Hankley Common

The Surrey heathland belt has produced more celebrated golf courses per square mile than almost anywhere else in the world, and Hankley Common belongs firmly in that elite company. Its relative anonymity compared to Sunningdale or Wentworth is something of a puzzle to those who have played it, because the quality of the golf is unquestionable. The open common land setting distinguishes it from its enclosed woodland neighbours, lending the course a quality of exposure and wildness that suits golfers who prefer their heathland raw rather than refined.

James Braid's 1922 redesign gave the course its current character. Braid was the dominant figure in British golf architecture during the interwar period, and his work at Hankley followed the same principles he applied throughout his career: use the natural ground, create varied and interesting problems, and build greens that reward intelligent approach play. The result is a layout that has aged well, with no hole feeling forced or contrived. The heather rough is genuine and penalising, and the gorse that flanks several fairways demands respect from even the straightest drivers.

The Surrey Hills setting adds a dimension of natural beauty that enhances every round. The common land has been grazed and managed for centuries, producing a landscape texture that no golf course architect could manufacture. Deer are regularly seen on the course, the heather blooms purple in late summer, and the views across the surrounding hills on a clear day extend well beyond the course boundaries. For golfers seeking a great heathland experience without the waiting lists and formalities of the most famous Surrey clubs, Hankley Common is among the most rewarding options in the county.