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The protected status of Royal Parks and the ever-expanding population means there’s no space for golf courses anywhere near central London. However, hop on a train to the suburbs — or a little further — and you’ll find more great golfing options than you can swing a club at.
Wentworth. This upmarket club on the fringes of West London in Surrey is well-known for its high-quality championship courses. Everyone from Rory McIlroy and Nick Faldo to Seve Ballesteros and Tiger Woods have played here and there are three courses to choose from, the best of which is the 7,281-yard West Course. The West Course plays host to the annual PGA Championship and has previously been used for the World Match Play Championships and even Ryder Cup matches.
Enfield Golf Club. This friendly golf club in Enfield, north London can be reached in just 25 minutes by train from Kings Cross and was one of the first 500 clubs to be founded in the U.K. A mature parkland course, it is 6,154 yards in length and will challenge golfers of all levels.
Mill Hill Golf Club. One of the closest golf courses to central London, this 6,247-yard course opened in the 1920s. Tee times can be booked online.
Walton Heath Golf Club. The Old Course, just 20 miles from the city, is consistently voted among the top 100 courses in the world.
Sunningdale Golf Club. The Old Course here is short but sweet, with stunning scenery and elevated drives, and just 25 miles from central London.
Royal St. George’s Golf Club. This pick is a rather more ambitious 80 miles from the center of London, but worth the journey — this spectacular course that was the first English host of The Open in 1894.
