Tyrrells Wood Golf Club Feature Review

Review by Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook

When you think of golf in Surrey, you may well initially look towards Wentworth, Walton Heath and Sunningdale to name a few, but while Tyrrells Wood Golf Club may sit in the shadows of its well-known neighbours, it more than holds its own with regards to delivering a memorable experience for both members and visitors alike.

James Braid designed this course encompassing the variety of natural tree types and rolling landscapes on offer that go hand in hand of some stunning views over the Surrey countryside, meaning that this venue offers so much more than just a golf course.

Tyrrells Wood is a members club that respects the traditions of golf whilst welcoming visitors with open arms to enjoy both the course and the Grade II listed clubhouse which has been on the site since 1880.

Pre-Round Thoughts

The welcome we received in the shop on arrival was perfect. As we introduced ourselves to Rob - the Head Professional - he was keener to know about us and our golf (we had played somewhere in the morning) than anything else. He gave us a good run down on what to expect - a couple of roads to cross and a few blind tee shots, etc.

We presented him with the Golfshake Highly Recommended window sticker and headed round to the practice nets and short game area to also find a nice bunker and chipping area, before returning to the putting green by the 1st tee to get the pace of the greens.

Front 9 Overview

The front 9 gets off to a really gentle and fun start. The first hole plays 331 yards from the white tees but is drivable due to how far downhill it plays. In fact, from the tee, you can't see anything. The TV on the side of the 1st tee means you can watch the group in front putt out before you get underway.

The modest length theme is continued on the 2nd, 3rd and 5th hole. The 2nd has a slightly tighter feel from the tee with fairway bunkers either side but all three holes play less than 355 yards and pretty straightforward as long as you can avoid the well-placed fairway bunkers.

The start gives the opportunity to really get a score going and get a bit of momentum - which you will need!

As easy as that start might feel the 6th and 7th are two great holes back-to-back.

The 6th is beautifully shaped in the trees and dog-legs from right to left. It has a tight feel - and even though it plays down from the tee and back up to the green - a well struck tee shot will still leave you a long iron shot into the two-tiered green. I would even go as far as saying that it may play as a par 5 for some.

From the top of the 7th tee the views are worth a moment to take in across Surrey, but then you are drawn to the task ahead. Long par 5, playing down and to the right. The difficulty comes from the fact the fairway slopes from left to right but in order to have a shot at the green being up the right-hand side is a must. The green slopes away from front to back making matter even worse. A real tough hole, but a super designed and thought out one.

Back 9 Overview

The back has a similar start to the front as the 10th runs adjacent to the 1st with the only difference being everything is visible from the tee this time so a long hitter will fancy their chances of hitting the putting surface from the tee.

The 12th is another superb par 5 with a tight feel turning right to left - note OOB down the left-hand side - but it’s actually the green the provides the biggest test. Avoiding the deep bunker left of the green is critical and the two-tiered green just tops up another great hole.

The par 4 14th is another beauty as again, it plays down from the tee at 400 yards making for a nicely framed hole and the 15th is a lot shorter and possibly even reachable for the longer hitters, but playing back up the hill the deep bunkers short will catch anything that is poorly struck.

The final hole brings a fitting end to a pleasant round of golf. The grand clubhouse off the right-hand side, a good tee shot is required to avoid the bunkers on both sides of the fairway leave a nice approach to a narrow green that is protected by bunkers on both sides.

Post-Round Thoughts

I really enjoyed my round at Tyrrells Wood. The condition is perfect, the greens were fantastic, very subtle breaks but fair and of a great pace.

The bunkers get a special mention, obviously a fair amount of time and attention have gone into them and the riveting effect is a real addition to the course and one that doesn't go unnoticed.

There is a mixture of holes that feel really tight from the tee, and some that feel a lot wider, and this mixed with the varying lengths means that there is a good all round variety and offers something for golfers of all abilities. Off line shots will get punished - but fairly so.

Big hitters might be sucked into thinking they could score really well as it isn't the longest, but that may well come back to bite them if driver is pulled on every hole.

The general nature of the landscape means some the greens have some tricky run-off areas that need to be avoided and this is coupled with what feel like small greens.

If you are hitting greens here, your game is in real good shape.

Given the land the course is on it will hold bad weather just fine and should also play extremely well all year round which is another feather in the cap.

Verdict

I love the way Tyrrells Wood looks and plays. The variety of trees and the way the course has been sculptured in them makes for a super enjoyable round of golf.

It’s easy on the eye with stunning views. Well maintained and a pleasure to have been able to play and certainly not out of place in the particular part of the world it finds itself in.

I can see why it has achieved Golfshake Highly Recommended status.

Overall Rating - 9

Course (Conditions) - 10

Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 8

Course (Green Condition) - 9

Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 7

Club Facilities & 19th/Clubhouse - 9

Practice Facilities - 8

Friendliness/Hospitality - 10

Pace of Play - 9

Value for Money - 9