6. Reigate Heath GC, Surrey, England (Tom Dunn/1895) Expert’s take: Reigate Heath would be one of Bernard Darwin’s little known “stars of sand and heather.” Of course there is pine, birch, oak and wild bilbery here too. A venerable club formed in the late 19th century, this club feels a bit Dutch given the signature windmill adjacent to the clubhouse. The routing circularly takes you around a surprisingly rolling property which tests the short irons as well as a few longer clubs. Reigate is a period piece of what golf was at the turn of the century.
On Tue April 9 2019, by Sarah Christie
Today's Golfer ranks Reigate Heath ranks as a 'must play'
In the latest (April) issue of one of the UK's leading golf magazines, Reigate Heath's nine hole gem comes not only highly recommended, but is described in terms even more glowing:
'This outstanding heathland layout is arguably one of the UK’s finest nine-hole venues. It has been described as a miniature version of nearby 2018 British Masters host Walton Heath, while Peter Alliss simply calls it “a little gem”.'
The magazine's reviewer summarises by saying: 'It’s a joy to play year-round and boasts a cracking set of greens. Great value, too, in this part of the world.'
Would we add anything else? Yes, we've just increased the fun factor: not only is Reigate Heath Golf Club a 'must play', it's now a 'must eat' as well! Thanks to TV chef Tony Tobin who's now taken over the club's catering, you can enjoy a superb breakfast, lunch or tea, any day of the week.
Reigate Heath welcomes new recruits to PGA’s We Love Golf campaign
Chosen as one of the first two golf clubs in the UK to host an innovative new campaign designed to get more females swinging a golf club, Reigate Heath Golf Club’s first session has attracted 11 ladies and 10 have signed up for more classes - despite the November weather!
‘We Love Golf’ is run in conjunction with the Professional Golfers’ Association (The PGA) and promises to show local women the fun side of the game, giving them a new way to exercise and make friends this winter.
Starting with a free taster session at Reigate Heath that was held on Saturday November 24th, ‘We Love Golf’ challenges the ideas people have about the game. Clifford Gough, PGA Head Professional at Reigate Heath, explains: “People think golf can be stuffy and that you need expensive equipment to get started, but that’s just not the case.”
“We’re asking anyone to come as they are and get ready to have some fun. Golf is a fantastic way to make new friends and get outside in the open air, as well as learning something new. The taster session is free so there’s really nothing to lose. Just grab a friend or come and make some new ones.”
Any women taking part in the free taster session are offered the chance to progress on to the ‘We Love Golf’ beginners’ coaching programme being run by the club, and 10 of the 11 signed up accordingly. Research carried out by The PGA shows that new friendships, the community and the social side of the game, are some of the reasons women love taking part and keep coming back.
Gough continued: “Beginners’ group sessions are a great way to have fun with friends, learn at your own pace and to meet new people. Once you get a taste for seeing the ball sail into the distance, and enjoy watching your friends do the same, the golf club quickly becomes more than just a place to play - it’s a community.”
He adds: “I was delighted to greet the new faces that came along on Saturday, and we all had a quick drink afterwards to celebrate!”
The ‘We Love Golf’ campaign has been a great success for The PGA in its first year. It started as a campaign designed to change the way people, particularly women, think about golf and demystify some ‘facts’ around the game. This next phase is to take the principles learned in the first year out on to the course with forward thinking partners like Reigate Heath Golf Club.
Anyone wanting to give golf a try should call Cliff Gough on 01737 242 610.
Are you interested in playing Bridge here at the Club?
For many years now the club has run a duplicate bridge evening once a month during the winter months.
Starting in October and running through April a very sociable evening of bridge is provided for all playing and recreational members who would like to participate. If you have not played duplicate before but are a regular rubber bridge player, why not bring your partner along and try it out.
If you would like to learn more about the evenings why not ask one of the regular players. Douglas Frost, Mike & Jill Stammers, Gail Sperrin, Geoff Wright, Jean Mair, Pat Reed, and Rob Whitfield are just some of the regulars you may know.
Either talk to one of these or email Geoff Wright at geoff.wright70 @ gmail .com
