Friday 18th April 2008
Swinley Forest, Coronation Road, Ascot, Berkshire
18 holes
SORRY THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED.
Swinley Forest is an absolutely charming golf course on the famous Surrey/Berkshire sand belt. Seemingly frozen in time, it is exclusive, unusual and totally eccentric. In fact you would be hard pressed to describe it as a conventional club: there is no captain and despite being in existence for nearly 100 years, no history, except in its members heads. Only recently have scorecards been printed, holes allocated par figures and competitions introduced for Swinley's distinguished gentlemen members.
Harry Colt designed the layout and the course opened for play in 1909, reputedly Colt's favourite and finest design. One of the many delights of Swinley is the ambience and the fact that it's unpretentious.
We make no bones about it; Swinley is a beautiful course. The short one-shot holes are simply outstanding. The site/position of the greens sets Swinley apart from many other courses. Although the yardage is little over 6,000 yards, the par of 68 makes it a real challenge.
If you are lucky enough to play Swinley in the late Spring look out for the rhododendrons, they are simply breathtaking. Combine this with swathes of purple heather and lovely springy fairways winding their way through mature pines and this really is a special place.