Hole 1, Par 4, 332m Some subtle, some drastic. This also lent a fascinating insight into recent course improvements and a knowledge of every inch of the grounds, including where to find any wayward drives! Respond to above review Royalty and aristocracy are regulars at one of the most prestigious clubs in the world just outside the west of London - to such an extent that it has been called the heathland Augusta National. The course measures a little over 6,000 yards (5,500 m) and was designed by Harry Colt. To be alone and playing this beautifully intricate is something I will never forget, and it is unlikely that I will ever experience it again. Not many is our guess. At 6431 yards, it isn’t long. The holes require two well struck shots as the sixth is well defended at the green with two fronting bunkers and the seventh has a large bunker 40 yards short of the green across nearly the entire fairway as well as two bunkers on the right side of the uphill/blind green with rhododendron bushes nearby. Away I went, with my Dad as scorer, bird watcher and Colt admirer. Swinley Forest, Ascot | Private | Harry Colt | 6,431 yard | Avg Par 3: 196 I can never comfortably compare inland courses to the links, but Swinley is right up there my personal Top 5. And so, yes, I was the only one on the course. For only 367 yards this hole is absolutely genius. In short Swinley Forest is a golf club you must play. I have an annual visit to Swinley most years with a group of friends, the most recent being 2 weeks ago. One can try to cut the corner of the dogleg to gain distance for a chance to hit the green in two. This was a very, very special golf course and one that will live with me forever. While playing only two rounds is not a confirmation, I do believe it is indicative that Swinley Forest presents a real challenge regardless of its length due to the wonderful greens. If there are over 30 players playing over a weekend, the course is considered busy. As the land rises and ripples, tees and green sites are frequently raised, leading to constant challenge and intrigue. The clubhouse and membership are both first class and full of history. Off the tee, there is a lot of strategy called for with centreline bunkers on the 5th, 7th, 9th, and 12th holes, and angle of approach being key throughout. 1990s, scorecards were printed, holes allocated par figures, and competitions While the fifth hole, a short dogleg right par 5 is beautiful from the tee, for the average length hitter the decision is easy – go for the middle of the fairway. Yet Swinley Forest has the slightly better par 3’s and is more consistent. The founding principles of the club were eccentric, and nearly all of them have endured to the present day. “Another theory why Lord Derby was disenchanted with It was established in 1909. The seventh’s green is slightly more undulating. Like his routing at Pine Valley, Swinley features one of H. S. Colt’s trademarks, forced carries off the tee. This hole is very good because it can yield a 3 to the brave, long hitter, as well as triple bogeys to those who get off track. Respond to above review This hole really offers everything one could want despite it being less than 400 yards. clubhouse. Where the rhododendrons once were though look scruffy, open dirt and roots sticking out everywhere, it just takes a wet those holes to see these peripheral areas so untidy. Provide your own Swinley Forest Golf Club Rating & Review: Use the comment box below to provide your own review of the golf club. I was not tired for the second round yet I scored 4 strokes better in the morning despite incurring 3 penalty shots. say: “The inescapable impression is that the place fell asleep many years ago No one to witness. A second slope just in front of the green requires one to determine how much in front of the green to land one’s ball to stay on the green which slopes away from you. 5 Images Write Review. sandbelt. It requires careful thought to record a low score, but my recommendation is to just enjoy the golf course for its beauty, variety, and connection to nature. Downhill on to a green that is a charming short par four with heather encroaching into fairway from numerous and! The UK is playing blind uphill although the yardage was only a over... Bandon Dunes will eventually build so many of the greens are the real highlight Swinley-... Hole to play did it in the green will result in a meadow off... Can get their choice of a par 3 on the course, albeit dated in position times. 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