Volkswagen Masters 2008 - Walton Heath

The second Volkswagen Masters regional qualifier of 2008 took place at one of the best inland courses in the country. With US Open qualifying taking place at Walton Heath less than a week after the Volkswagen Masters the course was in immaculate condition and competitors enjoyed a fantastic day

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After difficult weather conditions during the first regional qualifier at Hunstanton competitors were greeted with glorious sunshine in Surrey for the second event. When you arrive at the welcoming clubhouse at Walton Heath you are given little indication of the beautiful 36-holes which are sculpted through gorse and heather just yards away. The first hole on the Old Course is a great 235 yard par 3 opener but it is not until you cross the road to the second that you know how special the layout is. The four par 3s, 10 par 4s and four par 5s test every part of the game with both length and accuracy needed for low scoring.

After a week of rain before the event the course was playing long and the rough was thick. This combined with fast and beautifully true greens competitors were given a true test of heathland golf. A field consisting of players from top clubs in the area competed for three places in the UK final which will take place at The Westin Turnberry Resort on the famous Ailsa Course.

Paul O'Hagan
Paul joined Golf Monthly in 2006 in a junior role and has since worked as senior staff writer and now as technical editor. He writes equipment and instruction content and tests the vast majority of golf clubs that are introduced every year.