Royal Automobile Club (RAC) - Old Course

The Course

The RAC Club (Old Course) is a very nice members course that is set in the dreamy surroundings of the Epsom Downs. The RAC is a private members club in Mayfair London and the Woodcote Park site is their countryside facility (which is quite spectacular). All of the small details have been thought about, which creates a really special atmosphere which allows you to have a thoroughly enjoyable day out! Upon arriving you are met with the spectacular Woodcote Park Clubhouse which often has an array of sports cars parks outside of it (on show for members). Then you have a really nice pro shop and a fantastic practice area.

Quick facts

Address: 89 Pall Mall, London; Woodcote Park, Surrey, United Kingdom
Architect: Herbert Fowler

The course itself is a very well designed course and at a good length too (5910 yards, from the yellow tees). It was in immaculate condition when we played and much like the clubhouse, every fine detail had been well thought through. It is also heavily treelined so being straight off the tee is key to gaining a good score. Furthermore, there are also a number of well-placed bunkers around the greens and in the fairways to keep you on your toes! This means your course management has to be good here too as you can often find a drive trickling into one the fairway bunkers, and ruining what could have been a par opportunity!

Greens

The greens were in very good condition and were quite small. They always had an inviting fringe on them which allowed you to lay up if you were confident in your chipping abilities. They were quick and more often than not you had to read the greens well to judge the break in them, especially when the putts were over 6 foot long.

Fairways/Rough

The fairways were in immaculate condition and they were also quite wide in places but then narrow in key areas that you would normally aim for. A good example of this was on the 10th which was a par 4 with a slight dogleg to the left. The “Tiger line” is over the trees if you are long enough off the tee. However, for anyone with a good golfing brain, you should lay-up. Where you would typically want to lay-up, the fairway pinches in just at the landing zone, making for an extremely accurate shot off the tee! It is worth mentioning that fairways are always cut with very cool designs (think the first-day of Wimbledon but on a golf course). They also were well-maintained so it was rare that you had a bad lie.

Finally, the rough wasn’t too long or hard to get out of . This is probably because the course is tree-lined and trees are always a pain to play out of if you end up in them!

Bunkers

The bunkers were in excellent condition, with fine sand and no stones!

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Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

The Challenge

The RAC Club (Old Course) is a great course to play for all playing abilities. There are plenty of hazards if you get complacent and decide to try to play every shot like a tour pro. If you use your golfing brain though, it is a course that will allow you to shoot a good score (close to your handicap). As mentioned previously on most par 4/5 holes there are well-placed fairway bunkers (normally about 210- 240 yards) and then the greens have some cleverly placed bunkers. You definitely have to think each hole through if you want to avoid trouble.

The Par 3’s are a good length too (130- 200 yards) so you get a variety of play off the tee. They are also really well protected with bunkers before the greens and often have trees behind them!… You need to be accurate.

My favourite hole had to be the 18th, which is a par 5, coming down the hill into the spectacular clubhouse. You can take the “Tiger Line” and cut the corner if you can hit your driver long enough and high enough (to get over the trees). If you’re a big hitter you can then attempt to get it onto the fringe of the green in 2 shots. If your not long enough then you can lay up…

Either way, it’s a daunting shot. This is because you have to hit an approach shot into the green and use the spectacular clubhouse to aim at (with some very nice sports cars often on show in front of it). When you are standing over this second shot you 100% think you can not overshoot it, when in fact there is lots of space and you 100% should be aggressive into the green (without hitting the clubhouse). The result of the first 2 shots on this hole makes for a very entertaining final hole!

Overall this is a tough course but a brilliant course. Its condition is immense, members are really nice, the views of the Surrey Down are beautiful and it makes for a fantastic day out. If you have good course management then it can be conquered…If you try to be too clever though you will score well above your handicap!

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Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Off Course Facilities

It is simple here..the clubhouse is amazing. The 19th Hole and Spike Bar is a great place for a post-round drink. The food is immense here too (compared to your average golf club). The Fountain Brasseriet is also a brilliant restaurant in the main clubhouse. You will need a member to take you into this as I believe so it may not be accessible for everyone…You will also need to bring a change of clothes too as there is a dress code (smart/casual).

The pro shop was well stocked and the pro was really nice! There is a good driving range that is covered and a good a putting green too. It’s not that busy and it is always well worth getting to the driving range well before your tee time.

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Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Tee Fees/Rental Services/ Tee Times

Midweek Guide: Old Course £40.00

Visitor Buggy - Yes, but ring up to book before.

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Rating: 4 out of 5.

Summary

The RAC Club (Old Course) is a fantastic course that is well worth a visit! The course is challenging and in great condition. The facilities there are second to none and the members/ staff are really friendly.

I would 100% recommend a visit!

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Rating: 4.5 out of 5.