Purley Downs Golf Club Brochure 2023 / 2024

Photographs by Andy Hiseman, Magic Hour Media, and members at Purley Downs Golf Club

Purley Downs Golf club was established in 1894, and the course was designed by J.h. Taylor, one of the famous triumvirate of Taylor, Vardon and Braid. Over the years the course has been visited by many famous names, including major winners, Henry Cotton, Gary Player, Tony Jacklin and Vijay Singh, and in 1933 Percy alliss won The News of the World Professional Matchplay, played at Purley Downs.

In 2019 the prestigious Surrey Amateur championships were held at the club, bringing accolades of great feedback for the club, especially regarding the condition of the course and exceptional greens.

The course, which begins with what Golf World magazine described as “perhaps the best opening par-three in golf”, is set on free draining chalk-based downland, which means it is rarely closed. This provides Purley Downs members with great value from their membership. investment on the course means the greens are fast and true, but the many subtle undulations and slopes provide a challenge to golfers of every level. as you traverse the course you will enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside, you will find some of the finest views over London. With a fascinating array of flora and fauna including many pheasants and the

occasional deer Purley Downs is an important ecological haven.

Purley Downs continues to encourage a speed of play that allows two ball matches to complete within three hours and three/ four ball matches to complete with four hours. for those who prefer a more leisurely round of golf, off peak tee times are recommended.

Golf was first played here in the 1890s, when some enthusiasts persuaded a tenant farmer to let them knock a ball among his sheep

The fine downland turf and sweeping natural contours made an ideal location and Purley Downs Golf club was formed when 9 holes were laid out in 1894, with a wooden clubhouse built in a hollow to the right of the current 8th hole. in 1903-4 an 18-hole course, was designed by J h Taylor, one of the famous triumvirate of Taylor, Vardon and Braid and a substantial clubhouse was built on the current site. There are vestiges of many of the old tees and greens still visible to the interested

observer. The lay-out of the course was further changed in the 1920s when new land was acquired to build the current 3rd to 7th holes, which in turn released land on the other side of the east Grinstead railway line, which had historically contained three holes. More recently, new bunkers have been constructed, strategically placed for the modern game and equipment, so that now, instead of merely punishing the high handicapper, they challenge the good players and make them think hard about the choice of club and line the large fairway bunker on the left of the 16th and alterations to bunker positioning on the 9th being good examples. We have also

implemented a woodlands management programme, to open up overgrown areas and encourage growth of many native tree species. We are always looking to improve the standard and quality of the course in order to meet current challenges.

T HE COURSE H a S SPECTa CUL a R v IEWS

Ov ER L ONDON , BUT STILL RETa INS TH aT FEELING OF BEING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

The course has consistently put up a strenuous defence of its par 70. The professional course record is 64, set in 2016 by Ben Wheeler during a Surrey pro-am tournament and the amateur record was broken in the Surrey amateur championships in May 2019 with a round of 62 by Angus Flanagan from St Georges hill Gc.

Over the years the club has hosted many prestigious events including The “News of the World” professional Match Play championship, in 1933, won by Percy Alliss and several exhibition matches were also played here both during and after the second world war, in aid of the red cross, the NSPCC and other charities.

Open champions and ryder cup players, such as Henry Cotton, Alf Padgham, harry Weetman and Tony Jacklin have enjoyed visits to Purley Downs. During our centenary year richard Boxall, now a Sky Golf commentator, was the winning professional at our Pro-am Tournament, and in the same year we also hosted an exciting match played against the “Old Tyme Golfing Society” whose members played impressively with hickory shafted clubs.

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While you’re here, you’ll have the opportunity to view our spacious apartments, well-appointed gardens, and many social and wellbeing spaces, from resident lounge and café to the activities lounge and hairdressers. You’ll also be able to speak to our compassionate care team, who provide our residents with the highest standards of practical, medical and emotional care.

“I have only ever known the staff throughout Signature to be friendly and helpful at all times, and if there is ever anything that needs addressing, it is discussed with me and dealt with immediately. The whole team at Signature are always so friendly. You are always greeted with a smile and most often, a chat.” DAUGHTER OF RESIDENT, CAREHOME.CO.UK

From the highest vantage points you can see Wembley arch, canary Wharf, hampstead heath, and the city of london landmarks. The 100-yearold clubhouse looks the other way (south). from the picture windows or the terrace, the eye is led to the 1st green (a par three), the club’s signature hole and up to a symphony of wooded slopes.

The fine links-type turf with chalk subsoil allows play 52 weeks of the year and the course layout, with its diverse downland terrain, provides an interesting challenge for both high-and low-handicap golfers.

1st Par 3

The club’s signature hole, Downhill par three with a well-protected green. Pro’s Tip: check the wind by looking at the club’s flagpole.

2nd Par 4

Uphill, sloping right to left fairway makes this hole play longer than its yardage. Pro’s Tip: Play short of the cross bunkers with the tee shot and take an extra club with your approach to the green.

3rd Par 4

A long slight dogleg left. There is trouble on either side of the green.

Pro’s Tip: The line off the tee is slightly inside the left fairway bunker.

4th Par 3

a green well-protected by 3 deep bunkers.

Pro’s Tip: Play for the middle of the green.

5th Par 5

Out of bounds to the right of the fairway, second shot is blind with 2 well-positioned fairway bunkers.

Pro’s Tip: Play short of the 2 fairway bunkers with your second shot to leave a flat lie and an easier 3rd shot into the green.

6th Par 4

long uphill par four easily the hardest on the course.

Pro’s Tip: to have any chance of reaching the green in 2 the drive must favour the right-hand side. Play short of the 2 fairway bunkers with your second shot to

Hole 1

leave a flat lie and an easier 3rd shot into the green.

7th Par 4

The hole is a dogleg right with out of bounds down the right-hand side. Pro’s Tip: Tee shot must favour the lefthand side, the approach shot is better to be short than left or right as this leaves a much easier chip.

8th Par 3

Our new 8th hole, a challenging par 3 with a false front so anything short you will find rolling back towards you.

Pro tip: Make sure you have the correct club to make at least the middle of the green.

9th Par 4

an elevated tee, play to a fairway which slopes right to left with 3 well-positioned fairway bunkers.

Pro’s Tip: Stay out of the fairway bunkers.

10th Par 4 from an elevated tee, play to a fairway, which to begin with slopes downhill right to left. A deceptive uphill second shot waits. Pro’s Tip: club up for your approach shot and try to leave the ball below the hole.

P L aY SHORT OF THE 2 Fa IRWaY BUN k ERS WITH YOUR SECOND SHOT TO LE av E a FL aT LIE a ND a N

E a SIER 3 RD SHOT INTO THE GREEN .

Hole 6

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11th Par 4

a challenging tee shot awaits with strategically placed bunkers and a diagonal line of trees putting a premium on a straight tee shot.

Pro’s Tip: Keep your drive left of centre to give a clear view of the green, take care with the approach shot as all the trouble lies at the back of the green.

12th Par 5

Short par five, fairway slopes sharply from left to right with out of bounds all the way down the right side of the hole.

Pro’s Tip: To hit the fairway, your tee shot must start at the marker post. Good birdie chance.

13th Par 4

an accurate tee shot is vital at this hole with dangers lurking on either side of the tight fairway. The green is slightly elevated and therefore you cannot see the bottom of the flag with your approach shot.

Pro’s Tip: Driver is not always needed from the tee, think what yardage you would like for your second shot and club accordingly.

14th Par 4

The hole is a dogleg right which slopes downhill to the green. hardest hole on the back nine.

Pro’s Tip: Drive must end up left of centre to ensure a good view of the green.

15th Par 3

Shortest hole on the course. Bunkers surround the extremely narrow long green on all sides.

Pro’s Tip: Don’t go flag hunting; middle of the green is always a good shot.

16th Par 4

Distance is not the problem with this hole. The fairway slopes acutely from left to right and the challenge is keeping your drive on the fairway.

Pro’s Tip: Never concede a short putt on this deceptively tricky green.

Hole

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17th Par 4

a challenging driving hole, out of bounds to the right and a well-positioned fairway bunker to the left.

Pro’s Tip: Hit a long iron or hybrid off the tee.

18th Par 4

The 19th awaits you. However, you firstly have to complete this challenging finishing hole. You drive downhill into a “valley” and then play uphill to an elevated green.

Pro’s Tip: Keep the approach shot right of centre, anything left will get collected by the greenside bunker.

a N a CCUR aTE TEE SHOT IS v ITa L aT THIS HOLE WITH D a NGERS LUR k ING ON EITHER SIDE OF THE TIGHT

Fa IRWaY. T HE GREEN IS SLIGHTLY ELE vaTED a ND THEREFORE YOU C a NNOT SEE THE BOTTOM OF THE FL a G WITH YOUR a PPROa CH SHOT.

Hole

We are well known for the welcome we give to both societies and visitors, who are seen as friends of the club.

Providing societies and visitors with a memorable experience will we believe encourage them to be advocates of the club in future. Societies are very much welcome throughout the year. The club professional is available to assist and organise play. The clubhouse and Dining pages provide further details for visiting societies.

We are proud of our well-earned, reputation of being a warm, friendly and welcoming club. Our members enjoy their golf, coupled with a thriving social scene. Purley Downs Golf club truly is a members’ club, it is owned by the members, and run for the members. On the course weekends are the exclusive domain of members and their guests.

The club owns not only the clubhouse, but also all of the land on which the course is built. This allows us to limit the membership numbers and means our course is rarely busy other than for competitions, and our Sunday morning

social golf. Outside of these times there is no booking of tee times, you simply turn up and play.

The course has spectacular views over London, but still retains that feeling of being in the countryside. Our terrace, lounge bars, and dining room, with a picture postcard view over the course, are perfect for a post-round drink and food, or to entertain family and friends. Competitions and the many roll-ups allow new members to quickly find friends and playing companions. Our teaching professionals offer coaching to beginner and experienced golfers alike. There

are thriving sections for Ladies, Seniors, Juniors, Beginners academy and Men and plenty of opportunities for mixed golf. There are matches against other clubs, knock-out events, and a regular programme of singles, foursomes and fourball competitions in all categories. We have reciprocal arrangements allowing weekday play locally at Woodcote Park, Banstead Downs, addington Palace, Shirley and West Kent then further afield at Pyecombe, east Brighton, lewes, and West hove golf clubs.

Outside of the golf the club has an active social calendar, with a variety of functions

organised throughout the year. from our spectacular Summer Ball, christmas and New Year festivities to quiz nights, to mention but a few. There really is something to suit every taste. We have two full sized snooker tables and a thriving snooker section as well as a bridge section, playing both social games and organised matches. for non-golfers wishing to enjoy the social aspects of the club, social membership packages are available. in addition to the golfing and social benefits described, members receive a bar card, allowing discounts on drinks purchases.

Our playing membership categories are:

Full

Our main playing category with full playing rights seven days a week.

6 Day available for those with busy weekend mornings. A reduced subscription with full weekday playing rights and also weekend playing rights from midday.

5 Day ideal for golfers who only want to play during the week and are not looking for weekend golf.

Please check website for all other categories of membership.

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PHIPPS ROOFING HAS BEEN PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL ROOFING SERVICES TO DOMESTIC HOME OWNERS, BUILDING CONTRACTORS AND DEVELOPERS ACROSS SURREY, LONDON AND THE SOUTH EAST SINCE 1990.

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GOLF CLUB

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The professional team look forward to providing both members and their guests with the highest quality of service and welcome.

PGA Head Professional Scott Graham and his team are based in the pro shop and provide an extensive range of golf services and ensure the smooth running of the golf shop and course.

The team are qualified as custom fitting and retailers of callaway, TaylorMade, Ping, Titleist, and Odyssey Putters. The shop has on-site fitting carts and gives independent advice on all golfing matters.

as a member of the foremost buying groups the shop deals with all the top brands of golf equipment and merchandise. The Group’s buying strength allows Scott to be very competitive on price and members are welcome to set up a pro shop account.

FULLY MOBILE

We are dedicated to providing quality service, customer satisfaction at a great value in multiple locations offering convenient hours.

FULL INTERIOR

Our crew members are all trained and skilled and fully equiped with equipment and supplies needed that we can deliver the best results.

Members of both professional valeters and detailers together with the Ida association’s and do our best to adhere to a code of ethics set out by these associations.

FULLY INSURED

Our products are eco-friendly.

FULL EXTERIOR VALET

We offer multiple services at a great value to meet your needs. We offer a premium service while saving your time and money.

The shop is open daily from 7:30 am and in the summer months closes at 6:00 pm.

Visit our website at www.scottgrahamproshop.co.uk

Richard Webber and his team (above).

PGA Head Professional: Scott Graham

Gavin Robinson

G r e e n

Whether you are a complete novice or an advanced player, we aim to tailor our instruction to meet your needs and more importantly enjoy the game. lessons and custom fittings can be booked seven days a week

Lesson Prices

- ½ individual lesson £30

- 5 individual ½ hour lesson for the price of 4 £120

- 9 Hole playing lesson £60

- 5 hole playing lesson £35

- Junior lessons £15

in January 2019 the teaching/simulator room was opened featuring the latest ball and club tracking software as now featured on Sky TV. also, with the latest technology in putting simulators and Boditrak (tracks pressure movements throughout your swing).

We believe this is the most up to date teaching centre in the area. Please contact the pro team for bookings/information.

Practice facilities:

• Putting and chipping green

• Practice bunker

• 150yrd practice area

• Two indoor warm up nets

• indoor teaching studio/simulator.

SCOREC a RD

The clubhouse is situated in the leafy suburb of Sanderstead, Surrey and is on the left-hand-side of Purley Downs road heading down the hill from Sanderstead Village.

as soon as you enter the front door you experience the feeling of tradition and history. The club has two well-stocked bars, selling a range of cask beers, keg beers, lagers, and stout. a full range of whiskies and gins and other spirits is available and browse through our extensive wine menu to find a wine that will suit your palate and your wallet.

The club has three large screen TV’s, which are linked to Sky Sports and a projector

screen which is used for viewing the major sporting occasions and creating that special atmosphere Purley Downs is known for.

The 19th

The 19th is recognised as a golfers’ bar and enjoys a wonderful atmosphere. You may, however, have your leg pulled from time to time and the craic is second to none.

Dining

The most attractive feature of the dining experience is the ambience and position of the restaurant, lounge, terrace, and ballroom areas, all of which enjoy an elevated position overlooking the first

hole, a par three that falls away from the clubhouse. The 10th and 18th fairways, falling and rising across an old river valley, are in view. The overall effect is one of peace, tranquillity, and well-being away from the pressures of modern life.

Our bar staff and dining staff are well known for their friendly and efficient service and provide that extra ingredient that ensures the success of any occasion or celebration. Seating a maximum capacity of 64 guests, the restaurant can be set up for any combination of requirements. From candlelit restaurant nights to formal club dinners, all can be accommodated.

Catering Service & Functions

Special events e.g., Birthday parties, Celebration of Life, Business or Association Dinners, and any kind of special celebration are easily catered for with a bespoke design and planning capability provided by our in -house catering team. The restaurant, lounge, terrace, ballroom and bar area being directly linked offer flexibility in the use of space to cater for a wide variety of customer needs in both style and size.

Attention to detail is a key element of our customer service proposition. Local suppliers are used for all our ingredients

and produce so that members, guests, and visitors can be provided with the best quality and freshest food available.

The Terrace

a superb feature of the club is its terrace and veranda, which have magnificent views over parts of the course, particularly the 1st a par three and the club’s signature hole. You can relax in the warm weather and enjoy the tranquillity and vista with a drink, lunch or both.

The Ballroom adjacent to the lounge is the ballroom which enjoys marvellous panoramic views

of the golf course. This room is used for a variety of purposes including the Summer Ball, Valentine’s Night and formal dinners such as the President’s Side versus the rest. it is also used for whist and bridge drives.

Snooker & Bridge

Two full-size snooker tables are located on the first floor and regular Bridge Drives are played out in the spacious Ballroom.

Societies have full use of the restaurant, lounge, terrace, and ballroom areas to match their particular needs. The club is well used to catering for over 100 people.

Why not experience a lovely day out at Purley Downs with its outstanding views over london and play a course which enjoys a unique downland setting? With over 100 years of welcoming and looking after visitors’ needs, we are confident you will be satisfied and want to return again.

Visitors are always welcome, particularly on weekday afternoons. The pro shop can advise on starting times; please call 020 8651 0819.

Why not experience a lovely day out at Purley Downs with its outstanding views over london and play a course which enjoys a unique downland setting? With over 100 years of welcoming and looking after visitors’ needs, we are confident you will be satisfied and want to return again.

Visitors with a current golfing handicap are always welcome, particularly on weekday afternoons. The pro shop can advise on starting times; please call 020 8651 0819.

Per round £65.00 (Monday – Friday)

After 1.30pm £35.00 (Monday – Friday)

full Day £75.00

county card £40.00 per round

Pull Trolleys £5.00 per round

electric Trolleys £10.00 per round

Golf Buggies £30.00 per round (£45.00 all day)

Visitor Green Fee

106 Purley Downs Road, Sanderstead, South Croydon, Surrey, CR2 0RB

From South

M25 Junction 6 take the A22 towards Croydon. After approximately 5.8 miles having passed through Whyteleafe & Kenley turn right at a pedestrian crossing (row of shops on the left), up the steep St. James road. Turn right at the top and follow road a2022 for 1.3 miles to roundabout at top of hill. Turn left onto B269 (signposted Croydon Town Centre) then after 300m turn left into Purley Downs Road.

The entrance to the club is about 1/2 mile on the left.

Note: if you miss St. James road, take the next sharp right at traffic lights on A2022

towards Selsdon/Sanderstead and follow the directions above when you reach the roundabout at the top of the hill. Approximately 8 miles from M25 but leave extra time during rush hour and school term time.

Alternative from South M25 Junction 6, take A22 towards Croydon. After 2.9 miles of dual carriageway at Wapses l odge roundabout take the 4th unsignposted exit left up Succombs Hill. At T-junction turn right into Westhall road. at the shops round the Green in Warlingham turn left on B269 towards Croydon and follow for 2 miles until you reach a large roundabout. Go straight over on B269 (signposted c roydon Town c entre) and after 300 metres turn left into Purley Downs road.

entrance to the club is about 1/2 mile on the left.

Approximately 6 and a half miles from M25 but leave extra time during rush hour and school term times.

From North

from Purley and croydon take the a 23 and then a 235 Brighton road. from Purley at e sso Garage & royal Oak roundabout turn right, signposted Sanderstead, then left into Purley Downs Road (still sign posted Sanderstead). from croydon, at royal Oak roundabout, take left, signed posted Sanderstead into Purley Downs road.

The course is on the right, about 1/2 mile up the road.

Membership Services

Tracey lancaster 0208 657 8347 - Option 1 info@purleydowns.co.uk

Member Accounts

Sue hall 0208 6578347 - Option 1 admin@purleydowns.co.uk

Gavin Robinson club Manager 0208 657 8347 - Option 1 manager@purleydowns.co.uk

Society bookings Green fees enquiries. Tee Times, academy membership and lessons head Professional 020 8657 8347 - Option 2 pro@purleydowns.co.uk

Functions, Bar & Catering food & Beverage Manager 020 8657 8347 - Option 3 housemanager@purleydowns.co.uk

The Course richard Webber course Manager

greenkeeper@purleydowns.co.uk

Purley Downs Golf Club Ltd

106 Purley Downs Road South croydon Surrey cr2 0rB

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Registered in England & Wales 07340228. Registered Office:

Provident House, 13 Russell Hill Road, Purley, Surrey, CR8 2LE

Provident House, 13 Russell Hill Road, Purley, Surrey, CR8 2LE