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Rare Virtues Seldom Acclaimed Apr 19, 2007, 14:59
The century-old members’ club in Bromley also has a shorter and tighter West Course to offer a fine 36-hole golfing sanctuary - less than 10 miles from the heart of London.
Both courses test players of all levels. With an extensive practice area and superb all-year round condition, you will not find a better set-up anywhere.
The setting – in the grounds of an historic Nash mansion – gives Sundridge Park Golf Club an air of refinement. Yet a club with rare virtues is not as well known as it should be and it takes a little research to discover the golfing tradition that shaped this corner of Kent. In the early 19th century a new owner asked John Nash - renowned for his revamp of Buckingham Palace and creating the Regent's Park terraces - along with landscape gardener Humphry Repton, to create a country home.
The house is now Grade 1 listed and, in recent times a management centre, draws the eye from almost every point to create a country estate feeling so characteristic of the best parkland courses. The park occupied by the golf club is said to be a tribute to Repton and botanists who spend hours studying flora will tell you the surrounding woods have been undisturbed for nearly 200 years. This same woodland shelters today’s courses from busy suburban streets just a mile or so away, and creates a peaceful and colourful setting.
It seems Willie Park Jnr. laid out the original nine holes. A potted history in the “Strokesaver” fails to mention that his father was the very first Open Champion and Park himself, twice an Open winner, was the architect of Sunningdale Old Course and West Hill. Instead it records that he received a modest fee! Apparently James Braid also supervised construction, before playing in the inaugural match alongside Prime Minister of the day, Arthur Balfour.
The golf club you will find today was largely created in the late 1920s when it merged with an adjacent course and engaged Guy Campbell and CK Hutchison to build a new course, now the East. And here is the hidden heritage: Campbell was responsible for West Sussex and Killarney and worked at both Prince's and Rye, whilst Hutchison was an assistant to Braid at Gleneagles and Carnoustie and went on to remodel Ganton, Royal West Norfolk and Brancaster. Together with Woodhall Spa’s Colonel Hotchkin they built the enchanting Ashridge in Hertfordshire woodlands at around the same time they worked at Sundridge Park. The club has firm roots in the best of English golf architecture.
The creation of a 36-hole golf club was opportune rather than by design, and as a result several hands have created the courses we find today. And yet these hands - many unnamed - have shaped them with great skill. Visit Sundridge Park for a day and you will be rewarded with two contrasting parkland courses in fine condition. Tees and fairways are well maintained with good shaping and definition. Approaches are immaculate and greens are firm, fast and true: among the many reasons why county competitions are held regularly at Sundridge Park.
Set in many acres of historic woodland, the two fine courses at Sundridge Park have the setting you need for your society or company golf day. Head for Bromley and discover the secret.
The Card
Sundridge Park Golf Club Sundridge Park Golf Club, Garden Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 3NE
East Course 18 holes: 6,544 yards White tees; 5,721 yards Ladies
West Course 18 holes: 6,019 yards White tees; 5,383 yards Ladies
PGA Professional: Stuart Dowsett
How to get there: From M25, junction 4, take the A21 to Bromley.
t 020 8460 0278
web www.spgc.co.uk
Golf At Sundridge
Sundridge Park has a competitive outlook to match its setting and courses. In the entire first century of its existence, the club had just four professionals. Current PGA professional, Stuart Dowsett, is the fifth. Bromley-born Andrew Butterfield is coached by Dowsett and currently plays on the European Tour.
The most noted in his day was Alf Padgham. His stature in English golf prior to WW2 was almost equal to that of Nick Faldo in the modern game. Although Padgham won just one Open, his 1936 victory at Hoylake came after finishing third in 1934 and runner-up in 1935. He had won three tournaments in the lead up to the Championship and he kept that form going to finish one shot ahead of pursuers that included Sir Henry Cotton, Percy Alliss and Gene Sarazen.
The Sundridge Park tradition was continued by George Will, former Ryder Cup player, and Bob Cameron who has gone on to star on the European Seniors Tour, finishing 20th in the 2006 Order of Merit. There has also been exceptional amateur talent. John Beck was a distinguished International, County and Club Golfer who captained the Walker Cup teams in 1938 and 1947. Today, James Smith, 21, is in the England A squad for 2007. A former Boy International, James was 2005 Kent Champion. Several juniors are in the county team and former European Tour player, Roger Salmon is a stalwart of Kent Seniors.
Membership Full annual membership is £1,300 and there is also an Off-Peak option. Enquiries should be addressed to General Manager, Bob Walden.
Societies & Corporate Packages to suit your requirements range from £60 to £95; the latter includes a day’s golf, coffee, bacon roll, a 3-course lunch and evening snack. Groups of up to 100 can be accommodated.
Visitors Play the East Course for £65, the West for £55 or £85 for a day’s golf.
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