28 Walton Heath Old
Architect: Fowler Stats: 6,786 yds, par 72, SSS 73 GF: £125-£155 Visitor information: Visitors may not play before 11.30 at weekends W: waltonheath.com (opens in new tab) 2008 Ranking: 28 (No Move) Improvements since 2008 Rankings: Course: No major changes in last two years, though the SSS has recently been reassessed Clubhouse: Shower and toilets refurbished in the men's locker room
Running across common land just inside the M25, the Old Course at Walton is very links-like with fine, crisp turf and true, hard, fast-rolling greens. Immediately after the long par-3 1st you cross the main road and play an excellent par 4 down into the valley and up the other side. Hole after hole of quintessential heathland golf then follows, remaining relentlessly tough until you approach the turn. Depending on the wind, three par 5s in the closing six can provide the chance to salvage a score. But you can't fail to notice the M25 road noise, which is a shame.
Panellists' comments: "Exceptional course conditioning"; "Strong opening holes mean you need to be on your game from the off"
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