West Byfleet Golf Club
Overview
Brer Rabbit wrote the club was both unheralded and unsung where there was a premium on intelligence.
A rarity in English golf, the course is totally private with no public footpaths, bridle paths, roads or public right of ways across it.
The course has an abundance of wildlife including the green woodpecker which serves as the emblem of the club.
Golf Course Review
West Byfleet Golf Club is a traditional members club in 3W country. Woking, West Hill, and Worplesdon are all nearby and New Zealand is literally across the road. The course benefits from the free-draining Bagshot sand the area is known for. There may be more trees and less heather than its neighbours but investment in the course is ongoing which is reflected in the increasing quality of golf on offer.
West Byfleet Golf Club History
Formerly known as Bleakdown, the course was established in 1906 by Cuthbert Butchart. It appears James Braid made some alterations prior to the Great War.
During WW1, the course was virtually lost with over 100 acres being sown in support of the war effort. The course was redeveloped by golden age great, JF Abercromby, and reopened in December 1922, as West Byfleet Golf Club. It was reported that Aber had ‘lengthened and reorganized the course.’ The original 11th and 12th holes from Butchart were lost when the land was handed over to the Maybury development next door.
In 1927, Arthur Croome was invited to make more alterations. In 1929, a minute notes that James Braid had also visited and some of his recommendations were being adopted.
Similar to New Zealand Golf Club opposite, the land was owned by Mr. Hugh Locke-King who developed the NZGC but also Brooklands just down the road.
West Byfleet Golf Club Synopsis
The course measures just under 6200 yards more or less equally split over two nines. Two Par 5’s are found on the scorecard on the 7th and 18th holes. Four one-shot holes are offset by twelve two-shotters.
Routed on a narrow strip of land with a railway line on one side and housing on the other, the layout is unique. The first five holes take you out before the 6th and 7th holes bring you almost back to the clubhouse. From the eight onwards you make your way to the furthest point on the property before turning homeward on the 14th tee.
West Byfleet is currently working with MacKenzie & Ebert on a multi-year plan with changes planned to the layout and length being added.
West Byfleet Golf Club Photography
West Byfleet Golf Club - Videos
Watch the West Byfleet Golf Club official video
Featured Architect: MacKenzie, Alister
As taken from his book, Golf Architecture, Alister MacKenzie felt the following were essential: The course, where possible, should be arranged in two loops of nine holes. There should be a large proportion of good two-shot holes and at least four one-shot holes. There should be little walking between...
