The Club
THE CLUB
For 125 years we have been providing a delicious test to golfers. Ranked No 20 in England by Golf World the fast running, undulating, fairways demand smart strategic play and the ‘generous’ amounts of heather require some significant carries or the prospect of ‘taking one’s medicine’. The wonderful, contoured greens provide our greatest test – the subtle and not so subtle slopes and borrows are where your game can be won or lost. Never concede a putt on the 9th…
Woking has long been regarded as a hugely influential factor in the development of strategic golf course design, dating back in the early 20th century, when the work of two prominent members, John Low and Stuart Paton, developed the course’s bunkering and strategy. Many successful course designers have visited and studied Woking’s significant architectural merits, and our member Tom Simpson actually took up architecture after an afternoon spent studying the brilliance of Low & Paton’s central fairway bunkers on the 4th hole!
Without Woking, the wonderful work of Tom Simpson (Cruden Bay, Morfontaine, New Zealand, etc.) would perhaps not exist. The fact that the course still stands up to the challenge of the modern equipment speaks volumes for the integrity of the course. For those who would like to know more, please click here for a review from a well-known architectural website, GolfClubAtlas. Also, click here and here for a 2 volume piece on John Low’s influence to golf architecture by historian Bob Crosby.
When playing the 14th Hole please be very mindful on all approach shots that the Clubhouse and veranda is only 3 yards from the back of the green (this is only 15 yards from the green centre). Please also note that the 15th Tee is in close proximity to the right and short of the 14th green and as a reminder players should always shout “Fore” if a ball is heading in this direction.
CLUBHOUSE
For true historians of the game there is much evidence of our most venerated members. Bernard Darwin, Gerald Micklem, Doug Sewell and Roger Wethered all played their golf here, the prestigious Senior Golfers’ Society has its home here and some significant competitions are also hosted; the Alba Trophy, the Bernard Darwin and Gerald Micklem trophies, the Bath Cup and the Scrutton Cup.
Every member of our staff is here to make sure you get the most out of the Woking exerience.
The Pavilion – style Clubhouse itself exudes the charm of Woking – we offer superb food and drink in comfortable surroundings – and the patio overlooking the 14th green has become an integral part of the ambience of the Club, as well as remaining part of the course! As one studies a tricky downhill putt on the 14th, the chatter on the patio will sometimes cease, denoting that all are watching carefully! In years past, not only was the patio in play, but also the roof of the Clubhouse, and several photos exist of players attempting to get up and down from atop the Clubhouse, next to the famous clock!
