Hindhead

The elevation at Hindhead sets it apart from the majority of Surrey heathland courses, which tend to sit on relatively flat or gently undulating ground. Abercromby's design exploits the contours of the plateau to create tee shots of genuine drama, approaches that play to greens positioned at angles that require careful thought, and views that open up unexpectedly as the round progresses. The natural landscape does much of the work, and Abercromby's skill was in resisting the temptation to impose too much artificial order on a site that already had everything a great heathland course needs.

Heather crowds the fairways in the authentic Surrey manner, Scots pines create natural corridors and cast long shadows in the afternoon light, and the sandy soil beneath ensures that the course drains quickly and plays firm for the majority of the year. These are the conditions in which heathland golf is at its best, demanding a controlled ball flight and the ability to work the ball when the wind picks up over the exposed higher ground. Hindhead sits comfortably within Surrey's remarkable collection of heathland courses and pairs particularly well with Liphook for golfers planning a journey to this corner of the south-east.

The private nature of the club, combined with its relatively modest public profile, means Hindhead is not a course that attracts casual visitors. Those who do arrange access tend to be serious about heathland golf and to appreciate the quality of Abercromby's design with the full attention it deserves. The experience is one of quiet distinction: a superbly conditioned course in a genuinely beautiful natural setting, played in an atmosphere of unhurried privacy. Enquiries can be directed to hindheadgolfclub.co.uk.