Swinley Forest Golf Club

Swinley Forest is a private members’ club in Ascot. Designed by Harry Colt, its layout carves its way through spectacular heathland vistas framed by heather, pine woods, azaleas and rhododendrons.

The Colt course alternates 2 par 5s, 11 par 4s and 5 par 3s, and plays with undulating greens to create illusions of length. The Earl of Derby established Swinley Forest in 1909, as legend would have it after having become entangled at Sunningdale and consequently showing up tardy for an audience with Queen Victoria.

The club opens its doors from 8 a. m.

to 8 p. m.

, but is only accessible to visitors during weekdays. Weekends are reserved for members.

The course is an 18-hole parkland and heather course, 6431 yards long, par 69. It is only some 6000 yards long but the tight fairways and diminutive greens make for a real challenge, and the layout calls for the use of pretty much every club.