North Downs Golf Club

RTH DOWN O S CLUB N GOLF WOLDINGHAM

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North Downs Golf Club

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WELCOME HISTORY OUR COURSE TAKE OUR COURSE TOUR HOW TO JOIN BEGINNER’S GOLF ACADEMY TRY BEFORE YOU BUY SURREY HILLS GOLF ALLIANCE PROFESSIONAL AND PRO SHOP TUITION

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PLAYING SECTIONS VISITORS AND SOCIETIES CLUBHOUSE AND DINING ROOM FUNCTIONS PRACTICE FACILITIES HOW TO FIND US CONTACT US

Photography by Louise May Photography (www.louisemayphotography.com) and NDGC

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WELCOME North Downs Golf Club is located in the pretty village of Woldingham, near Caterham, in Surrey, and is probably the highest course in the south of England.

At 5,815 yards ours might not be the longest course you’ll play but don’t underestimate the challenge of getting around without a blemish on your card. The result is a fair contest where accuracy, particularly on the par 4s, is a pre-requisite to good scoring.

Despite being 850 feet up in the folds of the North Downs the terrain is pretty gentle.

The only real climb is on the 17th which is fortunate as it builds up a thirst for that first drink in the welcoming clubhouse.

Our club has a reputation for friendliness, indeed many of our new members have said that what convinced them to join our club was the fact that when they walked into the bar people spoke to them!

We are a traditional members’ club, but visitors are always made to feel most welcome. Our course is always in good condition and offers some of the finest greens in the county.

As part of the Surrey Hills Golf Clubs Alliance, our members can play four nearby courses - Chipstead, Epsom, Redhill & Reigate and Reigate Heath - for a reduced green fee weekdays and weekends.

Come and discover our course and our hospitality. We look forward to seeing you.

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HISTORY North Downs Golf Club was founded on its current site in 1899 as a five hole course.

Mr Gilford, the gentleman from Redhill who owned the land, was approached by Dr T. Boswall Watson and asked whether he would consider allowing it to be used for golf.

Mr Gilford was very agreeable to the idea, stating that ‘golf was very beneficial to the health, and would draw dwellers out from the low unhealthy suburbs of London’.

Eventually, after much negotiation, a syndicate purchased 17 acres for £1,200 and set about building the course. Sheep were used to keep the grass to manageable lengths, with mowers at that time still very much in their infancy.

Initially, it was decided to limit the membership to 105 – 80 gentlemen and 25 ladies – which was quite a progressive move since the first women did not get the vote until 1918.

A pavilion designed by Mr Raffles Davison was built at the turn of the century at a cost of £250. A Mr Pittock was appointed as the first greenkeeper, while his wife served afternoon teas. They resided at the club after the pavilion was enlarged into a clubhouse and were presumably pleased not to have to walk the four miles to and from their home in Limpsfield, as had been the case previously. (continued)

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History

continued

Our club was originally known as Woldingham Golf Club but changed its name to North Downs early in the 20th century. When exactly, and why, remains a mystery.

In the early 1900s an additional six acres of land were acquired which were used to extend the course to nine holes and to build the clubhouse on the site where it resides today.

Local residents were asked for help in saving the club when it ran into financial difficulties after the Second World War. Rather than simply stave off extinction, the objective was to turn it into a going concern by increasing

the number of members and it was evident this could only be achieved by expanding the course to 18 holes.

Ultimately, an extra 31½ acres were purchased on the west side of Northdown Road and J.J. ‘Frank’ Pennink, one of the most highly acclaimed architects of his day, was asked to come in and completely redesign the layout.

There was a grand opening match on May 29, 1971, to celebrate the new North Downs golf course with Ryder Cup stalwarts Neil Coles and Brian Huggett playing with the Professional and Captain.

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OUR COURSE North Downs golf course is a parkland course standing at between 800 and 850 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest in southern England.

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Its lofty position means that even if your scorecard is not shaping up quite the way you had hoped, the picturesque scenery in this part of the world should provide adequate compensation.

Our course commands spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, with Box Hill above, Dorking to the west and the city of London skyline to the north. In these days of technological advances, huge drivers and professional players capable of averaging more than 300 yards off the tee, it is easy to overlook a course that measures a modest 5,815 yards off the back tees.

But to consider North Downs as an easy course would be a mistake: it is a true test for golfers of all abilities, with only one par 5 for the men and a Standard Scratch Score of 69.

Our professional course record, initially set by former European Tour player Ant Tarchetti and since equalled by Glen Haynes, an Australian and Andrew Butterfield, another former European Tour player, is a modest five-underpar 64, so nobody can truly say they have brought North Downs to its knees.

True, there are several driveable par-4s, but the premium here is on accuracy, not distance,

with trouble lying in wait for those who fail to find the fairways or greens.

With trees lining either side of many holes, don’t expect to be able to find the green with your second shot if you stray from the straight and narrow. This is no course for launching a drive as far as you can, trotting off after it and expecting to be able to muscle a wedge out of the rough onto the putting surface.

Careful shot selection, accuracy and a sharp short game are the qualities that will enable you to score well at North Downs. With the notable exception of the last green (which

seems bigger than some South Sea Islands when you are faced with a daunting putt all the way across it), the greens are small targets from the fairway. They are also tricky to read and must be treated with respect.

In spite of our course’s elevated position, most of the holes lie across the slopes or face only gentle rises. There are a couple of exceptions, notably the 9th our scenic ‘signature hole’ a downhill par 3, and our 17th which is known as ‘Cardiac Hill’. The long par 4 finishing hole requires accuracy when approaching the green, which lies only a couple of paces from our clubhouse lounge!

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Hole 1

Hole 2

TAKE OUR COURSE TOUR Prepare for your visit to North Downs by familiarising yourself with each hole over the coming pages and make the most of your round with our hole-byhole guide. Our club professional Mike Homewood provides some tips to shave shots off your score.

Hole 1 (Full Of Hope) 267 yards par 4

Hole 2 (Boult’s View) 313 yards par 4

Long hitters can take the risk of going for the green on this short opening par 4. It may be Stroke Index 18 but not for those who slice the ball with trouble all the way down the right. Anywhere left should leave you a short iron to the green. Try and stay below the hole if possible, the green slopes from back to front and it is possible to putt off the front of the green, especially in the summer.

This hole was named after Sir Adrian Boult, formerly a local resident who once owned the land on the western side of Northdown Road and enjoyed the view across this hole from the seat on the junction with The Ridge. It is a blind tee shot, and you must use the steps to check that the fairway is clear before hitting.

Your tee shot should be just left of the marker post, as the fairway slopes from left to right. (continued)

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Hole 3

Hole 5

Hole 4

take the course tour

14 | North Downs Golf Club

continued

Hole 3 (The Deceiver) 144 yards par 3

Hole 4 (Rolling Downs) 393 yards par 4

A short par 3, but take one more club than you think to avoid the front bunker because, as its name suggests, the green is actually further back than it appears from the tee.

The fairway slopes severely from right to left.

Your approach shot should be aimed well right of the green to use the slope and avoid the front bunker. Make sure you take plenty of club.

Hole 6

Hole 7

Hole 5 (Bluebell Wood) 487 yards par 5

Hole 6 (Sandy End) 460 yards par 4

A good tee shot should set you up to reach this green in two shots, though you need to be straight. Anything left could be out of bounds, while anything right and you will be chipping out of the trees.

You will need to hit a good tee shot to reach the green in two shots on this long par 4.

Beware of your approach shot falling off to the right of the green, as the fairway slopes from left to right near to the green. Five is a good score on this hole.

Hole 7 (Grave Encounter) 423 yards par 4 This is another hole that poses problems to those with a tendency to slice the ball. Avoid the road that runs down the right at all costs.

Aim well left to leave yourself a long second shot to a well-bunkered green. (continued)

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Hole 8

Hole 10

Hole 9

take the course tour

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continued

Hole 8 (Never Left) 262 yards par 4

Hole 9 (Hit And Hope) 174 yards par 3

A driveable par 4, but also a dangerous hole.

Anything left will run into the woods and could result in a lost ball. Take an iron off the tee for position or go for it if you are feeling brave. The green slopes from back to front, so try and stay below the hole with your approach, especially in the summer when it is possible to putt off the front of the green.

The prettiest hole on the golf course and our signature hole. There is trouble left, right, short and long, so choose your club carefully for the downhill tee shot.

Hole 11

Hole 13

Hole 12

Hole 10 (Road Hole) 418 yards par 4

Hole 11 (Cherry Blossom) 339 yards par 4

Hole 12 (The Flatterer) 289 yards par 4

This hole is Stroke Index 1 for good reason. It is uphill all the way and plays even longer than its considerable yardage. Aim your tee shot at the right half of the house, as the ball will go to the left, following the slope of the fairway and there is out of bounds all the way up the left. For your second shot, take two more clubs than you think and aim left of the green to use the slope.

A short par 4, but with a very narrow green.

Your tee shot should be aimed to the left to give you an easier approach shot to the green.

You can use the bank on the right-hand side of the green to help coax your ball towards the flag.

Long hitters might reach this green. Your approach shot must carry the slope at the front of the green, otherwise the ball will be coming back to you, leaving you a tricky two-putt.

Hole 13 (Ben’s Revenge) 170 yards par 3 Do not miss the green on this par 3, otherwise you’ll have a very tricky chip shot or bunker shot to a tiny target.

(continued)

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Hole 14

Hole 15

take the course tour

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continued

Hole 14 (Pond Hole) 430 yards par 4

Hole 15 (The Firs) 290 yards par 4

Beware of the pond right in the middle of the fairway. Only the longest hitters should try to carry it, the safe play is to use a long iron or a fairway wood to lay up. Your second shot is all downhill and does not play the full yardage.

If you finish short with your second shot, a chip and run is advised, as the fairway drops severely onto the green.

An iron is advised for accuracy to avoid the trees left and right. This will leave you with a short iron to the green. The green slopes from front to back.

Hole 16

Hole 17

Hole 18

Hole 16 (Side Winder) 194 yards par 3

Hole 17 (Cardiac Hill) 326 yards par 4

The longest par 3 on the course. You can opt to use the bank on the left if you cannot pitch your tee shot onto the green, which is shaped like a hog’s back and can make some putts treacherous. Described by one golfer who visited us as one of the most challenging par 3’s you will play on a non-championship course. Anything right will score bogey or worse.

This is a severe dog-leg left. A fairway wood to the top of the hill will leave you about 150 yards to the green. The Pro’s line is over the corner, aim to the right of the bungalow with a draw, with a carry of some 250 yards.

Hole 18 (Paddock Close) 436 yards par 4 Bunkers await left and right to catch your tee shot. Your second shot should be aimed slightly left to use the fairway slope, but mind the clubhouse roof and windows and beware the out of bounds on the patio. At 55 yards in length, the green may be one of the longest you have ever encountered, so take a two-putt and head to the 19th.

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HOW TO JOIN North Downs is a members’ golf club with a membership of about 500. New male and female members are always welcome and our club also has a very active junior section.

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A full programme of competitions and fixtures is organised throughout the year and members of all standards are encouraged to take part in as many or as few events as they wish.

We have a number of membership categories available which we hope will cater for most requirements and all our members are entitled to a 15 per cent discount off all drinks at the bar.

Our club welcomes all new members, whether joining by invitation from an existing member or those who are new to the area, or indeed golfers looking to join a true members’ club.

Pay us a visit for an introductory round so you can sample the atmosphere and play some truly spectacular golf.

Play as often as you like – socially or competitively – with our seven-day membership. Unlike some clubs there is no initial joining fee, only the annual subscription, offering excellent value for money.

If you are new to golf but have always wanted to see if you have a passion or a talent for the game, then join at a special rate as a beginner.

Enjoy our course and our hospitality at North Downs, get to know our friendly members and learn the fundamentals with lessons from our professional all included for one very reasonable initial subscription.

Perhaps time is at a premium and you cannot get to the course as often as you would like?

Then our Restricted Membership for men and ladies fits the bill perfectly. This allows social

membership of our club enabling you to enjoy the camaraderie and off-course activities at North Downs together with 12 rounds of golf a year.

Our juniors are well looked after, too. We offer them discounted rates as well as a tiered membership pricing structure for young adults up to the age of 29.

Our club is friendly and welcoming to all.

If you fancy sampling the atmosphere and seeing what we have to offer, call our Club Office on 01883 652057 or email secretary@northdownsgolfclub.co.uk

We are able to offer various payment plans including monthly standing order to enable the cost to be spread through the year.

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BEGINNER’S GOLF ACADEMY Golf is a sociable pastime, suitable for all ages and a great way of making new friends. Perhaps you have seen it on the television or always wanted to take up the game but never got round to it and wish to give it a try?

Then sign up for our special beginner’s package which is aimed at introducing newcomers to the sport we adore.

Open to anybody over 18 years of age, it costs just £350 for 12 months. Membership is so reasonably priced because we know you will be hooked after that!

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As well as giving you the basic grounding in a sporting passion that could last you a lifetime, membership provides the following benefits: • Group lessons • Unlimited use of practice facilities • Social membership and use of the bar and catering facilities • Meeting and playing with the members • The opportunity to make new friends Once proficient enough, there is the opportunity for academy members to apply for full membership.

Telephone our Club Office on 01883 652057 for more details.

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TRY BEFORE YOU BUY Here at North Downs Golf Club we are always striving to find appealing new ways to allow people to sample what we believe is a truly special place to play your golf.

One of the most popular schemes has been what we call ‘Try Before You Buy’. For a fraction of the full membership price, you can join North Downs Golf Club with full playing rights for a threemonth period to give you the opportunity to sample our course and hospitality.

Full membership includes: • The opportunity to play as often and whenever you like • A chance to get a CONGU handicap if you don’t already have one • A membership card entitling you a member’s discount off drinks from the bar • The opportunity to have lessons at a reduced rate from our resident professional, Mike Homewood • The chance to attend our club’s popular social events Sign up after your three-month period and the fee you paid is redeemable against the full membership rate.

For more details, contact our Club Office on 01883 652057.

North Downs Golf Club | 25

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‘On a warm summer day, I cannot think of a more pleasant place to play golf than at North Downs Golf Club.

Experience the golfing challenge, the panoramic views and that all important spirit of friendliness.’ Keith Robinson, Secretary

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SURREY HILLS GOLF CLUB ALLIANCE Does the thought of playing golf at a greatly discounted rate at other leading golf courses in the area sound appealing?

North Downs Golf Club is one of the founder members of the Surrey Hills Golf Clubs Alliance, a partnership with four other nearby clubs: Chipstead, Epsom, Redhill & Reigate and Reigate Heath.

The idea is to provide even better value to our members with this exclusive offer.

As a member of one of the golf clubs in the Surrey Hills Alliance, you can now enjoy a round of golf at any of the other four clubs as often as you like at a significantly reduced rate. Please contact our Secretary who will be able to advise you of current prices before making your booking.

To take advantage of this offer, simply contact our Secretary who will phone the club where you want to play to check your preferred tee time is available. You can then collect a signed Surrey Hills voucher from North Downs and present it to one of the staff in the Pro Shop of the club you are visiting.

Summer and winter league matches between the men’s sections of the Alliance clubs have already been organised and the clubs are also hoping to develop this relationship further by organising social events exclusively for the members of the five clubs in the Alliance.

For more details see www.surreyhillsgolf.co.uk North Downs Golf Club | 29

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OUR PROFESSIONAL AND THE PRO SHOP Our head professional at North Downs Golf Club is Mike Homewood, who has been with us for over 17 years.

Mike started out at what is now Coulsdon Manor as a junior before progressing all the way to becoming the club professional there.

He has taken part in many PGA competitions and reached the final regional qualifying round of the Open Championship in 2003, 2004 and 2007. He was also named PGA South Region Professional of the Year in 2007.

Mike has a fantastic rapport with our members at North Downs, which is underlined by the fact that he takes many of them on a week’s golfing holiday every year.

Recently, the group visited the increasingly popular resort of Belek in Turkey’s Antalya Province where they played four enjoyable rounds. Previous trips have included Myrtle Beach in the United States.

In our Pro Shop you will find a great selection of clubs and putters, clothes for men and women, a wide choice of golf shoes and bags and everything you could wish for to enhance your enjoyment of the game.

Mike specialises in Callaway and Titleist golfing equipment, while his extensive clothing range features all the popular manufacturers including Ping, Glenmuir, Greg Norman and Callaway.

His equipment is competitively priced, so check out our website or pop in to ensure you do not miss out on the best of his frequent offers.

North Downs Golf Club | 31

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OUR PROFESSIONAL AND THE PRO SHOP continued

If you haven’t done so already, one of the best ways to improve your golf game is to make sure your clubs fit your swing.

Mike is a custom-fit specialist and in the past has accompanied many of our members to the Callaway fitting centre to ensure that their new clubs are just right.

However, there is exciting news as we have just taken possession of the OptiFit Fitting System which means that you can now try out clubs on the premises.

OptiFit is known throughout the world and allows clubheads and shafts to be swapped in and out effortlessly. With 216 driver configurations to choose from and 240 unique iron configurations you will find the perfect club to match your individual golf swing.

Choose from stock and custom shafts available in varying lengths and flexes, as well as iron heads in a variety of lie angles.

Members can take clubs to our practice ground or on the course to try them out and find the combination that works for them.

North Downs Golf Club | 33

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TUITION Mike Homewood has helped literally thousands of people improve their game, imparting his knowledge via lessons either in our practice area or on the course.

Mike is very much a believer in traditional values in his teaching and focuses on the fundamentals. He subscribes to the philosophy that there is no one way to swing a golf club and will help you find a repeatable technique that works for you.

Mike is ably assisted by Robert Dalton, who has just qualified as a PGA professional and will be taking more of a front seat in our teaching programme from now on.

Lessons are available seven days a week for groups, beginners and ladies, indeed any golfer looking to improve their game and lower their scores.

The subject matter can be anything from building a swing from the ground up, to

the finer intricacies of driving, bunker play, chipping or putting.

Group lessons for juniors of all ages from six upwards run from around April, where the youngsters are taught the basics of the game, and take their first steps towards developing a swing that should last them a lifetime.

Generally the sessions run between 10am and 11am on a Saturday.

Our junior organiser endeavours to keep the youngsters as busy and involved as possible.

There are Club competitions with trophies to be won and junior ‘Honours Boards.’ Friendly matches are organised against other clubs during the school holidays.

North Downs Golf Club | 35

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PLAYING SECTIONS North Downs Golf Club is well known for our friendly membership and this is evident through the number of playing sections within our club. The club caters for both competitive and noncompetitive golf, through official club events (monthly competitions and ‘Honours Board’ trophies) and smaller yet no less competitive intra-club section events.

Our club has the traditional Men, Ladies and Junior sections but within those groups there exists a number of thriving and socially active smaller groups.

Men (including Veterans/Seniors) Our Veterans Section hold informal roll up competitions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Two groups totalling normally around 25 players, starting at 8am (to suit the early riser) and 9am play in three-ball or four-ball groups. Competition is fierce and the odd 50p or £1 has been known to change hands at the end of the round over a pleasant beer and sandwich in the bar afterwards.

The Vets Section also holds official ‘major’ competitions throughout the summer, as well as ‘Saint Day’ events which not only raise funds for charity and the club but also attract an entry often exceeding 50 players.

Tuesday mornings sees our Reprobates’ weekly roll up, attended by 30-40 members.

The Reprobates cater for those who are retired, have flexible working patterns, or can ‘work from home’ on a Tuesday!

Membership is not restricted to one section and many of the Reprobates also play in other intra-club groups. (continued)

North Downs Golf Club | 37

playing sections continued

Saturday is the busiest day in the weekly calendar with an early morning group playing at 8am (this group has between 12-15 players taking part). This group is followed close behind by our club’s largest group, The Grailers, named in honour of the search for the Holy Grail.

This group was formed many years ago and still boasts a number of founder members amongst its ranks. A normal Saturday entry would total 40 players and the Grailers competitions feature a large number of trophies donated by current and former members, as well as the Grand Prix, an

38 | North Downs Golf Club

Order of Merit competition which is contested over many months.

The early afternoon sees The Swindle boys (and the occasional lady) take to the course. Playing for the pot always ensures healthy competition amongst the 20 or so competitors. A poor result will see that player taking the award of the weekly ‘broom’.

Sunday morning is also a busy time at North Downs, with Winter League matches played between October and March. The ‘Caterham Boys’ and the ‘Arkwright Group’ (both about 10-12 in number) are also to be found on our

course, starting at 8.30 and finishing in time for the odd pint and listening to the traditional Captain’s Announcements at 1pm. What could be a finer way to enjoy a relaxing Sunday lunchtime drink?

Ladies Tuesday morning around 8.45am sees our Tuesday Ladies roll up, an informal gathering offering a great opportunity for putting into practice those lessons learned on the range, or just a pleasant game with friends.

Thursday morning is the traditional Ladies Competition time with most weeks seeing either an individual or team event. Ladies have both monthly and ‘Honours Board’ events to suit all standards of player.

Saturday mornings are when our working ladies can play their competitions, with two groups meeting at approx 8am and 11am.

Juniors North Downs has a thriving junior section of around 30 juniors, many of whom compete for a number of ‘Honours Board’ competitions held mainly in school half term or summer holidays. Sunday afternoon is a popular time for these competitions.

All our sections at North Downs offer a wonderful opportunity to make friends and enjoy golf in a friendly and welcoming environment. The sections provide both competitive and social golf to suit all levels of expertise.

North Downs Golf Club | 39

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VISITORS AND SOCIETIES North Downs Golf Club has become a very popular destination for golfing societies and corporate groups.

The warm welcome afforded to our visitors plus the attention to detail we give to make sure your day goes perfectly means that these groups come back year after year.

Whether you prefer to play 18, 27 or 36 holes and whatever your catering requirements, we can tailor your own package to suit your needs. Our staff will be on hand to ensure that your day runs smoothly and enjoyably.

In addition, our Professional Shop carries a range of golfing equipment and clothing, either to help you enjoy your game of golf on the day or to use as prizes to present to your winners. We can also supply longest drive and nearest the pin markers.

Whatever time of day you wish to play you will never go hungry. We can offer coffee and a bacon roll on arrival, a full English breakfast, a light or two-course lunch, or a two or threecourse dinner served up to 8pm.

Contact our Club Office on 01883 652057 or our Professional Mike Homewood on 01883 653004 to discuss your needs.

North Downs Golf Club | 41

CLUBHOUSE AND DINING ROOM Relax after your round and relive the highlights of what we trust will be a truly memorable golfing day in our well-appointed clubhouse.

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We have a comfortable lounge bar which you will find tastefully decorated and as welcoming and homely as your own front room.

We offer a range of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks to quench your thirst. There is also a spike bar where you can enjoy refreshment straight off the course, or if you simply can’t wait to buy everyone a round of drinks after that hole in one!

A range of tasty snacks is offered between 11am and 5pm or 6pm most weekdays and Saturdays, and until 2pm on Sundays. These include a wide variety of sandwiches and baps, soup, toasted sandwiches, cheese on toast and favourites like ham, egg and chips.

Our Sunday morning Full English breakfasts have become something of a tradition.

Frequently we offer special promotions for visitors, which can feature offers such as a

package of 18 holes, lunch and a voucher for a free drink from the bar all included for a price less than you might pay for just a round of golf at many clubs. These promotions are always changing, so check our website to keep up to date with our latest offers.

You can be assured of a warm welcome at North Downs, our members are a friendly bunch who are always happy to see others discovering and enjoying their course in this

picturesque and unspoilt part of Surrey.

In fact we have everything you would expect of a well-appointed golf club, including modern lockers in spacious locker rooms and shower facilities to freshen up.

As well as our bar area, we can seat 60 comfortably in our large dining room, which can cater for up to 80 or 90 for buffets and is available for hire at a reduced rate for members’ private parties.

We welcome larger groups by arrangement, nothing is too much trouble, with a full menu available if you book ahead.

Phone our Club Office on 01883 652057 to discuss your needs and we will do everything we can to accommodate you. You will not be disappointed.

North Downs Golf Club | 43

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FUNCTIONS Our dining area doubles up as a function room that is perfect for meetings, conferences and social events. Holding up to 80 people, it is an ideal venue.

Our patio area, which looks back down the 18th hole, makes for gorgeous wedding photographs, particularly in the summer and with St. Agatha’s church just across the road, makes us just the place for holding smaller wedding receptions.

All requirements can be catered for from a light snack to a full banquet. A cold finger buffet, two-fork buffet, even silver service, nothing is too much trouble. There is a fully licensed bar with friendly and helpful staff.

We have had bookings as a training room, conference room, for funeral wakes, birthday celebrations and family parties.

North Downs is also a cosy facility for business gatherings. Why not turn a product launch into a truly memorable occasion?

Treat your clients to day of golf at one of the finest courses in the area, discuss business over a pint or a meal afterwards, or use the clubhouse for a presentation to really get your point across.

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PRACTICE FACILITIES North Downs has a picturesque practice area at the bottom of the course where you will find diligent members honing their game.

It is around 200 yards in length, but is uphill and so plays even longer. The area is hidden away and thus offers the perfect arrangement: it is out of sight of the main course and therefore does not disturb players during their round, while those practising can focus on improving their game in tranquil surroundings.

There are two car parking bays near the practice area, so it can be accessed separately.

While we have no range balls as such, there are usually practice balls down there and many members bring their own.

Our practice putting facility is very unusual: members use the back end of the 18th green (it is 55 yards long) and move aside when a group is playing onto the final green.

If you do not have the time to go down to our practice area before your round, there are two driving nets next to our Pro Shop by the first tee which are ideal for getting into the groove before you start your game.

For those wishing to improve their short game, we have a chipping area across the road from the clubhouse and there is also a practice bunker.

North Downs Golf Club | 47

HOW TO FIND US North Downs is situated near Caterham in east Surrey, on the southern edge of Woldingham village. The golf course is just 10 minutes drive from junction 6 of the M25.

For satellite navigation purposes, our postcode is CR3 7AA.

Directions to the club

Public transport

From the M25 junction 6

The nearest railway station is Woldingham, which is one and a half miles from the club.

Approximately two trains an hour run directly to Woldingham from London Victoria, more at peak times. Journey time is around 35 minutes.

Take the A22 dual carriageway towards Croydon. In about two miles, at Wapses Lodge roundabout, take the fifth exit, signposted Woldingham. North Downs Golf Club also appears on a brown tourist sign at this exit. Go under the railway bridge and within 500 yards there is a three-way junction. Follow the road to the right and pass the garden centre on your left. Within 500 yards the road turns and climbs sharply to the left with Woldingham station on your right. Continue up the hill passing a church and some shops on the left and a village green on your right. You will find us about half a mile further along, on the left, just past the last house.

North Downs Golf Club | 49

CONTACT US We are always delighted to hear from you should you wish further information or provide us with feedback. Please feel free to get in touch.

North Downs Golf Club, Northdown Road, Woldingham, Caterham, Surrey CR3 7AA Telephone: 01883 652057 Pro Shop: 01883 653004

Club Hours Course:

50 | North Downs Golf Club

Tel: 01883 652057 Email: secretary@northdownsgolfclub.co.uk Professional

7.15am to 10.30pm 7.15am to one hour after sunset

Pro Shop Hours Summer: Winter:

Secretary

8am to dusk

Clubhouse: Summer Winter:

Useful contacts:

8am to 6pm 8am to 4pm

Tel: 01883 653004 Email: pro@northdownsgolfclub.co.uk House Manager Tel: 01883 653298

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North Downs Golf Club Northdown Road, Woldingham, Caterham, Surrey CR3 7AA www.northdownsgolfclub.co.uk