Purley Downs Golf Club

Purley Downs is a fantastic course. One of the best opening holes, its a downhill par 3 protected by 4 bunkers. Great views of this from the veranda. A huge variety of holes, doglegs 7th and 14th, very tricky greens on 4, 10, 16, 17 and 18. The 8th is long par 3 into a funnel. The 6th index 1 is slightly uphill and over 450 yards long. The 2 par 5s are reachable in 2 in the summer. And the greens the best in the area, no doubt. My society always plays its Winter event here as its always in such good condition.

top course , always open regardless of the weather
I have over 10 courses within a 10 min drive from my home, this one would be up right there if going for a full club membership.

Great staff in pro shop and club house backed up with good food (breakfast starts late but we found a great café). Course was dry and well kept with all the resent rain. Great views of London cant wait to return.

This is a beautifully scenic golf course which was in unbelievably good condition when played in early March 2014; given the prolonged period of rain in the previous few weeks; it was as though it hadn't rained on the course.

The greens were very firm and fast to putt on; the fastest I have ever encountered in non-competition circumstances. All of our 4 ball found difficulty judging the speed of putts; especially during our first few holes; though the putting lines were fairly true and without undetected deviations.

A different 'mindset' was therefore required to approach playing of the course compared to my own home course (Cherry Lodge) and others played so far in 2014. What will it be like to play in summer conditions?

The course opens with a beautiful and testing downhill par 3. The par 3 8th is also a challenge to accuracy and distance.

As it is a par 70 course there was only two par 5s; slightly dissapointing as I think a course is better balanced with four par 5s.

The club bar is traditional in style; staff were welcoming. The 'bench' style seating in the snug 'back bar' was reminissent of the seating arrangments found in old Irish dance halls. Food was of good quality. The green fees paid were good VFM.

I look forward to further opportunities to play this course soon.

Purley Downs is a well established private members club, full of tradition & history but well tuned with the 21st century.

The natural landscape where sheep used to graze over 100 years ago, provide a perfect setting for a challenging game where no 2 holes are the same. The chalky grounds of the North downs permits all year round play, this is certainly a course to put on your list of "winter month play".

In 1894, a nine hole golf course by J H Taylor made use of the contours to provide an enjoyable golf game with spectacular views on every hole. 10 years later it become a full 18 holes. Very few changes since then: few bunkers were added and 2 new tee boxes were constructed to meet the modern day challenges. Bylaws restrict the membership to 300 full playing members, so the course is rarely crowded.

The fairways are excellent, hardly any divots, I saw some greenkeepers raking twigs off the fairways, it was immaculate indeed. The greens were superb, true, fast and sometimes intimidating.Bunkers were well designed and placed, Very few have standing water. Lovely soft sand.The paths to the next tee boxes are well defined. Ball washers/towels at every tee. There are some fairways that crosses so takes extra care when playing certain holes, there are signs to indicate the crossings.

The 1st hole, Par 3, Yellow 160 yards, (signature hole), raised Tee, downhill to a securely guarded green encircled by tall trees, truly awesome. It sets the scene for the rest of the other 17 holes. They will give you surprises, wonderful view over London landmarks (St Pauls, BT Tower, Battersea Power station, Shard etc),views of local Croydon and even Windsor Castle on a bright sunny day like today (7.2.2014). Nothing is flat, so be prepared for a good workout, ball below feet, uphill/downhill lies. You will be puffing and looking forward to that pint/or coffee at the 19th hole !

There is a half way hut but it was not opened today.

There is a lovely feel about Purley Downs: a warm welcome in the Proshop that is well equipped. Our 3 balls met the Head Pro/Club Manager (Scot Graham) on the course and later in the Clubhouse where we had a pleasant chat.The Clubhouse is large, has several rooms, full of natural light and offers wonderful views over the 1st Tee, 9th & 18th greens, so does the very pleasant veranda with classy garden furniture. Bar staff are friendly. Everyone seems happy. The drinks/food are very reasonable indeed. I can recommend the "Home Made Burger" with all the trimmings.

Members are friendly too. I had the privilege to meet one, Mr Ronald M., who gave up his game of snooker (yes there are 2 full size snooker tables on the 1st floor, for members'use)and took me round the whole of the Clubhouse to show me the Memorabilia, explains some of the history etc. the links with the famous Royal Blackheath GC (no mention of Judy L. though !!!), French golf course near Paris etc.. the trophies won... and of course the names of Vardon, Braid, Henry Cotton, Alf Padgahm, Harry Weetman, Tony Jacklin were mentioned and their photos/pictures on the wall. Must mention a truly admirable tapestry that celebrates the Centenary of the Club: it is the Women Section, every playing member is represented and has its name signed in embroidery. Very impressive indeed & artistic.

Ladies changing room is in the Main building, large, pleasant, well equipped. Men changing room is in the same building as the Proshop by the Big Car Park. Practice facilities: green by the clubhouse and 1st tee. Driving range. chipping behind the Proshop on the right handside of the 1st green. It was a lovely discovery, with 2 new, friendly TSG members and they too liked the course and cannot wait to return.

I must thank a certain Mr John A. who kindly enquired for me (back in October 2013) as to favourable rates for TSG members when I first discovered Purley Downs whilst driving to another golf course nearby. Today, I did negotiate a very good rate too. County cards are accepted and I believe there are some deals to be had if you book on line and pay in advance, but I personally prefer to book on the phone and pay on the day. Not sure what else I could write, so I better stop.

PS: I did post some photos on my Album.

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