Walton Heath - The Boss Golfs: England & Wales - Day 1

Walton Heath was the perfect start to my golf journey through England and Wales—a trip blending Top 100 venues with hidden gems. Among England’s heralded heathland layouts, Walton Heath stands as one of the classics. Designed by Herbert Fowler, it’s a course that belongs on any serious golfer’s list of the finest heathlands. The club boasts two courses, the Old and the New. On this trip, I had the chance to take on the famed Old, though the New remains firmly on my “next time” list.

Compared to some of the more undulating heathlands, the Old Course plays across relatively flatter terrain. Don’t let that fool you—it delivers plenty of challenge, especially under the firm, fast-running conditions I experienced. The routing demands several bold carries over heath and precise navigation around it.

The round begins with a handshake that feels more like a test: a 230-yard par three. With two imposing bunkers guarding the front and out of bounds lurking behind, it immediately asks for your full attention.
Among the many memorable holes, my favorite was the dogleg-left par-five 16th. It marked the start of a stern closing stretch, where every shot carried weight.

The most intimidating shot of the day came on 18. Standing over the approach, the busy M25 motorway looms directly behind the green—a constant reminder as you cross it to start your round. With that in my mind, I managed one of my biggest chunks of the trip. For context, I felt calmer standing on the 17th tee at Sawgrass. It’s an exhilarating, nerve-tingling way to close out a round on a historic course.

And historic it is. Walton Heath has hosted some of the game’s great stages—the 1981 Ryder Cup, multiple European Tour events including the British Masters, and most recently the 2023 Women’s AIG Open.

Walton Heath Old Course is timeless—a blend of strategy, challenge, and history that makes it more than worthy of its reputation. For any golfer seeking to experience the finest heathland golf in England, Walton Heath isn’t just a stop; it’s a must.