Old Course
at Sunningdale Golf Club
Berkshire, England
Sunningdale Old Course Overview
The Old Course at Sunningdale, opened in 1901 and designed by Willie Park Jr., is widely celebrated as one of the finest inland courses in the world. With its gently undulating fairways framed by mature pines and heather, it offers a visually stunning and strategic test of golf. The routing is masterfully laid out across natural terrain, requiring players to shape shots and think carefully about placement rather than rely solely on distance. Park’s design was far ahead of its time, creating a course that rewards precision, imagination, and patience.
While not overly long at just over 6,600 yards, the Old Course challenges golfers through its subtle contours, intelligent bunkering, and fast, true greens. Its rhythm is graceful and consistent, with a strong mix of hole types that test all aspects of a player’s game. Often ranked among the top courses in the UK and globally, the Old Course is revered not only for its strategic brilliance but also for the sheer enjoyment it provides to players of all skill levels.
The Old Course is ranked 22nd in the world and 2nd in England by Top100 Golf Courses.
Signature Holes
The par-4 10th is widely regarded as the signature hole of the Old Course and one of the finest short par-4s in the world. Measuring around 307 yards, it tempts players to drive the green but punishes any misjudgment with deep bunkers and thick heather. The elevated tee provides a stunning view of the fairway as it curves gently left, and the green is subtly contoured and well-defended. It’s a classic example of risk and reward, encapsulating the Old Course’s charm and challenge in one memorable hole.