time – perhaps an attempt to recover better tee grounds for the long term. Our round took 3hrs 30 mins for 2 of us. The greens were medium paced but true enough. The off course facilities are not great; there is no clubhouse, the small car park is not well signposted, the changing facilities are rudimentary and buried in the hotel basement some distance from the course, but there is a friendly small hut by the 1st tee serving as a proshop.

Posted by John Slater on 06/03/2012
3
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Overall Rating 3
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  • Green conditions 3
  • Clubhouse 1
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 3
  • Value for money 4
  • Green conditions 3
  • Clubhouse 1
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 3
  • Value for money 4

Playing golf at Selsdon Park is very enjoyable for various reasons. 1. The staff in the club shop were very helpful and went out of their way to accommodate and help me in fitting in a time for myself when I turned up just "hoping" to fit a round in.. Much appreciated. 2. The course is beautiful, challenging but rewarding of good shots. However a fair amount of bunkers seem to have been neglected (lack of sand). Greens and fairways are excellent. The card system for rounds as in buying 18 rounds is pure value for money. I will definitely be back in the near future and recommending it to friends.

Posted by Francis De Souza on 05/08/2011

We have now been playing the course through several years and it is always a pleasure to return to Selsdon. The course is in a very good condition and we just love to play it. The staff are very pleasant and helpful and we feel that this is our home course - abroad. Looking forward to our next possability to play the courseat Selsdon. Absolutely recommendable. "The Norwegians"

Posted by Harald Fadnes on 10/06/2011
4
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      Played here for the first time today. Absolutely lovely course. Greens were murderously fast though. Didn't see any problems with the tees (although the 17th is a temporary mat whilst some maintenance is being done on the permanent tees). Some lovely holes - very hilly course so the downhill ones lend themselves to meaty drives whilst the uphills can be a challenge (though are mercifully relatively short for the most part). None of the par fives (and there are five of them) are overly long played off the yellows, and a couple of the par 4s are nice and short - drivable if you hit a good tee shot. Bunker layouts give you something to think about on most holes. Bank holiday monday, so if there were ever going to be problems with slowpokes, hackers and people with no clue playing it would have been today, but we encountered no trouble at all and went round the course in a shade under 4 hours. Range facility is extremely basic - no tees as woods/drivers are not permitted. Shop staff friendly and helpful, marshals we encountered just as accomodating. Will definitely be returning.

      Posted by Stuart Crawford on 30/05/2011
      4
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      Overall Rating 4
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      • Green conditions 3
      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 4
      • Staff service 5
      • Value for money 5
      • Green conditions 3
      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 4
      • Staff service 5
      • Value for money 5

      Nice course tarnished by our experience. Selsdon are going to suffer greatly if they continue to allow people on the course who have never played golf before. One player in front had lost two clubs by the end of the first hole. His playing partner pulled trolley whilst replacing the flagpole on the green. They must both have been exhausted when the gave up after the 9th. As previous comment, tees and greens need some tlc. Finding the golf shop was a mystery itself. Tucked well away from parking behind a high hedge. Very little signage. It has potential but. Hotel is huge - goodness knows how they survive. Must be weekend functions/weddings I guess.

      Posted by Joan Harris on 04/04/2011
      3
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      Overall Rating 3
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      • Green conditions 1
      • Clubhouse 1
      • Course challenge 3
      • Staff service 3
      • Value for money 3
      • Green conditions 1
      • Clubhouse 1
      • Course challenge 3
      • Staff service 3
      • Value for money 3

      Played 4 rounds at Selsdon Park 2 weeks ago, and had a pleasant stay. The course was nice, and trimmed. We spotted several workers each day, tidying up around the course. For Norwegians, it was not especially hilly, and no water hazards what so ever, was a surprise. Other reviews here have commented on bunkers in particular, but I found them to be all right. We were 8 guys playing 4 rounds, with an average of about 34-36 stableford points (and handicaps ranging from 6 to 32), including several positive HCP-adjustments. On the downside, there were no refreshments along the course (No “rest room” facilities either.), and the selection in the pro shop was limited to “Kit Kats and Coke”. The worst part was that out of the 4 days, the warm-up range (or driving range) was only open 1-ONE-day. The tempo was not impressive compared to other UK courses we’ve played, but ok. The Starter helped us get out a lot sooner one day, so no complaints there! All in all, a recommendable course.

      Posted by Thomas Kjensli on 20/09/2010
      3
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      Overall Rating 3
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      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 2
      • Value for money 4
      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 2
      • Value for money 4

      Just played selsdon two weeks ago. Potentially a fantastic course, just needs a bit of TLC esp. the bunkers. The course itself is long hard but fair. Its surprisingly quite hilly. Well worth playing

      Posted by kevin simmons on 21/06/2010
      4
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      Overall Rating 4
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      • Clubhouse 4
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 4
      • Clubhouse 4
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 4

      There have been no reviews for some time, but it is clear that the course has been a victim of the credit crunch and its condition shows evidence of a squeeze on maintenance costs. It's a shame, as with sufficient investment it could be so different. However, shabby teeing areas, bunkers poorly maintained with rough growing round them, and greens needing rolling with areas of wear wanting treatment make scoring something of a lottery. Additionally, there are few visual distance guides or ball washers in proper working order. Visiting golfers haven't helped- it takes little time and effort to rake a bunker or repair a pitch mark, and would help the green staff. Selsdon isn't alone- many proprietory owned clubs need money put in and their owners grab whatever green-fees they can. Having said that we got a very good online green fee rate. It's just that we would happily pay more to play it as JH Taylor intended!

      Posted by Mike Rothman on 13/05/2010
      4
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      Overall Rating 4
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      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 4
      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 4

      Just got back from a Society weekend at the Selsdon Park Hotel. Thought the course was pretty tough. With the exception of one bandit in our group, most Stableford scores on the course were in the low 30s. You have to be able to put the ball where you want as the rough is rough and a hack out was always the only option you had. But hey, you shouldn't have put it there! What I did think was a bit unfair was the rough being allowed to grow under the trees. The penalty for a wayward shot should be being in the trees, but then not to find your ball was a bit harsh I thought. It was suggested by members of my group that this was done to save time and money in having to cut around the trees. This may also account for the condition of the bunkers; they were dreadful! Still can't make up my mind if they were supposed to be like it. The rough was allowed to grow all around the bunkers which meant if you only just managed to get it out of the bunker you were then in the rough. Again a bit harsh. The bunkers also had varying amounts of sand and not very good quality at that. One bunker on the 16th was particlulary bad, it's the first time I have ever seen rough IN the bunker! In general some parts of the course looked like they could do with a bit of TLC. DIdn't see many ground staff during our stay so I guess they may be a bit thin on the ground, hence the sometimes 'untidy' look. All that said The general consensus was Selsdon was a good test with a good variety of holes and some particularly tough shots in. Greens were good and consistent. Unlike some of the previous comments, we found the Pro Shop to be really helpful. They provided good advice about the course as well as markers for our comps and there were plenty of provisions in the way of drinks and chocloate bars. If you're staying at the hotel though, a word of warning, the bar is NOT cheap. Staff were very helpful and friendly and service and food excellent.

      Posted by Ken Flint on 15/07/2009
      4
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      Overall Rating 4
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      • Clubhouse 4
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 4
      • Clubhouse 4
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 4

      Played in April on a sunny weekday morning and thoroughly enjoyed it. Staying at the hotel it cost £25 a round which I felt was a bargain. Course is up and down and rough is rough but surprised at some of the previous comments since I felt the fairways were wide enough for most club players to hit and there were lots of bunkers. Par 73 due to the large number of par 5's favoured the big hitters. Greens were reasonable - better in the back nine. Some interesting holes with dog legs, elevated tees and greens. You get the impression from the first couple of holes. Tee off blind down the hill to a right hand dog leg par 5. Second hole plays to a large elevated green - needs a tremendous second shot to be in contention. The downsides - the rough seemed to extend all around the tee boxes and made the place look scruffy in comparison to the excellent fairways. On a wet day this would have been unpleasant tramping through the wet grass. The bunkers were in a terrible state with hardly any sand in some and very little care - took the shine off what was a course I might have paid double for. Pro shop was pleasant and well stocked but changing rooms are under the hotel rather than next to the tee off so ensure you have a bit of time. If you are resident in the hotel then this is a real bonus.

      Posted by Alistair How on 27/04/2009
      4
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      Overall Rating 4
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      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 5
      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 5

      Ive just got back from Selsdon Park and found the course to be a real challenge and one of the best courses I have ever played. Yes the rough was deep, but this just made the challenge greater. The course is very hilly and does require a lot of stamina, especially for the 60 yr old I was playing with. I would suggest a buggy for the older golfer. mat

      Posted by Matthew Ellingham on 25/08/2008
      3
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      Overall Rating 3
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      • Clubhouse 2
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 4
      • Clubhouse 2
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 4

      Me and a friend played Selsdon I believe a few days after the Europro event in August 2008. The course was a fantastic challenge and like many before have mentioned the rough is brutal. You have to hit fairways other wise you risk the chance of losing several golf balls. The course requires you to think about every shot and with many of the greens elevated your accuracy to the Pin needs to be spot on. The greens were quick and the fairways are undulated and lush. A very hilly course which is why a buggy was needed on the second day (Book one in advance to avoid disappointment). A super challenge for many a golfer. Avoid the course if you lack confidence. Good Luck!

      Posted by Simon Robbins on 22/08/2008
      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 selsdon on a sunny monday a week or so ago and I have to say that Selsdon Park golf course is an incredible and true challenge of golf. One of the best, if not the, best course I have ever played, deffinately the best course in the south east. It is a real players course with stunningly shaped fairways, superb bunkers, that are reminisent of links courses, and an abundance of very, very interesting holes. If you are a golfer then you will enjoy this course. The rough is deep, but obviously delliberately so from the standard of the rest of the course, i.e. the fairways and greens are lush as can be. The rough is not just left to grow out of a lack of love. The gents in the pro shop were just that, gents. Really looked after me and my party and really added to the charm of the day. Will be playing selsdon again and again in the future.

      Posted by John Carter on 25/06/2008
      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

      Selsdon Park are hosting a Europro Tour event in August and are in the process of toughening up the course - this basically equates to letting the rough grow unchecked. I played there last weekend and to say that the rough was brutal would be an understatement. In most places it was at least a foot deep and in some places it was over two feet deep. Any drive which did not find the fairway was invariably lost, as was any shot which missed the green either long or to the side. If you were lucky enough to find your ball, your only option was to hack back to the fairway or towards the green. Unless you are laser straight you will need to take plenty of balls. On the plus side, there are a number of good holes, lots of elevation changes and in its current set up the course presents a real challenge. The greens were woolly and quite slow but this was expected due to the poor recent weather. One big negative on the day was the pro shop. On the hottest day of the year so far, we were unable to hire trolleys (reserved for other players later in the day), or a buggy (run out) or buy any bottled drinks (run out at 10am on a Sunday morning!!) from the pro shop. The only drinks available were cans of coke (£1) which are not much use when you've opened them. To add insult to injury, there is no water available anywhere on the course, nor a halfway hut. I'll visit Selsdon again, but not until after the Europro event when the course should be in immaculate condition. Hopefully the pro shop will have got their act together by then as well.

      Posted by Haydn Morris on 13/05/2008
      4
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      Overall Rating 4
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      • Clubhouse 1
      • Course challenge 5
      • Value for money 5
      • Clubhouse 1
      • Course challenge 5
      • Value for money 5

      Selson Park is a very well conditioned course. Even in the second week of December, all greens were in play and were in superb condition. The tee's are all level and the signage is good too. The course , at 6400 yards + is long. Make that very long, especially in the winter when the tempreature is below freezing ! The fairways simply have to be found as the rough is very penal. The bunkers were well maintained. However i do feel there were not enough bunkers on the fairways that would effect your tee-shot. With it being a par 73 you have to be a long hitter. There are four par 5's of which most are three-shotters. There are two par 4's on the back nine which are under 300 yards, one of which i feel should be made into a par 3. The practice facilities were more than adequate and all the staff were friendly. Be prepared to be out there a while, especially if you are a higher (18+) handicapper. The course is hilly and it can take it out of you. I would imagine its extremelly hard work in the height of summer. All in all avery nice, but very tough course. Make sure you take your A game ! Only down-side id the lack of road signage. I came from Edenbridge, via Titsey Hill and Warlingham and didn't see any signs.

      Posted by Andrew Sands on 13/12/2007
      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

      I stopped playing Selsdon over 5 years ago as the condition became unbearable. I watched a europro event on Sky sports held at Selsdon and listened to what Chris Baron the GM had to say about forth coming plans and improvements for the course. So I went down and played the course. The greens and fairways were immaculate and the rough punishing. I play off 12 and found every fairway on the front nine and scored well. On the back nine I only hit 30% of the fairways and scored badly. Which is how a course should play. After I spoke with Chris, re continued improvements and money being spent on the course and have decided to join. previously being a member at chart hills. The deal at present is astonishingly good value and if Chris does just half the continued work he says he is going to, the course will be a real stunner. If your looking to join a new course then I would highly recommend you go down take a look at the current improvements speak with the guys there and make your decision it really is a no brainer!

      Posted by ian grout on 03/11/2007
      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

      Played this course on 14th Sept and I have to say it is a cracking course. I usually play off 24, however this course killed me (shot over 100 for the first time in years). There is genuine semi rough and rough on all holes and if you cannot drive straight you will find yourself unable to reach the green in two on your par 4s. Some of the greens are tricky and the some of the flag positions are blind from the tees. Both front and back 9 start with a par 5 and put you on the back foot from the start. As this is the first time I have played the course I have no idea of it's previous condition, however the greens are well cared for and I could not see any pitch marks on the greens. The rough is horrendous and if you go in there it is time to swallow your pride and chip out. The semi rough was very soft and the ball sunk to the ground which made it difficult to get to the back/bottom of the ball. Saying that I would definitely play this again, it was a real challenge and something I would like to tackle again. Words of warning We were the only golfers not to have hired a cart. The course is very up and down and if you do not wish to have a decent work out then a cart is a must. They have been helpful to scatter white stones near some of the trees and heavy rough which makes ball finding difficult. Take lots of balls as it is almost impossible to find your balls in the rough. The club house is round the back of the manor house past the outside eating area There is also a Pro Am coming up so I doubt we are the only ones who believe this course is pretty good.

      Posted by Adam Sherriff on 17/09/2007
      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

      This golf course has become a true championship venue, the restoration over the last 12 months has been remarkable. Its a must play venue, I believe the course will stage the PGA EuroPro Tour event The Ladbrokescasino.com Masters, this is a true testomony of the changes that has happened and the position the golf course should be elevated to. I shall be returning.

      Posted by Nick Brown on 09/09/2007
      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

      Despite the recent rain, the course was in generally good condition. Tees were a bit hairy, but the greens had clearly been worked on and were fairly quick and consistent. Plenty of length from whites, par threes are excellent. This place has potential to be a very good course - loads of room, many slopes and elevations. It just needs sprucing up - cosmetics. Would play again happily.

      Posted by Gavin Roy on 04/07/2007
      4
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      Overall Rating 4
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      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 4
      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 4

      June 2007, booked a Sunday driver, cost £95, for 12 golfers and pleased to say that all enjoyed the venue. The staff in the hotel are friendly and helpful, food good but drinks are expensive, typical hotel costs. Nice course well laid out. A good variety of holes with some fairly wide fairways but most greens are compact and narrow. Was disappointed with a few of the tee areas and a number of greens needed mowing. The hotel needs to invest more in the course and the onsite golf facilities. Having said that I would have no problem in recommending / returning to this venue.

      Posted by Stephen Cross on 04/06/2007
      3
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      Overall Rating 3
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      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 3
      • Value for money 4
      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 3
      • Value for money 4

      Golf course was a pleasure with many interesting holes, a lot of elevated tees and greens made it look like you could hit the ball miles and some well placed bunkers to catch you out, If critical Teeing areas needed attention and greens needed a mow (very slow but true). Hotel looked and felt great plenty to offer(leisure) but service at meal times left alot to be desired, nothing against the staff but they couldn't cope with the extra numbers. Would I go back ? yea to play golf but no to stay at hotel

      Posted by Kev Mundy on 30/05/2007
      3
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      Overall Rating 3
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      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 3
      • Value for money 3
      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 3
      • Value for money 3

      Played the Selsdon Park on a lovely april day. The course has excellent terrain and is designed quite well. The upkeep leaves a bit to be desired. I was told there is an ownership change and some money was being spent on the course. As of now I think it is quite easy to see which holes have been improved. Would be a super course if the maintainance gets better. The Condition is a bit surprising at the back of an immaculate hotel. The greens were the slowest I have played anywhere. Would play again in a few months to see the improvements. In summary - could be great quite easily but as of now is just nice.

      Posted by Akshat Prasad on 30/04/2007
      4
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      Overall Rating 4
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      • Clubhouse 5
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 3
      • Clubhouse 5
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 3

      Really enjoyed our day out. Nice relaxed atmosphere and superb country feel despite it's proximity to London. Course was in good nick although the greens could have done with a mow.

      Posted by Ryan Jackson on 17/04/2007
      3
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      Overall Rating 3
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      • Clubhouse 2
      • Course challenge 3
      • Value for money 3
      • Clubhouse 2
      • Course challenge 3
      • Value for money 3

      None

      Posted by John Tuach on 19/09/2002

      Course information

      Number of holes 18
      Year opened -
      Designer -
      Style parkland

      Tee information

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      Competition
      Men's647373
      Ladies'

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      Weekday round£35
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      Weekend round£50
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