The Best Places to Play Golf near London
London surprisingly does offer some excellent 9-hole golf courses with real grass!
Strawberry Hill Golf Club in Twickenham, just 10.5 miles from Charing Cross, features a historic 9-hole course designed in 1900 by J.H. Taylor, five-time Open Championship winner who also created Royal Birkdale.[6][7] . Richmond Park Golf Course includes a par-3 short course with 9 holes alongside its two 18-hole courses, all situated within London’s largest royal park (watch out for deer!) .[10] Dukes Meadows Golf in Chiswick has a 9-hole course, 60-bay floodlit driving range and a 5 hole academy teaching course.[19] Playgolf London in Harrow features a unique 9-hole par-29 1,804 yard course designed by Peter McEvoy with holes modeled after famous signature holes from around the world such as the Postage Stamp at Royal Troon with its infamous ‘Coffin’ Bunker; Augusta’s 12th and 16th holes; the Belfry’s 9th and the Royal Birkdale’s classic short 12th.[2] Originally opened in 2005 as a 6-hole course, it was extended and became the best UK 9-hole course in 2009. There is also a £5 short game area![2] West London Golf Centre offers The City9, a championship-quality 9-hole par-36 course stretching 3,037 yards with nine large, undulating, USGA-spec greens built at a cost of £1 million.[1][5] The Shire London’s Academy Course provides views across the Ballesteros Masters Course.[17][18] Horton Park Golf Club in Epsom features a 9-hole Academy Course consisting exclusively of par-3s ranging from 94 to 208 yards, with larger greens (I could do with some of those!).[4]
Fun Facts about Golf Courses near London
- Strawberry Hill Golf Club‘s course has remained unchanged since it was designed by J.H. Taylor in 1900, with its signature small humps and hollows.[7]
- The Shire London’s Academy Course serves as a qualifying venue for the Champion of Champions World Invitational tournament, hosting youth competitions for players as young as under 6 years old.[3]
- West London Golf Centre’s City9 course includes an indoor Dino Soft Play area for young children and an outdoor Dinosaur Adventure Mini Golf course.[1]
- Horton Park Golf Club’s Academy Course features an island green on its 10th hole, providing a memorable par-3 challenge similar to the famous 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass. In the past, I know it also had night time gold with lit golf balls!.[12][16].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest 9-hole golf course near London?
Strawberry Hill Golf Club in Twickenham – designed in 1900 by J.H. Taylor and largely unchanged since then.[7]
Which 9-hole course near London features replicas of famous golf holes?
Playgolf London in Harrow offers replicas of signature holes from around the world, including Augusta’s 12th and 16th holes, the Postage Stamp at Royal Troon, The Belfry’s 9th hole, and Royal Birkdale’s 12th hole.[2]
Are there any 9-hole courses in London suitable for beginners?
Horton Park Golf Club’s Academy Course is specifically designed with larger greens to be welcoming to those new to the game, while still offering variety in hole lengths to challenge more experienced players.[4]
Which famous golf course designers have created 9-hole courses near London?
Arkley Golf Course was laid out by James Braid and Harry Colt, two of the most influential golf course architects in history, while Strawberry Hill was designed by J.H. Taylor, a five-time Open Championship winner.[7][13]
Which 9-hole course near London is part of the largest golf complex?
Richmond Park Golf Course is part of London’s largest play-and-pay golf complex, featuring two 18-hole courses, a driving range, and the 9-hole par-3 course, all located within the scenic Royal Park at Richmond.[10]
References
[1] https://westlondongolfcentre.co.uk [2] https://londongolfcourses.com/course/playgolf [3] https://www.ejgtour.com/event-details/the-shire-london-9-hole-academy-course-ages-17-under-only-27-07-21 [4] https://londongolfcourses.com/course/hortonacademy [5] https://westlondongolfcentre.co.uk/9-hole-golf-course/ [6] https://londongolfcourses.com/course/strawberryhill [7] https://shgolf.co.uk [8] https://www.golfshake.com/course/view/15071/Horton_Park_Golf_Club.html [9] https://www.visitrichmond.co.uk/outdoor-activities/strawberry-hill-golf-club-p1582061 [10] https://www.j-uk-golf.co.uk/public-golf-courses-london/ [11] https://londongolfpa.com/book-online/ [12] https://www.todays-golfer.com/courses/united-kingdom/england/south-east/surrey/horton-park-golf-club/ [13] https://www.arkleygolfclub.co.uk [14] https://golfbays.co.uk/blogs/news/top-15-london-golf-courses [15] https://londongolfpa.com [16] https://www.thesocialgolfer.com/golf-courses/united-kingdom/horton-park-golf-club [17] https://theshirelondon.com/golf/ [18] https://theshirelondon.com/golf/9-hole-academy-course/ [19] https://dukesmeadows.com