Walton Heath - Old Course

One of Surrey's finest - this challenge is not to be missed

The Old Course was opened in 1904 with an exhibition between Harry Vardon, James Taylor and James Braid, who served 45 years here as a club pro. And these boys recognised the natural challenge walton Heath throws up.

The par-3 1st provides an instant test of your accuracy and is followed by a tough par 4 that plays first downhill and then back up to the green. The unrelenting premium here is on heather avoiding accuracy, yet you can't compromise too much to graft out regulation figures.

In the summer expect the fairways and greens to be mown finely for a speedy experience. Walton Heath is a beautiful course that will test every facet of your game but leave you wanting to get straight back out there.

Best Hole: The par-4 2nd is a beautiful hole that must be approach with real caution. Get through with no worse than a bogey and you've done well.

Web: www.whgc.co.uk

Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 

Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X