World Golf Courses Directory

The Berkshire (Red & Blue) Golf Club Berkshire, England

Rating: *****

Swinley Rood, Ascot,

SL5 8AY Nearest main town: Ascot

Some golfers swear that the perfect golfing day out is to be had not on the links courses of Britain and Ireland but just off the M3 near Bracknell. Thirty-six holes of golf, playing the Red and Blue courses at the Berkshire, one either side of lunch, is, they say, sheer golfing heaven and a wonderful escape from the outside world.

The peace and tranquillity that can be found on these fairways, carved out of pine, chestnut and birch forest, is truly intoxicating. Not even the great heath and heather courses of nearby Surrey have quite the same feel as a late afternoon in the forest at the Berkshire. Which course you play matters little, as there is no general consensus as to which is the best, and no one knows which one the designer, Herbert Fowler (he of Walton Heath and Saunton fame), preferred.

The Red course is certainly more interesting, mixing six par-3s, six par-4s and six par-5s, a very modern blend of holes that many players wish they could have more of. The par-5s are really needed because of the depth and difficulty of the par-3s, many of which require long irons to tiny greens protected on all sides. The 221-yard 16th, where the plateau green can only be held with a shot to the centre, is a good example. Indeed, it is a very tough track, where, even if you do manage to keep out of the trees, you are still likely to get tangled up in heather.

For a more traditional round, the Blue course may appeal more. The hazards are essentially the same as those of the Red, with a stream coming into play on several fairways. It is shorter and perhaps a little easier than the Red, although the bunkering appears to be more precise and more thought is needed when you are standing on the tee.

Some say when you make a composite course of the two, as they do for competitions, you have the perfect golf course. Play this course on a crisp autumn or spring day, and you won’t disagree.

Playing: Midweek: round £75.00; day £95.00. Weekend: round members only; day n/a.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11.30pm. Food: Lunch and dinner served. Bar snacks.

Comments: One of the golfing gems of England. . . Premium on shot­making… Very traditional- be on your best behaviour.

*** Free Golf Lessons ***