The Berkshire (Blue Course)

Berkshire

4.8

262 reviews

4.8(262 Google reviews)

About The Berkshire (Blue Course)

The Berkshire Blue Course is one of the most distinctive heathland layouts in the south of England, featuring a unique par structure and the timeless character of Herbert Fowler's 1928 design.

Designed by Herbert Fowler and opened in 1928, the Blue Course at The Berkshire offers a playing experience unlike almost any other course in the country. Its par structure is genuinely unusual: six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s, creating a rhythm and variety that keeps golfers engaged throughout. Set among Scots pine and heather in Ascot, Berkshire, the course shares the tranquil atmosphere of its famous Red Course neighbour while offering a very different strategic challenge. Open to visitors on weekdays, The Berkshire is one of the most accessible top-ranked heathland courses in the home counties.

The Berkshire (Blue Course)

Swinley Rd, Winkfield Row, Ascot SL5 8AY, UK

01344 621495

theberkshire.co.uk/

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England's Berkshire and Surrey heathland belt is home to some of the finest inland golf in the world, and The Berkshire stands as one of its most quietly celebrated venues. Herbert Fowler's two courses at the club are among the best examples of the Golden Age design philosophy applied to heathland terrain: natural features are used rather than imposed upon, and the result is golf that feels inevitable rather than contrived. The Blue Course's unusual par structure is not a gimmick; it flows naturally from the landscape and produces a round that is both memorable and repeatable without ever feeling the same twice.

The weekday visitor access policy makes The Berkshire unusual among top-ranked private clubs. Golfers can book independently without relying on member connections, which in this corner of the home counties is a significant advantage. The elegant clubhouse and the tranquillity of the pine and heather surroundings make the whole experience feel a cut above the ordinary. For those planning a southern heathland tour, The Berkshire Blue pairs beautifully with the Red Course on site and sits within easy reach of Sunningdale, Wentworth and the other great courses of Berkshire and Surrey.

Opening Hours

Monday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

What Golfers Say About The Berkshire (Blue Course)

A selection of recent visitor reviews from Google.

Mark Howson
2 years ago
My second visit to the Berkshire but only the first time playing the Blue course and wow! I think I might actually prefer it to the red which I know is controversial. Both are exceptional. The condition was amazing and every which way you look is just beautiful tree lined golf course. Can’t rate this course enough, it’s simply a must play.

Mark Fuller
a year ago
I was really looking forward to playing The Berkshire which had come highly recommended. It did not disappoint at all from the moment you drive through the gates you know this is a special place. The staff are very welcoming, food is excellent, practice facilities excellent and the course was in pristine condition and a real credit to the greens staff. We played the red course which was perfect and can’t wait to return to play the blue course.

Bill Diggons
5 months ago
Red course is awesome. Fairways, bunkers, tees and greens all in fine shape. Up and down holes and doglegs. Pro shop and bar staff friendly. Brian is an excellent caddie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Berkshire Blue Course open to visitors?

Yes, The Berkshire welcomes visitors on weekdays, making both the Blue and Red courses accessible to golfers without a member introduction. Advance booking is required, and visitors should contact the club via theberkshire.co.uk. Weekend play is reserved for members and their guests.

What makes the Blue Course at The Berkshire unique?

The Blue Course has an unusual par structure: six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s, making a par of 72. This equal distribution of hole types creates a distinctive rhythm compared to a conventional heathland layout and ensures that every part of a golfer's game is tested across the round.

Who designed The Berkshire Blue Course?

The Blue Course was designed by Herbert Fowler, who also designed the Red Course at the same club. Fowler is one of the most respected architects of the Golden Age of British golf course design, and his work at The Berkshire is considered among his finest. Both courses opened in 1928.

How does the Blue Course compare to the Red Course at The Berkshire?

The two courses at The Berkshire are deliberately different in character. The Red Course is a more traditional par-72 layout with a conventional hole distribution, while the Blue Course's equal split of par 3s, 4s and 5s gives it a distinct feel. Playing both courses in a single day is a popular choice for visitors and provides excellent variety within the same heathland setting.