West Hill

Overview: West Hill is an 18-hole heathland course in the Surrey sandbelt at Woking, where sandy ground, mature trees and abundant heather create a quiet but exacting setting. The course is not exceptionally long on paper, yet its varied short holes, narrow strategic choices and changes in ground movement make the full routing play every yard. Five par threes add variety, while the Brookwood stream becomes part of the early challenge. The fairways move through pine and birch with enough openness for the heathland character to remain visible, and the course's restraint gives it the feel of a design that has matured naturally rather than been repeatedly rebuilt.

History: The land formed part of the extensive holdings acquired by the London Necropolis Company in 1854. After the company released surplus ground and J. B. Walker made land available for golf, West Hill was established and opened for play in 1909. The Scottish club professional Cuthbert Butchart designed and oversaw construction, leaving soon after the course opened. Some holes were lengthened and changed after the First World War, but the club says the course has otherwise remained essentially the same, preserving the character of its original sandy setting.

Did You Know? West Hill has hosted the Father and Son Open Tournament since the death of Major Lubbock in 1931, when his widow Marguerite presented the trophy still played for today. The course also hosted the British Girls Amateur Championship in 2005, won by Anna Nordqvist. West Hill's amateur course record is 63, while its professional record is 62, both reminders that the compact-looking layout still rewards outstanding shot-making.