March 28, 2024

Sunningdale: Elegant Paradise for True Golf Enthusiasts

If you are on a tour of the most popular golf clubs and course in the UK, you shouldn’t miss Sunningdale. It is located in Berkshire, England, thirty miles or fifty kilometres southwest of London. This golf club, established in 1900, provides players with an unforgettable golfing experience with its two 18-hole courses surrounded by breathtaking nature.

Facts About Sunningdale

The two courses, the Old Course, and the New Course are a part of the property. The first one was designed by Willie Park Jr. and the second one by Harry Colt. Moreover, the New Course became active 23 years after Sunningdale was opened. Some of the most prominent tournament Sunningdale had a chance to host are:

  • Women’s British Open
  • Senior Open Championship
  • Sunningdale Foursomes
  • International Final Qualifying for The Open Championship
  • British Masters
  • Walker Cup

The Origin Story of Sunningdale

This famous British golf club was founded in 1900 on Chobham Common. The initial owner of the land was St. John’s College, Cambridge. The designer of the New Course, Colt, was also the first secretary of the land. The book Sheridan of Sunningdale, by Jimmy Sheridan, describes his days at Sunningdale and the unique history of the place. He was also known for designing multiple other golf courses such as Ealing and Swinley Forest. Besides, he also had a part in creating the Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey, which is one of the top golf courses in the world. 

The Old Course, designed by Willie Park Jr., is the first successfully established 18-hole course away from the seaside. One of the reasons why the UK used to have golf courses near the coast is because people believed that turf wouldn’t grow successfully anywhere else. 

More Fun Facts About Sunningdale

Many players, both rookie and professionals, strolled up and down these two courses. The first professional in the club was Jack White, who also won the 104 Open Championship. Besides, the record on the Old Course is 62 shared by two people: Nick Faldo and Shane Lowry. The first one managed to set the record in 1986 during the European Open, while Lowry set his record during Open Championship qualifying in 2010. As far as the New Course record is concerned, it is 62 held by Graeme Storm. Storm managed to set this record during the Open Championship in 2009.