The Old Course at Walton Heath is probably more suited to the lower handicap golfer with several long carries and punishing gorse and heather if you stray off line.

The course is situated at the highest point in Surrey, some 700 feet above sea level and its elevated position means that strong winds are always a factor. The last three holes are particularly difficult and this is a course for serious golf – not to say that it can’t be fun!

With excellent drainage, the course always seems to be in excellent condition and it speaks volumes that an amalgam of the two courses has been a regular venue for the US Open qualifying and a Ryder Cup in 1981.

The 36 holes at Walton match any of the twinned courses throughout the UK and most top golfers would choose this venue in front of Sunningdale, Ballybunion, Saunton and The Berkshire. Medium and low handicappers would probably disagree, but it does give you some idea of the quality and difficulty found at this famous course.