Great Golf Courses in and Around London and the Home Counties

There are a considerable number of golf courses in and around London, with over 220 courses around London and its major orbital road – the M25. However, there are rather fewer located in the royal county of Buckinghamshire which tends to favour quality over quantity.

Beginning with golf courses Buckinghamshire, one of the more notable courses is the one of the same name as the county – The Buckinghamshire. This course is not only the home of the LPGA Women’s Tour governing body but hoe to a stunning and well-kept course. There is plenty of water to be avoided here in the shape of the River Colne and the River Misbourne on the first nine holes.

The course also plays host to some superb water features. The greens are large and there are bunkers seemingly everywhere, with the 15th proudly sporting no less than ten of them.
The 8th has a dogleg sharply to the left over a lake and can catch out the unwary, but the 9th is a beautiful par 3 to the green which is set between the clubhouse and the river.

Highgate Golf Club is another prestigious club among the golf courses of London and is a par 72 of 6,015 yards set among trees and woodland in a hilly environment. This is a private members club, but non-members are welcome with a handicap certificate midweek, Monday to Friday, and at weekends if accompanied by a member. It is set on the north side of Hampstead Heath and is only a short drive from the West end of London There is a covered driving range, putting green, and short game practice area.

Finally, we should also give a mention to one of the best Golf courses in Essex, Thorndon Park in Brentwood. Known by some as “The Wentworth of Essex”, this is another Harry Colt-designed course. This unique club is surrounded by centuries old woodland including oaks which are over 500 years of age, along with many cedar and elm trees. The turf here is springy and lush and is always very well maintained, and the greens are hard but true. The 18th century Palladian Mansion and former clubhouse is one of the most stunning sights in the last hole of golf.