Sunningdale Old Course and Golf Club – Episode #13
Posted on 02. Sep, 2009 by Andy Brown in Golf, Golf Courses
In this episode I visited the British Senior Open Championship presented by Mastercard which was taking place at The Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Course for the first time.
Sunningdale Old Course is arguably one of the best designed heathland courses in the UK. It is located approximately 10 miles from Heathrow Airport and just 25 miles from the centre of London.
Amongst its many accolades Sunningdale’s Old Course has been ranked by Golf Digest Magazine #12 amongst courses outside the United States in 2009. It was also ranked in the most recent Top 100 Golf Courses of the World poll in 2009 as #2 in England, #10 in the UK and #19 in the world.
History of the course
Sunningdale has two stunning golf courses, the Old Course and the New Course. The Old Course, which opened in 1901, was designed by Willie Park Jnr and it has changed very little since then. Sunningdale is also lucky enough to boast a second course, called the New Course, which opened in 1923 and was designed by Harry Shapland Colt
Hosting the Senior Open Championship
Sunningdale Old Course has served as the site of some of the most important and momentous tournaments in Britain. Bobby Jones famously said of this course “I wish I could take this course home with me” after he successfully scored 66-68 over it during qualifying for the 1926 British Open. His round, which consisted of 33 full strokes and 33 putts, with every hole played in either 3 or 4; has often been described as the perfect round of golf. Events held at Sunningdale over the last decade have includes the qualifying competitions for the British Open, multiple Women’s British Opens and in 1987 the Walker Cup was played here for the first time ever on an inland course in the UK.
For 22 years The British Senior Open has been played at links courses around the UK so it was a bold move by the R&A this year to move the competition inland for the first time. It is a decision which has the backing of many of the best golfers in the world class field which includes Watson, Faldo, Norman, Funk, Torrance and Woosnam as it presented them with the perfect inland challenge.
During this episode I also met up with David Edwards who featured in episode 6 at the London Golf Show. He was invited by the European Tour to perform his golf trick shots routine during the Seniors at Sunningdale. During our chat David told me he was enjoying attending the Seniors not only as a performer but also it gave him the opportunity to watch some of the great players he used to play alongside.
The Old Course
Sunningdale’s Old Course boasts being home to some of the best springy golfing turf in the world of golf. Beneath it is ideal sandy subsoil, which is a feature of heathland golf courses. This course was amongst the first successful golf courses to be located away from the seaside, as many people thought that turf wouldn’t grow well in such an inland region. Sunningdale’s glorious fairways are set amidst trees, mostly pine and silver birch, and beautiful blooming heather which is everywhere in the rough.
Every hole at Sunningdale Old Course provides golfers with a combination of fantastic greens, fast-running fairways and stunning views. The standout holes which I feature in this episode are the 5th and 10th holes.
5th Hole
The 5th hole is a superb 419-yard par 4. With its elevated tee, which gives you a fantastic view of the fairway, this is one of the best driving holes I’ve ever seen – I’m not surprised this hole is named in The 500 World’s Greatest Golf Holes.
10th Hole
The 10th hole is a 475-yards par 4. This is another great driving hole with an elevated tee providing fantastic views. It is the longest of the par 4 holes on the back 9, it has bunkers lining the right hand side and the best part is you get an opportunity to enjoy a well-earned drink and sausage sandwich at the half-way hut after you’ve putted in!
If you get a chance I thoroughly recommend you pay a visit to Sunningdale, one of Europe’s top golf courses.
For full details on how to play please visit their website.
Sunningdale Golf Club
Ridgemount Road
Sunningdale
Berkshire
SL5 9RR
Telephone Number +44 (0)1344 620128
Fax Number +44 (0)1344 624154
Website: Sunningdale-GolfClub.co.uk and SunningdaleGolf.co.uk
Email: Contact here
Finally, the Question of the Day:
How old are you and do you see yourself playing golf forever and ever? Leave your comment below and we’ll have fun reading them!
peter chadwick
16. Oct, 2009
I play with a group of lads at Fulford Golf Club each Wednesday/Friday know as “The Fuddlers”
I am 80 next month and they have aranged a compitition and dinner in my favour to coincide with the annual do. They are a great bunch of golfers with handicaps of scratch upwards. I played off 14 handicap until this year but after heart surgury I have now gone up to 17.
I will always try to reduce this but I have not much hope now I guess. However thanks to a great buch of fellows and to the older generation “Keep Swinging” there is no greater game
Henry Gartshore
04. Oct, 2009
Hi Andy, I am a young 61 year old, I have been playing golf now for about 15 years, I have been down to a handicap of 12 but at the moment am playing off 18, hopefully after reading or listening to all your tips, I will reduce my handicap again, How about organising a golf competition at St Andrews for everyone who has bought your tips for better golf, obviously different age groups or handicaps, I am sure you could arrange something and also keep the cost to a minimum so that we could all come and enjoy ourselves at the home of golf. It would also give us the chance to meet you in person
Alan Stackman
01. Oct, 2009
I am 71 and only took the game up last year. Handicap is 28 but scored 39 points in a Stapleford so hope to get the handicap down a bit. Try to get out at least twice a week. Only regret is that I didn’t take the game up earlier but badminton ruled my life then.
Frank Taylor
21. Sep, 2009
hi andy, love the ‘show’. after more than 40 years of golf, love the game more than ever.
i’m 74 years old and hope to go on playing for many years to come. and with the help of your tips, go on improving.
Thanks Andy.
John A Silkstone
17. Sep, 2009
I’m 70 and this year I’ve come back to golf after an 11 year absence. I play seven days a week and though my handicap is 28, I some time play just below it. My course (Misterton Golf Club) is an unforgiving course for wayward shots and I’m pleased to say that I don’t loose as many balls at I used to. I enjoy my daily round and the walking has helped to reduce my weight. Great video Andy, thanks for allowing us to watch it.
Silky
Derek Smith
14. Sep, 2009
At 62 I am still a youngster compared to most of my playing partners. One thing that a Senior player has the possibility of doing that even Tiger – at the moment – is incapable off is the ultimate aim of any Golfer – to shoot a score below your age.
In my case though, I hope I am still playing in my present form when I reach 100 so I can achieve this aim.
Peter King
09. Sep, 2009
Andy
Seeing Sunningdale again brought back some very old memories for me as I played there back in the late 70′s when I lived in the U.K. Yesterday I turned 67, and I still manage to play to 10, occasionally I still have a good round in the mid 70′s, but usually my better rounds are in the low 80′s.
I am blessed with good health and mobility, so I can still crack a drive around 250 Okay wait metres, and hit say a six iron 160mts, so that makes it easier. My biggest problem these days are the short putts, I miss way too many of them, but I am addressing that. AS WE SPEAK. A nyway thanks for all the good stuff from Sunningdale, and keep yourself flexible and you will continue to play good Golf for many years yet
Masri
09. Sep, 2009
Thank Anday,
Amazing course and good video. Just as old as my nation, Malaysia. Going into 52 soon and hope to enjoy the game as much as I could. In Malaysia, pass 50 yrs is a senior citizen
Keep going
David Edwards
07. Sep, 2009
Hi Andy, I have enjoyed the video on Sunningdale a true golfing “Gem” Having performed my “Golf Trick Show” at this years event it was a real treat to be alongside some of the golfing greats.
I hope your viewers enjoy my trick shots they can contact me on my website if the would like me to come to their event!!!
I also thought your video on Karl Morris was superb.
Keep up the good work, called into the Dunvagen at St Andrews for a meal the other evening whilst performing at St Andrews, had a great meal and spoke to Sheena.
Guy Guerrieri
06. Sep, 2009
Turned 82 6/10.09. Had Two Knees
replaced 6/12 08 Playing Two To Three
rounds a week . 18 holes per. Had (2) hole in ones,
since started playing.. (1979.)
mick
05. Sep, 2009
I’m 45 only been playing a few months still a bit hit and miss one day play ok next like I’ve never hit a golf ball in my life but hope to carry on for a long time yet,play 3/4 times a week at moment but dark nights will limit me soon ,work commitments
ron coleman
05. Sep, 2009
I am 62 and have been playing for 12 years.It gets me up in the morning and off to the course.I don’t expect to shot par but that is o..k.
Paul Cannon
05. Sep, 2009
I’m 38 and new to golf. dedicated surfer and snowboarder. been wondering around a 8$ a round 9hole when its flat. im terrible at golf but have fluked enough fun shots to get me interested . what a rush when you chip one in from off the green or hit the pin on a drive. just got to work on those 6 put blowouts. thanks for the videos . The early wrist break helped me a lot
Marita
04. Sep, 2009
i am 63 i start golf at 60 if i read the comments i am really encouraged to going on with golf,in the last 3 years i been 3 times for surgery in hostpital and also have had shoulder and neck problems,from april i start my golf again,i love the game but stil i have to do my first 18 holes i am still tyred after 9 holes i play 2 times a week and i go for the 18 holes.Thanks for all the nices comments Andy and your mails.
Cris
04. Sep, 2009
I am going to be 50 in a month. I just picked up a club for the first time this year and fell in love with the sport. Thought I would try it because my son is a natural. Now we spend more time together than I had even thought.
bern
04. Sep, 2009
I play 2/3 times a week…not brilliant by any means..The course I play is idyllic. River Avon round one side with pasture land and a Nature reserve round the back nine..with nary a building in sight..With the sun shining.. hosses over the water.. & god in his heaven A nice wedge to the green..and I think to myself…’What a wonderful World’.. I’m 78 and consider myself lucky to be able to play this wonderful Game.. Cheers..see yoiu in the Bar..!!!
Tom
04. Sep, 2009
Turning 63 ..Never thought that much about it but hope to continue for ever and ever… even in the hereafter.
Donald
04. Sep, 2009
I have just turned 70 and play as often as possible
Earl Cosma
04. Sep, 2009
Hello, I’m a young 71 and play as often as I can. I work at three courses for free golf plus other bennifits. The strange part about my golfing is that I’m always working on my game , changing this and changing that. I play with the New Mexico Seniors. Great fun and competion.
Play well and have fun….
BURNS DAVIS
03. Sep, 2009
Andy,
I am 73 and play 2 times a week, usually I play in a senior scramble format, and it is loads of fun.
We have about 30 great guys, and come in a dead heat nearly every week.
Burns Davis
Tulsa, OK
Roger Moore
03. Sep, 2009
Play a couple of weeks a month with fellows that are in theri 70′s, 80′s and even into theie 90′s. I’m 74 and am one of the younger guys. Tuesday, there were 40 players out on the course. Great fun….many are WW II vets and still going strong. The fresh air and golf are good for the boys of all ages. Keep swinging and enjoying the courses.
Byron
03. Sep, 2009
I am 85 yrs old. Not being agile as I used to be I have lost distance and accuracy. There must be an old mans swing for an occasional par and bragging rights over the other old golfers. Any secrets in your pocket? Enjoy your E Mails Byron
Frank Lee
03. Sep, 2009
I am 80 last August, intend to play up to the very end, when ever that may be. My wife and I live in kingman Az, U S A We are fortunate to live on the 2nd fairway at the Valle Vista C C. We intend to enjoy every minute of life granted us. Thank You, Frank
Bob Snyder
03. Sep, 2009
I reached 80 in July and that’s about my golfscore.
Mick
03. Sep, 2009
Hi All
I am a young 52 in comparison to some of the other fellow golfers and find all the emails inspirational.
I have one ambition in life and that is to carry my own clubs, 18 holes at the age of 80, this would mean that I am still ‘sane’ fit and healthy, how lucky would that be?
Also I have never considered the challenge of playing to my age, suspect the life ambition will arise first.
Perhaps Andy can arrange a worldwide club whereby age is also built into handicaps and my 52 years and 9 handicap could compete with a 90 year old off 20 ???
Jim Windsor
03. Sep, 2009
I am 70 and love the game. I am a 28 handicapper and started playing when I was 62. Whilst I want to play for as long as I can, for the life of me I cannot hit a ball from the tee. Nearly always a slice or a fade. I am trying the Joe Dante method (I have the book) and my short game is improving. But, off the tee, forget it. I`ll still keep playing.