The Golf

The original concept of the course and estate was unique. It was the first development of a golf course being constructed with the intention of building luxury houses adjacent to the fairways. George Tarrant, a local builder, had the foresight to see an opportunity when the land became available in 1911. Having acquired it, he had the good fortune, through a chance conversation with Charles Ambrose, to enlist the services of Harry Colt, the most prolific golf architect of his generation, to design the course.

And so St George's Hill was born, being ready for play in 1913. Undoubtedly Colt was a genius, one of the great, if not the greatest, golf architect of all time, and it has been suggested that St George's Hill is his masterpiece - not forgetting that Tarrant provided the opportunity. The course is carved out of heather and pine woodland and comprises three very individual 9 hole loops, all starting and finishing by the clubhouse. Most Club Championship and major competitions are played over the better known Red and Blue nines. However, the Green nine, originally part of a second 18 hole layout, now stands very favourable comparison with the other two and many regard it as the most difficult nine, due to its much tighter nature.