The Berkshire (Red & Blue) Golf Club *****

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.

 

Secretary: Col J. Hunt

Tel: 01344 621496/621495

Professional: Mr P. Anderson

Tel: 01344 622351 Fax: 01344 873090

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.

 

Swinley Forest Golf Club *****

Coronation Road, Ascot, SL5 9LE

Nearest main town: Ascot

 

Hidden in the heath land folds of the Berkshire stockbroker belt, Swinley has that 'land that time forgot' feel about it. The atmosphere lends itself to a feeling of exclusivity which sits comfortably on the club's shoulders. They are off the beaten track and rather pleased about it.

If you're fortunate enough to play Swinley, you are in for a rare treat. The work of Harry Colt, this is a fine example of traditional heath land design. The course is not long, but can be quite punishing for those who venture off line. Heather clings to the edges of fairways that have an adventurous ride over the humps and hollows of the woodlands that flank the Ascot horse-racing circuit. This heather, its delicate purple flowers adding a splash of color to an already inspirational canvas, can be a golfer's nightmare. It wraps itself round your club with a vice-like grip, ensuring that anyone trying to gain a little too much ground gets adequately punished.

There are two moments in a round of golf at Swinley that stick in the memory. At the latter end of a glorious front nine, it is the 9th that sends the temperature soaring, particularly if you are a fan of a good driving hole. The fairway is inviting from an elevated tee, but you would do well to hug the left-hand side to get the shortest route to the pin.

Another vivid memory comes on the approach to the par-4 12th. The green is quite large and inviting and behind it climbs a grandstand of rhododendrons, whose blooms peer over one another to get a better view.

 

Secretary: Mr l. Pearce

Tel: 01344 874979 Fax: 01344 874733

Professional: Mr S. Hill                     

Tel: 01344 874811

Playing: Midweek: round n/a; day £80.00. Weekend: round no visitors; 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 shot-making...very traditional - be on your best behavior.