St Georges Hill was the brainchild of WG Tarrant, a property developer. Mr Tarrant wanted to develop a residential estate incorporating sporting facilities, and a golf course was central to his plan. The first golf residential estate. Harry Colt was engaged as the architect, and the course opened in 1913.
St Georges Hill estate has become one of the UK's most expensive estates, and the list of residents (past and current) is extraordinary. John Lennon, Cliff Richard, Nick Faldo, Kate Winslet, Ringo Starr, Jenson Button just to name a few. The house pictured above was owned by comedian Eric Sykes. It is located behind the 4th tee. Mr Sykes was refused membership, and subsequently added the chimney stack in the centre of the roof. It's shape was intended to look like the house was giving the golf course "the bird".
Many believe St Georges Hill to be Harry Colt's best inland design. It certainly is a quality course. The course, although quite undulating, feels a lot more playable than the other Surrey heathland courses we have played. The fairways are wider, and whilst there is still plenty of heather to trap you, you don't feel confined by it.
The undulating nature of the site gives great vistas from the tee of most of the holes.
The par three 8th hole is the signature hole, and is a brilliant par three.
The view down the par four 9th is magnificent, and shows the castellated clubhouse, perched on the highest point on the property.
The "Lake House" that sits adjacent to the 9th fairway. The lake at the bottom of the hill was known as "Dead Man's Pond". It was here in 1852 that the last recorded pistol duel was staged in England. George Smythe (who became Viscount Strangford) and Colonel Frederick Romilly met to settle a dispute over electioneering in Canterbury where they were both MP's. Neither man was injured, and they both returned to London.
One of our St Georges Hill hosts, George Quick, hitting a great shot into the par three 11th hole.
The reverse view of the 11th, from green to tee.
Our other host, Chas North, firing his drive down the par four 12th hole.
Gary Jones ready to hit over the heather on the par four 13th.
True to the experiences found on other Colt courses, the par threes here are exquisite. The downhill 14th is no exception. 200 yards over water and a heather encapsulated bunker, to a green that sits across the hole. Very impressive.
The magnificent view from the tee on the par five 15th.
Approaching the 18th, the clubhouse standing proud above the course. The clubhouse was built in 1912, in preparation for the course construction, and originally had a dormered thatched roof. In 1914, it was converted to a military hospital for the Great War.
A fire swept through the thatched roof in 1920, and the upper storeys were destroyed. It was swiftly rebuilt, however this time it was topped off with castellation, giving it a baronial look.
We were fortunate to have the company of some wonderful St Georges Hill members today, and a freindly match was played. The home side (as is often the case) had a comfortable win. A great day was had by all, and many new relationships were formed.
Tomorrow we depart the Surrey area, and head north to visit our newest reciprocal club in Nottinghamshire, Notts Golf Club.
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