Swinley Forest
Swinley Forest
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Course Type
Semi-Private -
GOLF Top 100 World Rank (2023-24)
46 -
Year
1910 -
Architects
H.S. Colt -
Par
69 -
Yardage
6,431
Course Overview
Unlike America, England doesn’t have a phobia about courses with par under 70. Seeing a 6,431-yard, par-69 course like Swinley Forest be embraced as an epitome of great design is a powerful message. Like Rye, its quintet of one-shotters and tight sub-70 par make it more of a complete test than a quick glance at its scorecard might indicate. The more the world speeds up, the more people appreciate clubs like Swinley where calm reigns supreme. Harry Colt considered it his ‘least bad’ design, proving he was much better at letting his work speak for itself than he was at promotion! (Photo: Courtesy Swinley Forest)
3 things to know
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Hole everyone talks about
No. 9, par 4, 464 yards: Swinley’s visitors tend to adhere to the idea that every hole on the course is a “signature hole,” but the 9th shines in a different way. A bunker in the middle of the fairway adds intrigue to what would normally be a straightforward tee shot while the purple heather along the hole’s perimeter creates a beautiful contrast to the green of the fairway. -
Best non-golf amenity
The allure of Swinley’s serene, throwback charm, from its pine tree-lined heathland layout to its Tudor-style clubhouse. -
Insider tip
Sharpen your short game before your arrival. Swinley’s challenging green complexes will require some skill to navigate.