Swinley Forest Golf Club: Course Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info

Swinley Forest Golf Club Key Information

Arguably as uncommercial and self-reliant as any club in the Top 100, Swinley Forest Golf Club is very much one of a kind. It’s charming and timeless course was designed by the legendary Harry Colt, and is one of the very best inland courses in the UK.

Swinley Forest has no need for a captain and you won’t be able to look up your handicap for the round on the England Golf app - this is very much its own club. And as private as it is, its course is much more in the public eye and appears in various world lists. Happily, it is also one that lives up to the highest expectations. If you were asked to close your eyes and think of what an archetypal, beautiful, traditional, pine-clad golf course looks like… this would be it. This is one of Harry Colt’s greatest and most enduring legacies. One where, aside from the addition of a new back tee here and the odd tweak there, it was so perfectly designed in the first place and sits in such a wonderful location, that little has changed or needed to.

From the moment you arrive, the whole atmosphere at Swinley Forest makes you genuinely feel as though you are stepping back in time. Everywhere, subtlety and understatement is key. Out on the course, then rather than individual standout holes, there is a consistency and great strength in depth. If you had to single out just one highlight, it would probably be the par-3 4th, but there is plenty to be admired and enjoyed at each of the other seventeen.

This is one of the best golf courses in England, and the view from the clubhouse sets the scene perfectly. The 1st runs away on your left and the closing hole comes up towards you on the right. Each plays down through the valley and over the stream, although it really shouldn’t come into play. The final green is perfectly situated and calls for a well struck shot to clear the welcoming party of two bunkers just short. With just two par 5s and five varied short holes, it plays every inch of its relatively modest yardage and is one of the best heathland courses in the UK. It is also a course where your score really shouldn't matter… what does matter is that it will keep a smile on your face from start to finish.

What The Top 100 Panel Said

Rob Fear

Any visit to Swinley Forest lives long in the memory due to its immaculate presentation and beautiful setting. Despite it being deep into the autumn, hardly a leaf was out of place! This is a timeless, lovely place for the golfing purist.

Christian Morris

If there is a heathland course that is more attractive than Swinley Forest, I would be surprised to the point of consternation! One of the most enjoyable days at a golf club anywhere. From the reception in the clubhouse, the golf, food and drink to the general ambience, the experience of playing here is next to faultless.

John Winter

The uninterrupted vistas with only the sound of the crows epitomise the spaciousness and peacefulness of this heathland course. I loved the whole experience and would rank Swinley as my favourite inland course to date.

Swinley Forest Golf Club Location

Swinley Forest Green Fees

Swinley Forest Scorecard

Best Courses Near To Swinley Forest

SUNNINGDALE

Home to the two best inland courses in the Top 100, Sunningdale is quite simply one of the best 36-hole clubs in the world. Both the Old and the New are exceptionally pretty, beautifully contoured and an absolute joy. As close to perfection as you will find.

THE BERKSHIRE

Having eulogised about Sunningdale, there are plenty of golfers who like The Berkshire just as much. Again there are two superb heathland courses, the Red and the Blue, both designed by the brilliant Herbert Fowler. The Red is famous for having six of each par, while the Blue is harder to score on and the perfect complement.

Best Places To Stay Near Swinley Forest

Macdonald Berystede Hotel - Book now via Booking.com

Styled like a French chateau, this historical manor has a relaxing spa with swimming pool and gym, and boasts an AA Rosette-rated restaurant. It is set in peaceful gardens and woodland and has an indoor pool with views across the gardens. It also offers an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, thermal suites and beauty treatments.

The Talbot Inn, Woking - Book now via Booking.com

The Talbot Inn serves real ales and locally sourced, seasonal produce in its bar and restaurant. Dating from the 18th century, this 4-star hotel has modern, spacious rooms with plasma-screen TV, en suite bathroom and large rain shower.

Swinley Forest Gallery

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Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I

• 2023/24 35
• 2021/22 39
• 2019/20 39
• 2017/18 38
• 2015/16 38
• 2013/14 34
• 2011/12 40
• 2009/10 36

Frequently Asked Questions