New Zealand Golf Club

A refreshing alternative to long modern ‘championship’ layouts. The running shot will often be better rewarded than the lob wedge. A heathland that never disappoints. Well presented with true and fast greens.

Traditionally a course frequented by members of the legal profession, so any arguments about rules infringements are, presumably, quickly dealt with. New Zealand is something of a step back in time. A course that is not long – indeed a 3-wood is as much as you’ll need off the tee – but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. A delightful heathland design with narrow heather-clad fairways, tricky dog-legs and subtle breaks on the greens, this is golf as it was meant to be.

The Top 100 Golf Courses in Britain and Ireland

Click here to find out where New Zealand Golf Club ranks in Golf World's Top 100 Courses England

The clubhouse is suitably understated and members' names are written in chalk on the lockers - when someone passes on, a new name appears.

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course does not have: Driving Range
• Course does not have: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course does not have: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course does not have: Handicap

• 5 out of 5 Outstanding. 30 July 2014

  By Pembers

  Need I say any more than simply the best course in Surrey, and certainly better than its much more famous neighbours. It is not long in lengh but dont be lulled into a false sense of security. You must hit the ball on the correct side of the fairways off the tee and the right spots on the green. It is a pleasure to play in such a wonderfully old fashioned exclusive private members club.

• 4.5 out of 5 Heaven on earth 10 October 2012

  By georgethelabrador

  I am not a millionaire so playing millionaire'sgolf is about as close as I am going to get. And millionaire's golf is what New Zealand has in spades. Once you enter the club grounds you enter a different world. Time seems to have stood still. There is an understated, traditional charm about the clubhouse and the course that always leaves me relishing coming back the next time. The course is long established, being of late 19th century origins. Walking is easy as the terrain is pretty flat and the course itself is of modest length. (Several holes can play a similar length from the yellow tees.) It is usually in immaculate condition. The greens are not large and may appear generally flat. However, there are some subtle breaks and few straight putts. The par 3 16th is regarded as the signature hole, requiring a long iron across the heather. The prolifieration of heather and rhododendrons provides a colourful landscape when in bloom and gives each hole a definition. You don't tend to see much of the course beyond the hole that you are playing at any one time. You should play New Zealand because: of the warm welcome that you get from the secretary (no request is beyond him it seems), the professional  and the clubhouse staff; of the excellent lunch - proper golf club fare with roasts and treacle tart; of the feeling that you will enjoy of having the place to yourself; of the history that surrounds you in the clubhouse; of the fact that any club that has a notice which states "no dogs in the dining room" must have its priorities sorted out ! The only criticism that I offer is that the showers are looking a bit tired and in need of refurbishment. Expect to pay about £110 to £120 for the day; actually a bargain for the millionaire experience.