English Golf Experience - Part 2

As promised, English Golf Experience part deux.

My next course played was a weekend more recently when my dad was in town and we decided that we better get some golf in before it got too cold. After some research, I chose to play Wentworth Golf Club, which is located just south of London and was founded in 1926. As it is ranked 9th on the top golf clubs in England and Ireland, this is probably the most presitigious course I have played thus far, although a close call with the next course on the list. The European PGA Tour headquarters are located at this club and its’ West course hosts the BMW PGA Championship every year. It has also played host to the 1953 Ryder Cup and then HSBC World Match Play Championship from 1964 until 2007.

The amazing clubhouse at Wentworth where we sat outside and enjoyed some fish and chips looking onto the 18th green.

Looking down the 18th fairway

The club is surrounded with pictures of all the golf greats from Tiger Woods to Vijay Singh and even some of the older greats of Jack Nicklaus and Freddie Couples. I pictured the top players of the world walking where I was and preparing to play in the tournaments. I heard stories of Tiger Woods walking out of the clubhouse to a mob of people as he headed down to the first tee just a few steps away. The West Tournament course costs a mere 285 pounds for one round of 18 so we decided to take the cheaper route and play the Edinburgh course for a cheap 150 pounds. The clubhouse was amazing and the hospitality was even better. Hopefully we can get back here one day and play the West course after I save up all my ‘pence.’

Lastly, probably the most well known course of the 4 I have played is Royal Lytham & St. Anne’s Golf Club. We took a train ride out to St. Anne’s on the Sea one weekend where I met a client of mine from Houston for a round of golf. This club was founded in 1886 and is a true links style course from start to finish with 3 foot high rough just off the fairways and rolling hills throughout. This course has held Open Championships on numerous occasions with the most recent being in 2001 when David Duval won the tournament with a 10 under par. The course has some very unique aspects such as the first hole being a par 3 and it having 198 bunkers, all in the exact right place for my shots I must add. The course is in wonderful condition and is preparing for the 2012 British Open which will be played at Royal Lytham.

Looking across the number one green to the clubhouse.

Teeing off on number 18, not a good day, now I know why.

Looking down 18 fairway with friends from a client in Houston. Great day of golf, not so good score.

In conclusion, that is the extent of my golfing thus far. Unfortunately, it is quickly getting colder which will prevent too much more golf being played. However, I am greatly looking forward to next summer where St. Andrews and other hot spots are on the list.

If you are a golf fan and have never played in England or Scotland, the links style courses and the 40 mph winds are something you just have to experience for yourself. Be prepared to add about 10 strokes to your score. You will really appreciate the professionals.