Reigate Heath Golf Club Review

By: Golfshake Editor | Tue 30 Jul 2024

IN THE latest of his series exploring golf courses around Surrey offering something a little different, former Ryder Cup player Peter Dawson visits the magnificent Reigate Heath Golf Club. A fantastic 9 hole golf course with a green fee under £50.

Reigate Heath Golf Club, Surrey

9 Holes - Par 67, 5,557 yards, heathland, green fee £44

Just off the M25 at Junction 8, Reigate Heath was once described by Peter Alliss as a little gem - and it most certainly is.

It is a little bit of England hidden away in the busy Surrey suburbs. Founded in 1895, permission was granted to develop the course if lady members had equal rights to men. Assurances were given and Tom Dunn was brought in to develop this lovely nine-hole layout. Thousands upon thousands of golfers and dog walkers will have trodden on this acid grassland since then.

Can you find another venue with green fees as little as £44 on weekdays like this little beauty so close to the capital’s orbital road?

This is not just a golf course but is a fabulous site for nature enthusiasts. It is also a glorious walk, often deep in the heather and bracken. What better as a golfer than to strike up conversations with walkers, wondering if hey are enjoying the experience more than we are?

Reigate Heath is a 52-acre site of Special Scientific Interest dating back more than 4,000 years. Naturally, being on Heathland, the golf club has many hoops to dance through, working with the local borough and Natural England, only certain pesticides can be used, and watering of the fairways is forbidden.

On arrival, it is not often you are greeted with a windmill next to the club house. Built around 1765 and still standing today, it is prominently displayed on the club’s literature.

The scorecard reads 5,557 yards in length, not long for us oldies, but what I found a little uncomfortable was a few of the walks from green to the next tee. Naturally being on a restricted area these pathways must remain in their sandy gravelly natural state and for a person in their 70s with back issues incompetently hanging onto his heavy electric trolley this was an issue.

A good thing is the ninth green being in front of the club house and so if numbers and pace of play allow, we can pause and a have a cooling drink, possibly a sandwich on the small terrace admiring the Surrey countryside in front of us. Personally, that is what my golf is about nowadays - nine holes, sit down over a drink pontificating with my partner over the holes already played, now we know the course attack the back nine, how many birdies can we make?!

After our brief intermission, we make our way to the tenth tee where we are met with some fantastic views of the Surrey countryside, that will remain with us during the drive home.

Was there a stand out hole? No! Was there a weak hole? No! Nine greens 18 tees and being on heathland I presume the fairways will remain in the same condition throughout the year. When we played the greens were in great condition, firm but not fiery, a properly struck shot would respond.

Way back in 1895, Mr Dunn thought out the bunker placements carefully and all this time later, even with modern equipment, they still influence our thinking. I was told that on certain days the golfer can be distracted by the dog walkers, of which there can be many as it is open to all, but that is also part of its charm.

I will return to play this lovely heathland nine-holer, next time with one of my grandchildren to work the trolley and to meet the very pleasant team at Reigate who simply add to the enjoyment of the visit.