The historic clubs of the London heathland have a knack for cultivating loyalty, but few command a greater spirit of devotion than Walton Heath. The club’s first professional, James Braid, served Walton Heath for 45 years, winning four of his five Open Championships during the tenure. His successor, Harry Busson, nearly matched Braid with over four decades of service, while Walton Heath’s third professional put in a paltry 32 years. And then there’s the honourable Winston Churchill, who played much of his golf as a member of Walton Heath for over half a century.

In 1935, Walton Heath named His Majesty, the Prince of Wales, as its first Captain. The Prince soon became King Edward VIII, distinguishing Walton Heath as the only club to ever have the reigning monarch as Captain. Some may point out that His Majesty’s term as Captain was longer than his time on the throne, but marriage may not have been the only motivation behind his abdication. After all, what good is being King if it comes at the expense of a single-digit handicap?

Aside from steadfast loyalty and Royal patronage, Walton Heath stands apart from other clubs across the heathland thanks to its exceptional links. Although “links” may not typically apply to a course over 30 miles from the sea, at Walton Heath it’s a highly appropriate description. Firm and bouncy turf combined with large and contoured greens bring a decidedly links-like character to Herbert Fowler’s magnificent layout. And while the gorse that menaces its seaside counterparts is noticeably absent, the ribbons of heather which line Walton Heath’s fairways put a similar premium on finding the fairway.

The great Donald Ross once said that a course should open with “a gentle handshake,” but the Old Course at Walton Heath does nothing of the sort. The course begins with the rarest of breeds – an opening par-3, clocking in at an astounding 235 yards – and is followed by an equally difficult 450 yard par-4. This duo makes for a worrisome introduction, but its on the outstanding risk-reward par-4 3rd that Walton Heath begins to show its true character. Overall, the terrain here is relatively flat, yet the wide open views across the course are a joy to marvel, especially when the heather is in bloom. While the glorious setting makes it rather easy to lose focus on the task at hand, the golfer who hopes to post a score will have to earn it on the closing stretch of holes. Most notably on the par-5 16th, where the cavern short right of the green has been the undoing of countless rounds.

Throughout its rich history, Walton Heath has commanded devotion from champions and kings, while remaining accessible to those on an England golf trip. It may lack the notoriety of Sunningdale or the exclusivity of Swinley Forest, but this is a proud club with a course equal to any on the London heathland. After a short time at Walton Heath, you will likely find yourself counted among its loyal devotees.

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