Make New Friends, Play More Golf
I am extremely fortunate to be a member of the Association of Golf Writers and, as such, occasionally get to play some genuinely nice golf courses.
In May this year, the AGW took on The Golf Foundation in their annual Matchplay event, so I jumped at the chance to take part.
Allowing myself to see this well-established and beautifully maintained golf course in its prime..
West Byfleet Golf Club is a classic eighteen-hole parkland layout nestled just off the A245 in Surrey.
Playing to around 6,200 yards from the white tees (par 70).
With gently undulating terrain, mature trees, and well-placed bunkers, it offers both a strategic test and genuine enjoyment.
On arrival, you are greeted by a modern clubhouse and well-manicured putting area, offering views up the 1st and 10th holes.
On the sunny day we experienced, I just knew I was going to enjoy my day.
Situated on Sheerwater Road, just off the A3 and M25, the club strikes a balance between mature woodland surroundings and easy accessibility via all major road networks.
By car, you can reach the club easily from the M25 (Junction 10) and A245.
West Byfleet Golf Club traces its roots back to 1906, when it was originally laid out as Bleakdown Golf Club on land owned by Hugh Locke King, better known for developing the iconic Brooklands racetrack.
The original course was designed by Cuthbert Butchart, a noted professional of the era who also shaped layouts like West Hill and Highgate. However, the First World War interrupted the course’s progress.
By 1918, over one hundred acres had been ploughed for wartime agriculture, and the club fell into disrepair.
In 1922, the local membership purchased the estate, renamed it West Byfleet Golf Club, and commissioned celebrated architect John F. Abercromby to completely redesign the course.
Further enhancements followed in the 1920s and ’30s. Arthur Croome (1927).
And James Braid (1929), a five-time Open Champion, also made adjustments, including redesigning parts of holes 11, 15, and 17. However, Braid’s influence can still be seen, especially in strategic tee placement and well-protected greens.
During World War II, the course played its part in the war effort: fairways were ploughed for food, trees and anti-glider ditches were installed, and the Welsh Guards occupied the clubhouse.
After the war, designer John Morrison (from the Colt & Alison partnership) oversaw the restoration, bringing the course back to its full 6,200-yard length by 1951.
From the late 20th century onwards, the club adopted a more modern maintenance approach.
In the 2000s, Jonathan Gaunt and Queen’s legend Neil Coles fine-tuned the bunkering—some were reconstructed; others removed. Then in 2011 and again in 2017, architectural firm MacKenzie & Ebert performed audits and master planning.
Their work enlarged greens, improved fairway bunker placement, added tee yardage, and modernised key holes—completing the final phase by 2022, in time for the club’s centenary celebrations.
A traditional clubhouse with a modern patio and terrace area combines the history of the club with the modern game.
With a large bar area and panoramic views of the starting and finishing holes, this is a pleasant place to enjoy breakfast and a post-round drink.
And while I enjoyed the morning bacon roll, nothing could compare to the superb food prepared for us at dinner after the round.
In all honesty, this food would not have been out of place in a West End restaurant.
As well as a great menu inside, there is an excellent halfway hut that greets you as you finish the ninth hole. The drinks and sausage roll we sampled were tasty and reasonably priced.
Changing rooms were clean and adequate for any golfer.
While there’s no official driving range, the club provides putting and short game areas. The pro shop also offers a broad selection of equipment, clothing, and accessories for the visiting golfer.
Now here is where the course demonstrates it is a top-notch golf course.
The tee boxes are immaculate, the fairways well-manicured, and the ball has a lot of run due to its smooth surfaces.
And despite the dry March and April, it is clear to see the greenkeepers know their job.
I genuinely can’t remember a single hole where I could find a fault.
In addition, when reading other online reviews of this course, I am not alone in my conclusion. Yes, this is a proper golf course.
One review also observed the consistent and excellent condition of the course, “even after a very wet week.”
Well-placed bunkers featuring on many fairways and around greens shape play throughout.
I found good sand in each one, which made them a pleasure to play out of.
Water comes into play occasionally, most notably at the scenic Par 3, 13th. Which has a slightly raised green, set above a pond that you will need to clear to have any chance of par.
This is one of the prettiest holes I’ve played this year!
A classic Surrey design, West Byfleet balances scoring opportunities with a thoughtful and varied layout. As a parkland course and having suffered a long-term back injury in the last 12 months, I particularly enjoyed the flatness of the terrain.
Yes, it’s nice to stand on a raised tee, looking down on a tight green, but there’s a lot to be said for enjoying a relatively level playing surface.
The one thing you will notice as you make your way around the course is the variation in trees and fauna. Although not an aficionado on all things silviculturist*, I noted there were Scots Pines lining several fairways. Along with English oaks with their wide canopies shaping the routing and enhancing the woodland feel.
In addition (I believe) there are Douglas-fir, Redwoods, and Cedar varieties on show. And we were fortunate to witness the Rhododendrons in full bloom.
The greens were quick but playable, so any level of golfer will be rewarded for good play.
Overall, the course offers you some long Par 5s, some wide fairway-ed Par 4s. Furthermore, I enjoyed every Par 3 I played on the day.
*A forestry expert focused on the growth and management of forests.
Visitor green fees will set you back in excess of £100, and this is only available Mon to Wed after 2 pm. Weekend rates start at £125, again only after 2 pm.
Buggies are expensive at £40. But remember you are playing an exclusive private members’ club, so why shouldn’t you pay a little more to enjoy this prestigious golf club.
Bookings can be made online or on the phone at 01932 343433 or by visiting www.westbyfleet.intelligentgolf.co.uk/visitorbooking
Would I recommend playing West Byfleet Golf Club? Absolutely!
Especially if you’re seeking a traditional parkland test with mature trees, challenging bunkers, and a standout Par 3, 13th. Coupled with friendly staff and amazing food (did I mention this?).
I really can’t find fault with the golf club and yes, while it’s a little pricey for some, this is my kind of golf course.
Everyone from the Association of Golf Writers (we won the match!) and The Golf Foundation were extremely impressed, and all were keen to return.
Personally, I believe it to be one of the best golf courses in Surrey I have played to date.
In summary, we had an excellent day. If you are lucky enough to be invited by a member, jump at the chance.
Ian is the Editor of The Social Golfer. He has been reviewing golf courses for more than ten years. He was the Marketing Director of the London Golf Show from 2011-2016. He has had golf articles published in Golf News Magazine, Today’s Golfer and Golf Business News. He was also the Brand Director for The Cairns Cup (Golf’s Premier Disability Match Play Event).
