Urban golf, the game you play indoors, has picked up a lot of fans in the past few years. Yet traditionalists will always love the thrill and challenge of the outdoor game.
You might think teeing off on a traditional course is impossible near London. Yet there’s actually lots of choice in the city and surrounding counties. Dozens of these courses are also easily accessible by train and tube.
Below is our list of some of the best golf ranges in London and how to get to them.
Why take the train for a golf day in London?
Don’t battle London traffic to get to the best greens. Take the train to get there quickly and comfortably.
Travelling by train means no congestion charges, fuel costs or parking fees. Plus, many courses are just a short walk or ride away from a train or tube station.
If you’re on a group day out or weekend away, taking the train is a convenient way to go together. From the moment you get on board, you can all enjoy a shared golfing experience.
Best golf courses in London
Everyone has their favourite course. Here are eight of ours in the capital city or nearby areas.
The Hertsmere
The Hertsmere is set in 180 acres of glorious Hertfordshire countryside. This 18-hole course features a practice bunker and two putting greens, ideal for improving your game. There’s a 26-bay driving range to help you with your tee shots too.
When you’ve finished your round, spend time in the course’s luxurious restaurant and bar. Take time to enjoy the stunning views you see from the restaurant’s balcony.
About The Hertsmere
- Address: The Hertsmere, Medburn Bridge, Watling St, Elstree, Borehamwood WD6 3AA
- Opening times: 6am to 10pm, seven days a week
- Nearest station: Elstree & Borehamwood (a five-minute taxi ride away)
The Grove, Hertfordshire
The Grove is an iconic course. It was the scene of Tiger Woods’ 2006 victory at the World Golf Championship. With no membership fees, you can come and visit at any time to improve your game.
Kyle Philips was in charge of the course design for the club. He also designed the Yas Links Golf Club (ranked first in the Middle East) and Kingsbarns (ranked 35th in the world).
This challenging course offers a true golf experience for amateurs and professionals alike. Food and beverages are available from The Stables, an a la carte restaurant with it's outdoor terrace overlooking the golf course.
About The Grove
- Address: Chandler's Cross, Rickmansworth WD3 4TG
- Opening times: 7am to 8pm, seven days a week
- Nearest station: Watford Junction (a 10-minute taxi ride away)
Royal Wimbledon
The Royal Wimbledon Golf Club is Britain’s third oldest course, dating back to 1865.
This 18-hole, 6,393-yard course is a real challenge and sits amongst some of the UK’s most amazing natural scenery. Henry Colt designed the course, one of more than 100 he was responsible for, including the famous links at Aberdovey and Berlin-Wannsee.
Relax in the well-appointed clubhouse at the end of your round. There’s a wide selection of drinks here, plus a varied menu of international dishes prepared by experienced and creative chefs.
About Royal Wimbledon
- Address: 29 Camp Rd, London SW19 4UW
- Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday, 8am to 7:30pm, Sunday and Monday, 8am to 6pm
- Nearest station: Wimbledon Chase (a 12-minute taxi ride away)
Donnington Grove
The setting at Donnington Grove is tranquil. Yet the 18-hole Championship course is one of the most challenging you’ll encounter. If you want to test how good you really are, this is a great course to find out.
Donnington Grove offers later tee times than most golf clubs thanks to its flood-lit driving range. There’s also a large professional golf retail outlet on-site if you want to invest in the latest gear.
The bar and food here are first class, with service at lunchtime and from 6 pm to 9 pm.
About Donnington Grove
- Address: Donnington Grove, Grove Rd, Newbury RG14 2LA
- Opening times: 5am to 10pm (it’s advised to book in advance)
- Nearest station: Newbury (a 10-minute taxi ride away)
London Golf Club
The legendary Jack Nicklaus designed the Heritage course at the London Golf Club.
This prestigious fairway has hosted the European Open twice and many other European Tour events. The second link here, the International, is a fast downland course that will challenge the most talented golfers.
If you want to improve your skills, check out the London Golf Club Academy led by former pro golfer Paul Stewart.
About London Golf Club
- Address: Stansted Lane, Ash Nr Brands Hatch TN15 7EH
- Opening times: 7am to 6pm
- Nearest station: Longfield (a 16-minute taxi ride away)
Mill Hill
JF Abercromby’s 18-hole Mill Hill course sits on the Hertfordshire border. Abercromby is a legendary course designer who, despite having more than 100 courses to his name, never actually trained as a designer.
This stockbroker’s clerk had a love for the game. This translated into instinctual, challenging courses like Mill Hill.
If you’re new to golf, this North London club offers you a warm welcome. You can even book your first lesson with just 24 hours notice. Non-members can play, but you will need to book your tee time in advance on the website.
About Mill Hill
- Address: 100 Barnet Way, London NW7 3AL
- Opening times: 8am to 6:30pm, seven days a week
- Nearest station: Colindate tube station (then a 13-minute ride on the 292 bus)
Richmond Park
Richmond Park Golf Club styles itself as the “People’s Golf Club”. Visitors can’t say enough about its facilities on Golfshake and its one of the most popular public golf courses in London.
Non-members are welcome to play on the two 18-hole golf courses and the 20-bay range. There’s a bar and restaurant on site too which offers food and drinks from breakfast time.
About Richmond Park
- Address: Norstead Pl, London SW15 3SA
- Opening times: Monday to Friday, 7am to 8:30pm, Saturday and Sunday, 6:30am to 8:30pm
- Nearest station: Putney tube station (then a 13-minute ride on the 85 bus)
St. George’s Hill
St. George’s Hill Golf Club is another Harry Colt design classic.
Like his Royal Wimbledon course, St. George’s Hill is famous for its tough bunkers, beautiful trees and undulating fairways. It has 27 holes divided into three loops of nine, creating a choice of three routes for your game.
The clubhouse is architecturally elegant with a charming visual appeal much prized by members as a space to relax and socialise.
St. George’s Hill
- Address: Golf Club Rd, Weybridge KT13 0NL
- Opening times: 8am to 6:30pm, seven days a week
- Nearest station: Weybridge (a 28-minute walk away)
Northwood
Northwood Golf Club is a 6473-yard, par 71 golf course set in stunning countryside. This is a challenging, enjoyable course that’s ideal for golfers looking to improve their game. In recent years, the club has relaid all the course greens to meet USGA standards.
The clubhouse is a treat with its south-facing terrace. There are large-screen TVs for watching events like the Ryder Cup and a wide range of meals and snacks.
About Northwood
- Address: Rickmansworth Rd, Northwood HA6 2QW
- Opening times: 8am to 5pm, seven days a week
- Nearest station: Northwood (a nine-minute walk away)
Rickmansworth
Visitors can play alongside members at the friendly Rickmansworth Golf Club.
Its high elevation means the course is playable in most conditions as the rain drains away quickly. A compact 4,635 yards, accuracy is more important than power for coming out on top here.
About Rickmansworth
- Address: Moor Ln, Rickmansworth WD3 1QL
- Opening times: 7am to 7pm, seven days a week
- Nearest station: Rickmansworth (a 22-minute walk / 3 minute taxi ride away)
Highgate
Highgate Golf Club is on 83 acres of land that was previously within the Bishop of London’s hunting estate. This 18-hole, 6,033-yard course provides golfers with a real test, with the average round taking three hours to complete.
Take in the views of North London right across to Potters Bar from the clubhouse. The bar opens at 9am and you can order freshly prepared meals right up until 5pm.
About Highgate
- Address: Denewood Rd, London N6 4AH
- Opening times: 8am to 6pm, seven days a week
- Nearest station: East Finchley tube station (a 23-minute walk away)
Walton Health
The old course at Walton Heath is a masterpiece by amateur golfer, ex-cricketer and course architect Herbert Fowler.
The course regularly features in the World’s Top 100 for its challenge and beauty. For an even greater test, there’s a neighbouring newer course that stretches over 7,000 feet.
The clubhouse is sumptuous. There are two dining rooms and a choice of bars. Around the back is a terrace overlooking the practice putting green, a great place to unwind and review the day’s play with friends.
About Walton Heath
- Address: Deans Lane, Walton-on-the-Hill, Tadworth KT20 7TP
- Opening times: 8am to 7pm, seven days a week
- Nearest station: Tadworth (a 23-minute walk away)
The Addington
The bunkers, greens and wooden bridge at The Addington make this parkland course one of the most beautiful in the UK. The course has also undergone extensive renovations and upgrades in recent years, making it even more appealing.
A JF Abercromby classic, it regularly ranks among the top 100 courses in Britain.
About The Addington
- Address: 205 Shirley Church Rd, Croydon CR0 5AB
- Opening times: 7:30am to 9pm, seven days a week
- Nearest station: Gravel Hill tram stop (a 30-minute walk away)
Travel to Golf Courses in London by train with Avanti
If you’re into golf, you’re spoiled for choice near London. If you’re coming here from a different part of the UK for a long weekend, be sure to make one of your three days in London a golfing day.
It’s easy to get to the capital with Avanti. Buy your train tickets on our site or book with your Railcard to enjoy the greatest discounts on your fares.
