Guest post by Jordan Fuller
Golf is known to be a gentleman and gentlewoman’s game, but it also has a reputation of being a “rich people’s” sport… Which is far from the truth! While you may have to spend a little on good golf clubs, playing a fun round on a beautiful golf course doesn’t have to be a pricey endeavor.
We’ve found the 5 cheapest golf clubs to play a round in London. When you’re living in the big city, getting away and spending some time on the wide-open green fairways can be an excellent stress reliever.
These clubs may not win awards for their wow-factor, but they’re all well worth playing a round on if you need some golf therapy that doesn’t break the bank!
Brent Valley Golf Course
This is a family-friendly club that holds more than just a golf course! The parklands-style course is shorter than average, making it a great choice for golfers of all skill levels. There are also 3 sets of tees, for fairness all round.
Natural hazards come into play, with strategically-placed bunkers making things a little more fun and challenging. There are plenty of trees, but they’re loosely packed so even if you land in them, there’s a good chance of recovery.
It’s very affordable to play a single round, at less than £25 for an 18-hole, weekend, peak-hour tee-time. Memberships are also extremely reasonable, at £175 per year at the time of writing, although they do have a “new member” offer at £125.
Address: Church Road, Hanwell, London W7 3BE
High Elms Golf Club
High Elms has a distinct woodland flavor, a challenging layout, and an abundance of trees that line the fairways, giving it a lovely out-in-nature feel and requiring accuracy from the tee.
Don’t be fooled by the easier holes upfront. The 13th has been called one of the most difficult par-3s in Britain! Another tricky hole is the 17th, which requires absolute accuracy through a tunnel-like tree-like fairway.
At around £20 for a weekend round and around £10 for an off-peak weekday round, you won’t find a better deal than this.
Address: High Elms Road, Downe, BR6 7JL
Chelsfield Lakes Golf
Chelsfield Lakes Golf Club is home to 2 beautiful courses, and visitors are welcome! The 18-hole, par-71 Lakes Course is sculpted and open, with four different tees to allow every level of golfer a fair game.
If you’ve only got time for 9 holes, you can play the Vista course, which also has multiple tees to accommodate everybody. The club also boasts a state-of-the-art Trackman driving range, as well as short game practice areas.
A full 18-hole round on a weekend or bank holiday will cost you £39 as a visitor, and a 9-hole round is priced at £14. A midweek round on the Lakes course is £30, and £12,50 for playing the shorter course. Fees are reduced after 4 pm!
Address: Chelsfield Lakes Golf Centre, Court Road, Orpington, Kent, BR6 9BX
Chipstead Golf Club
Some people call this a links course, but it’s closer to a parklands course. Either way, it’s a good play that’s also quite reasonably priced.
Each hole is carefully designed, with narrow fairways, guarding bunkers, and large but sloping greens. A few strategically-added doglegs, elevated greens, and a couple of blind shots make it more challenging than you may initially think.
Weekend visitor fees are £45 per round, and weekdays will set you back £35. Seniors (over 60s) pay £25 on Mondays and Thursdays!
Address: How Lane, Chipstead, Surrey CR5 3LN
Hainault Golf Club
The Hainault Golf Club features 2 full 18-hole golf courses; the Old Course and the London Course. Both are gentle, enjoyable courses, with the Old Course showcasing fascinating views over central London and the London course nestled amongst woodland, creating an intimate, away-from-the-city feeling.
Mondays to Fridays you’ll pay £24 for a round, while weekend rates rise to £31. Seniors and juniors pay £18 and £13 respectively, and twilight golf rates are also discounted.
Address: Romford Rd, Chigwell IG7 4QW
Conclusion
These clubs are perfect for playing an affordable but still challenging and enjoyable round. Golfers of all skill levels will be able to play these courses, although pros may find themselves a little unchallenged.
If you’re new to the sport but keen to learn, you’re in luck because a few clubs offer free golf lessons! There’s no reason to not play golf in London… Get some fresh air and nature while moving those muscles, for a low cost and a fun time!
About the author
Jordan Fuller is an American retired golfer who’s played on golf courses all over the world. When he’s not on the course, he’s researching and writing for his website, Golf Influence.
