St George’s Hill is a golfing gem in the Surrey heathland sandbelt. Each hole, of which there are three loops of nine, is memorable and individual in character, with heather, silver birch and stately Scots pine – the fairways are undulating and follow the natural contours of the land. The original concept of the course and estate was unique. It was the first development of a golf course being constructed with the intention of building luxury houses adjacent to the fairways. W G Tarrant, a local builder, had the foresight to see an opportunity when the land became available in 1911.
Having acquired it, he enlisted the services of Harry Colt, the most prolific golf architect of his generation, to design the course. And so St George’s Hill was born, being ready for play in October 1913. Undoubtedly, Colt was a genius, one of the great, if not the greatest golf architect of all time and it has been suggested that St George’s Hill is his masterpiece.
Bernard Darwin. wrote: “By a merciful dispensation of Providence, fir trees, sand and heather which are beautiful things in themselves, are the ingredients from which inland golf courses should be made. The prettiest courses are also the best, and certainly one of the prettiest and the best is St George’s Hill”.
The Clubhouse offers a warm welcome to members and guests alike. It stands on the highest point of the course affording wonderful panoramic views of the opening and closing holes, and no doubt providing every golfer with a lasting memory of this magnificent course.
Golf Guide review
We have enjoyed numerous games at St George’s Hill and every one has been an absolute pleasure. The drive in past the magnificent properties sets the tone for a relaxing and challenging game. The option of three nines allows some flexibility but the championship course is the combination of red and blue with a testing par of 70.
All holes have their own green avenue through the Scots pines and heather. The 6th on the red nine is one of the finest, a testing par 4 of 468 yards from the white tees, it is slightly downhill, and demands good golfing strategy depending on the pin position. The 5th on the blue (14th) is an attractive and demanding par 3 of over 200 yards. Each hole offers great variety, beauty and asks you golfing questions in true Colt style.
