Sunningdale Mixed Pairs

There are many golf clubs that are lucky enough to have two courses. Few though would argue that Sunningdale’s pair, the Old & the New both inside the top 5 courses in England are as fine a set of thirty six holes as you’ll find anywhere. It was the first time Fairways had ever held a 2 round UK event in one day and it produced some wonderful golf.

New Course (morning)

Had it not been for the presence of the Old next door, the New Course would probably be rated the best of the Surrey and Berkshire heathland courses, if not in the whole UK. It is considered to be the more rugged, with less bunkering and tree lining than its older sibling. Narrow winding fairways bordered by penal heather, act as corridors to the small and often raised greens. It demands long carries from its elevated tees over heathery terrain to its fairways.

We were greeted with a perfect late summer’s morning as the group embarked on a very much anticipated day. There is a unique atmosphere at Sunningdale that cannot be found anywhere else. Both courses were set-up in perfect condition with the heather in full bloom to gobble up any errant shots!

The day had attracted many low-handicap combinations and this was true for the first fourball out. Paul & Sam Edwards (Glamorganshire) and Marin Brennan & Hannah Eves (Littlestone/Sittingbourne & Milton) with each team receiving only around 19 shots. But they must of bounced off each other’s fine play, as when they returned 2 brilliant rounds of golf had been produced. Martin & Hannah signed for a great 38pts but Paul & Sam went even better shooting 22pts on the back nine to card a brilliant total of 42pts.

But the morning round belonged to the lowest handicap duo of the day Chris & Paula Offer (John O’ Gaunt) With each playing off 9 they combined wonderfully to amass 23pts on the homebound 9 to card a brilliant 43pts and take a 1 shot lead into the afternoon round.

Old Course (afternoon)

After the group enjoyed the sumptuous famous “Sunningdale” lunch it was time to take on the highest ranked inland course in England, the “Old” course at Sunningdale.

Designed by twice winner of The Open Championship, Willie Park Junior the course opened in 1901. Park Jnr was an excellent putter and this is reflected in his design, with many large undulating greens utilising the natural topography. Diagonal and visual hazards, were favoured by Park Jnr and examples of these can be seen across the course, with cross bunkers, ditches and heather banks framing many holes. The Old Course has stood the test of time, and even now with the advance of modern technology, the course can be challenging to even the longest of hitters.

Chris & Paula continued their great play of the morning with a fine 37pts, setting the pace with a total of 80pts for both rounds. Matt & Angie Harrison (Walmley) also signed for the same afternoon score which included a great back 9 of 20pts. The John O’Gaunt club were featuring heavily on the leaderboard, especially when Gary & Karen Beattie returned and signed off their campaign with a brilliant 39pts around this famous layout.

But the Welsh flag would fly high over the clubhouse as the day came to an end. Glamorganshire duo Paul & Sam after their morning round of 42pts went 1 better and played a stunning round of golf which included 23pts on the front 9. They completed a dominant performance signing for the best pm round with 43pts giving them a total of 85pts and claiming the title by a massive 5 shots.

Thank you to Sunningdale Golf Club for taking such great care of us. It was an iconic day for both Fairways and the couples to visit such a special place.