Welcome to the original ‘Little gem’: Reigate Heath Golf Club

There are many good 18-hole courses in the UK and Ireland, but surprisingly few really good 9-hole courses. One of the very best is Reigate Heath GC, and no less an authority than world famous television commentator Peter Alliss described it as “A little gem!”

The course and Clubhouse, with the landmark windmill behind it, have captured the imagination of many before and since. James Braid, 6 times Open winner and professional at nearby Walton Heath GC, often played at Reigate Heath and in his opinion it was the best nine-hole course he knew, with the old 4th and 8th being “perfect golf holes”.

More recently, Ryder Cup star Ronan Rafferty and Bill Longmuir, the Open veteran, played the course and as Ronan put it: “There’s much more to this course than meets the eye, but what you do see is some of the most beautiful golfing territory you can play on.”

		"An opportunity to experience true quality comparable to any of the classic courses in the country." Bill Longmuir PGA Professional and leading Senior European Tour Player 2008

The Club is a regular venue for the National Nines championships, and is listed in a variety of websites and publications, such as The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses by leading US course designer, Tom Doak: “A heathland nine-holer which places very highly among all the courses I’ve seen of that length.”

A real test of golfing skill

Reigate Heath’s par is 67 which suggests a relatively easy course, even though there are six Par 3s. But in 2007, the Surrey County Golf Union decided that the course was considerably more difficult than its par, and that the Standard Scratch should be 68. Many fine players have come here and realised that there’s much more to golf than simply belting a driver as far as you can.

Laid out on the greensand belt below the North Downs, the greens are among the best anywhere and the course drains remarkably well, so members and visitors enjoy playing great golf all year round.