Set in the heart of Surrey, Kingswood Golf and Country Club was designed in the 1920s by five-time Open champion James Braid. If you're a bit of a golf architecture geek (guilty), you'll spot plenty of Braid's influence straight away, with bunkering that asks questions from the tee and greens that make you earn your two-putts.
The par-72 parkland golf course measures just over 6,900 yards off the white tees, so it's no pushover, but it's not just about length. Mature, tree-lined fairways tighten the angles and the gentle movement in the greens puts a premium on placing your approach on the right tier. Miss the wrong side and you're looking at a tricky up-and-down rather than a straightforward two-putt.
It's also got genuine tournament credentials, having hosted British Senior Open Qualifying in 2011 and three Ladies European Opens. The layout rewards accuracy and course management over brute force, which is classic Braid. You'll need to plot your way round rather than just smashing driver at every opportunity, and that's exactly what makes it such a satisfying test.
If you're building a Surrey golf tour, you're well placed here. Walton Heath Golf Club and Effingham Golf Club are both within easy reach, so you can tick off a couple of top Surrey courses in one trip. Off the course, Reigate, Epsom and Sutton are all close by for a decent post-round dinner and a couple of pints.
Who is this for? Golfers after a proper Surrey parkland test with pedigree, plus the convenience of staying on-site.
Who is it best for? Groups who like plotting their way round rather than just smashing driver, and want an easy base for ticking off a couple of top Surrey courses in one trip.
