A dizzying blend of six short holes, six par 4s and six par 5s add maximum variety to a sublime heathland setting on this engaging Herbert Fowler design
The Berkshire Golf Club Red Course Review
Top 100 Ranking 2021/22 – 42
Previous Rankings
2019/20 – 43
2017/18 – 42
2015/16 – 43
2013/14 – 40
2011/12 – 38
2009/10 – 40
Summer Green Fees
Round – £185wd, £250we, Day – £250wd
Visitors: weekdays and after midday at weekends
Medal Tee: Par 72 – 6,452 Yards
Changes since previous ranking
Major tree clearances to open up light, air and views
A deep bunker awaits anything short and right on the second
The Berkshire Golf Club Red Course Review
The Red Course is one of two superb Herbert Fowler designs at The Berkshire Golf Club that cover a surprisingly expansive acreage in prime stockbroker land on the Berkshire/Surrey borders. Both are beautiful and both are very memorable. While the Blue is arguably the tougher to score well on, it is the Red that tends to stay longest in the memory. A main reason for this is that despite its vintage – it opened for play in the late 1920s – it has an unusual configuration consisting of six of each par.
Sunlight breaks through the trees on the par-4 fourth
Indeed, only at 11 and 12 do you play the same par consecutively, and this constant variety is more than matched by the design characteristics of the individual holes themselves. Each of the par 5s is probably reachable by budding DeChambeaus, while even more modest hitters can get reasonably close in two. This, of course, raises high expectations of a birdie or even an eagle. The two-shotters are generally short to medium so you never feel the need to overhit.
This means that arguably its greatest defence comes at the six fabulous and remarkably diverse par 3s. Each is a peach, but it’s the first two on the back nine that are right up there in the premier league. The glorious 10th is played slightly uphill over a lovely valley that is blanketed in heather. Anything short or to the right is likely to find real trouble. The imperious 16th is a little longer, often requires a wood, and again requires a carry all the way to the putting surface.
The green on the dogleg left-to-right sixth hole
A Bright Future
Keep the ball reasonably straight, make the requisite carries, and there every chance to beat your handicap. Regardless, however, you will be delighted by the timeless beauty you encounter on every tee. The recent appointment of leading architect Martin Ebert to review the history of both courses and prepare a plan for their future looks set to ensure that this magnificent heathland layout remains a firm favourite of golfers near and far.
The par-3 tenth is played over a sea of heather
Panellist Comment
This is a traditionally beautiful heathland golf course with all holes framed by heather and tall pines. The combination of pars makes for a really varied and interesting challenge, and the course was in very good condition, particularly given the time of year and weather conditions I played in.
The bunkering is beautiful from start to finish
Golf Monthly Verdict
A dizzying blend of six short holes, six par 4s and six par 5s add maximum variety to a sublime heathland setting on this engaging Herbert Fowler design – the Red is enormous fun with something new in store at every turn