Walton Heath was founded in 1903, designed by Herbert Fowler, and opened for play in 1904. The opening was celebrated with a match between golf's "Great Triumvirate", Walton Heath club professional James Braid, JH Taylor and Harry Vardon.
For those unaware of the "Great Triumvirate", these gentlemen were the stars of golf at the turn of the 20th century. Between the three of them, they won 16 of the 21 Open Championships held between 1894 and 1914. In the five other Opens during this time, one or more of them was runner up!
Again the heather was beautiful, but challenging as it was located on either side of most fairways.
The vistas here are quite different to the previous two courses we played. There are far fewer trees here, and the ones that are here frame the course rather than each hole. You can see across fairways, and feel a sense of space.
The membership of Walton Heath has had some notable names. It is the only English club to have a reigning monarch as it's Captain. The Prince of Wales was the Club Captain in 1935 / 36 when he became the King of England. Winston Churchill was a member from 1910 - 1965, and currently young David Boote has been named in the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team.
Elizabeth Knight is pictured here prior to her birdie attempt on the par three 7th hole. Elizabeth's magnificent approach navigated it's way past the greenside bunker, finishing here. Unfortunately the birdie attempt fell just shy.
Walton Heath has a strong tournament history as well, having hosted the European Open, and the 1981 Ryder Cup.
The stunning heather on the inside corner of the par four 12th hole.
Ian Paroissien fires his second shot down the 13th fairway.
The heather separating the 15th and 16th holes.
Sue Nicholson prepares to hit her fairway wood on the 16th hole.
You may have seen this in the background of the previous shot. The massive greenside bunker on 16.
Thanks to Ian borrowing my camera, I was captured actually hitting a good shot into the 18th. I might need him to follow me paparazzi style for the rest of the tour.
We had a great day, and yet again were blessed with brilliant weather. Elizabeth Knight was our champion today, with a very consistent 35 points.
Tomorrow we head to St Georges Hill.
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