The Addington Golf Club

The Addington Golf Club, Croydon, South East, England, CR0 5AB

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27 reviews of The Addington Golf Club

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Played The Addington at the beginning of March. I have played this course numerous times over the years and at various times of the year. The lay out is a great challenge of golf the condition of the course this time was tatty in fairness we have had prolonged wet winters of resent years, I have seen it much better. The greens have been good but this is sporadic. When I played this time in short they were shockingly bad, being water logged moving under foot and putting a joke. With greens like this how can it be in the top 100 course in the UK at number 33? Things have changed at The Addington over the years and for the better but the general stay open for play at all costs despite damage to the greens and drainage issues make this on a green fee an expensive walk in the park.

Posted by Mr A.Wing on 09/03/2015
3
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Overall Rating 3
  • Overall Ratings
  • Green conditions 1
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 4
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 2
  • Green conditions 1
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 4
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 2

I managed to play this lovely course (mid August 2010) on a mid week £40 deal, and I have come away with slightly mixed feelings. On the whole, these feelings are extremely positive, the layout after about 3-5 holes is stunning and it's an strong test of golf. I could easily have played the course without a driver, so for those of you who like to get the big dog out on every tee, it's not for you. The course tests all the clubs in your bag, and your ability to put it in the right area off the tee. The 12th is a bizarre hole, almost to the point of being ridiculous. Some visually stunning par 3s are intermingled with winding, twisty par 4s. On the down side, the bunkers were full of stones, and not just tiny ones. Little care had been taken over them. The greens, I'm afraid, were some of the worst I've played on all year (and I don't play fancy courses a lot). I appreciate we've had little rain, but all these courses have sprinkler systems, so really a good greenskeeper has no excuse. They were sandy and very bobbly to the point where you hit and hoped. It appeared to have been dressed recently....in the middle of summer?!?! Strangely, this is the reason I stopped playing another course in the Altonwood group (Surrey National), as their greens seem to be perpetually dressed. I hope they don't have a group wide policy of producing woeful greens! Last gripe is the course planner. Almost useless. Very few yardages, so lots of guess work required, but given a few blind tee shots, a must. Despite the last paragraph, I will definitely be going back here, and fingers crossed they've got a decent greenskeeper!

Posted by Carl Jones on 20/08/2010
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

Had a great day at The Addington today, 14th Sept 2009. The third course we have visited from the Vivabox gift box (would not recommend purchase after being mis-sold the package) Have played Carden Park and The Oxfordshire to date and The Addington is probably the best so far. Its my first taste of Surrey Heathland courses having only played the local Midlands courses, Whittington Heath, Envill, Sutton Coldfield. An excellent test of golf where your game has to be managed. Each hole as far as my playing partner and I were concerned offered something different. As for the bounces although you can't know how the ball will react off some of the scorched areas of fairway if you picked your landing points correctly the course was not unfair. Will definitely be visiting the course again.

Posted by Bryan Steadman on 14/09/2009
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

This is a golfers golf course. A mid to high handicapper will be able to enjoy it and it presents enough risk and reward shots for the better players to feel challenged. Much has been written about the opening 5 holes and I would say that they are pretty accurate; they are pleasing enough but nothing unique. What these holes don't do is ease you in to the round, 3 & 4 are particually difficult. The rest of it is just heaven, as a collection I would say that the back 9 is the best run of holes that I have played on any golf course. The 15th is a bit of a slog but 16 is special and the 13th really does deserve its place as one of the great par 3's. You do get some strange kicks off the fairways and I imagine in the middle of summer this may become even more so. The greens were super quick and for the time of year very well presented, this is obviously a very well draining course. Clubhouse is nice and the welcome in the pro shop and from the rest of the members was very much appreciated. The fact that members on the course always let our 2-ball play through is a credit to them and the standards of the club. Any negatives? It is not cheap, £100 a round at a weekend. I didn't walk off the 18th though thinking I'd been ripped-off, I thought that if I was able to play more often I'd join up as a member.

Posted by Alistair Armstrong on 30/03/2009
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

I played here on 16.03.2009 - what a treat! We took advantage of the excellent winter offer of £50 for 36 holes and a full english breakfast. The course starts with an uphill par 3, which is no pushover, followed by the par 5 2nd with a sunken green. But it is from the 5th (tough par 4) onwards, that this track really shows its class. Heather, ravines and well placed bunkers all need to be negotiated, along with some dramatic elevation changes - best demonstrated by the (slightly unfair)par 5 12th and fine par 3 13th. Fairways and greens were in good condition for this time of year, as were the tees with only 1 temporary tee mat. Wonderful views to central London as well. If only my putter was working on the day, I may have played to my handicap (20). Good 19th with choice of beers, and large patio area by the putting green. Would I pay the standard green fee of £60 per round - probably not. But the winter offer?? grab it while you can.

Posted by Joe Harley on 25/03/2009
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5

I played The Addington for the first time yesterday, and to say I was looking forward to it was an understatment after everything I had read. Whilst I found the course to be in lovely condition I was a little disappointed to find that one some holes even well struck shots were penalised to a certain extent by the layout of the course. Despite the recent wet weather the course was very dry, and this combined with the very tight cut of the fairways led to some really awkward bounces, with the ball continually ending up either under trees or amongst them with nothing else to do other than chip out sideways. I would hate to play the course in the middle of the summer as the bounces were bad enough yesterday, let alone when the ground is baked hard. As I say, the general condition of the course was very good, the greens were nice and quick, and the tees were in superb condition but I just found everything a little "unfair". I usually don't mind tight courses, and I am used to the odd wicked bounce having been a member at Crowborough Beacon for a dozen or so years. But to hit your shot down the middle of the fairway and watch it roll off into the trees and then find your ball buried in a pile of dead leaves a foot deep isn't very rewarding. The deal we got was fantastic, £50.00 for 36 holes including a full English breakfast, and if the same deal was offered again I would go for it. But I certainly wouldn't want to pay the full green fee and end up feeling as disappointed as I did. But at least I can say that I've played it now...and I parred the 13th signature hole on both rounds, so for that at least I'm pleased.

Posted by Robert Smith on 25/03/2009
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 3
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 3
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

Played here last year on a golf society and was mighty impressed wtih the layout of the holes. Off the golf course the satff were extremely friendly and helpuful to what we needed. The course has some fantastic holes but it testing if you havent played it before. Par 3's are great and the course is good test for a better golfer. This is an oasis in Croydon if you want to play a decent course but easily accessible from the city, this is a great course.

Posted by Nick Barber on 14/03/2009
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 4
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 4

Played here March 09 Very overated. We had the course to ourselves on a sunny afternoon but i still didn't find it that enjoyable .I don't see it as a U.K. top 50 course but just, maybe ,in the top 100 . It is in a pleasant setting & is visually nice & although there were some fine holes ,there were too many holes that i didn't like or thought were indifferent. The stretch of holes from the 6th to the 14th was generally quite good but the first 5 holes were fairly forgettable (up & down )& the last 4 too much like hard work .A couple of things that could have swung things back in the courses favour were the par 3's & the finish .However ,three of the par 3's were 210 ,229 & 195 yards so,although visually nice ,too long in my book.The par 3 3rd was a ridiculous uphill 229 yards. And instead of a nice winddown finish it was a physical & mental chore. Towards the end instead of looking forward to the holes i was counting them down .15 is a monster uphill par 4,16 a par 5 ,17 a nice but too long par 3 & 18 a 432 yard hard work ,slightly uphill hole . Apparently ,they've been clearing out debris along the sides of the fairways .I wasn't keen on this effect as it means holes have lost some of their identity as you can see ( quite a few holes run up & down next to each other ) through to other adjoining holes & players two maybe three holes away .I prefer not knowing what's coming up next. Other quibbles were due to some of the longer holes narrowing down quite dramatically towards the green there was no risk/reward challenge .On holes 8 ,12 & 16 after good drives i ended up knocking short /mid irons down as the risk was too high. On the par 4 8th a good drive still requires a blind shot wood in to reach ,along a narrow hog's back fairway with trouble both sides. Condition was a bit lacking for a course of this repute( greens were bumpy & moderate pace ,i've seen far better this winter),some marker posts & a hole plan either by the tee or on the scorecard wouldn't have gone amiss & there were no towels on the ball washers. The club was very welcoming & everyone we encountered was very friendly . Standard green fee of £60 is much too high for this time of the year. When i finish a round i usually ask myself if i'd enjoyed it & would i play it again & my answers would be ,not particularly & not through choice. Kevin B.

Posted by Kevin B. on 03/03/2009
3
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Overall Rating 3
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 1
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 1

This course is the real deal. There are some stunning holes here that are simply world class. The 13th is unarguably one of the finest par 3s in the world. I thought I'd never come across a better inland long par 3 after playing the 16th on the Red Course at The Berkshire. I found it here. The 16th is an unbelievable par 5 (which I actually prefer to the 12th, although that should really revert to a Par 4 and Bogey 5), with its double switchback fairway and brilliant gambling potential. Although perhaps not quite world class, I also elect the 9th as one of the best par 4s I've played – a wonderful medium length strategic par 4 with a double carry. But the course as a whole is just golfing heroin. Once you've tried it... I actually think that the first 5 holes, which are often thought of as the weaker element of the course, are the toughest stretch. Understandably, though, they live somewhat in the shade of the anarchy that follows. The Addington is a legacy of a bygone age - and long may it remain so - with its blissfully under the radar existence, fast pace of play and delightfully unpretentious clubhouse, not to mention the ghost of PG Wodehouse probably still lurking in the bunker on the 6th. It's utterly bizarre that it's located about 3 miles east of Croydon but somehow that makes it all the more wonderful. New ownership has produced new investment and hopefully this will take the club forward whilst retaining its essential traditions. The signs so far are good. Much of the clearance work stripping out the vegetation from underneath some of the trees has helped restore the course back towards how it was originally designed - i.e. as a heathland course. The speed and slopes of the greens also make some of them absolutely lethal - and as more work is done, they're only going to get faster. It is no overstatement to say that this course is absolutely unique in the world of golf. If you get the chance to play here, I would strongly advise to clear your diary. 9.4/10 'Young P' (h/c 9)

Posted by 'Young P' on 01/03/2008
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 3
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 3
  • Clubhouse 3
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 3

(Several of us) Played this in early October '07 for the first time - with a member. Now on my list of 'must return to'. Wonderful heathland course with great layout - over ravines etc. Par 3s are excellent and you need to be on form immediately as the 1st is one. Signature 13th is an absolute cracker Several blind tee shots, but hole layout/distance board on the tee help. Greens very fast - apparently renowned for this - and some interesting borrows. Quirky 'old school' style on card of 'Bogey' rather than 'Par'. Clubhouse a bit sprawling, but up for replacement. Friendly service - from everyone. Not many better ways to spend a cool Autumn morning.

Posted by Ross Simpson on 18/10/2007
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 4
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 4

Returned here again on an early September morning. Changing room building work has been finished and no further work is obvious the result of the changes are subtle and inkeeping with the club, I think my earlier sceptism may have been misplaced. I am sure there are more changes to come, however if the chamnging rooms are to go by they will be simpathetic. Now to the course - WOW! We played the day before a big competition and the course was in fantastic condition. The greens in better condition and faster than any i have ever played. There really is not a bad hole on the course and it also has some spectacular views. This course is an absolute pleaseure to play so if you get the chance get out there and play it. Well worth the £60 green fee, I will be going back.

Posted by Robert Bedford on 14/09/2007
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

Played this one as part of my membership with Surrey National. The place had been hyped up a lot and is not cheap so expectation was high. The game started with an immediate par 3 which I thought was a strange par to start on, then jumping to a par 5. Mmm, not much time to settle in with this one. The first few holes were not as good as I would have expected, however once you get past them the course becomes something very special indeed. Some of the most interesting holes you will ever play then take you through to the 18th. As below, the clubhouse needs a bit of updating but yr not there for the ammenities, you are there for a spectacular game of golf, and this is one place that can fulfill. Loved it and will definitely go back.

Posted by M Flynn on 13/09/2007
3
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Overall Rating 3
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  • Clubhouse 2
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 4
  • Clubhouse 2
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 4

Was really looking to returning here and finally managed to on a very warm Friday in May. In the months since the club was taken over the changes are very obvious, new shop, large amount of building work in the clubhouse,a lot of work goig on on course, and an increase in green fee despite all the work going on around you.! The course is excellent there really is not a bad hole on the course, there are changes going on to the course. The first time i played here we had the course to ourselves and i was enchanted by the out of date but somewhat charming facilities. This time the course was very busy this time around and there were some delays on the course. Mr. Noades is making his mark and it remains to be seen if the changes will improve the club remains to be seen.

Posted by Robert Bedford on 05/06/2007
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 3
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4
  • Clubhouse 3
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4

WOW wow wow. Played this on a very wet friday 30th March 07. Despite the absolute awful weather i would defo rate this in my top two courses that i have played. This is a lovely course set within some of the most amazing and interesting natural terrain. Every hole has its own charater and some of the holes are simply breathaking. (12th and 13th to name two favs) The clubhouse is a little dated but the course makes up for that 10 fold. Definately a must play. I loved it this course even in the constant rain. I can't wait to go back in the summer.

Posted by Rob A on 31/03/2007
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5

What a cracking course! Played here on a wet friday afternoon and enjoyed every minute of it. The course is the star here,by a mile,The club house and facilities are a touch dated! That said they are charming and dignified. Lets hope Mr. Noades doesn't go too far with the renovations since his Altonwood group acquired the course. I don't think there is a bad hole on the course. Am already looking forward to a return in the Spring when I am sure the course will come into it's own.

Posted by Robert Bedford on 01/12/2006
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

Played The Addington for the first time yesterday - a damp October morning. Despite the somewhat rushed start off the 5th to accommodate a society (despite having booked a fortnight ago), this soon became a round to remember - sadly not for the score. The course is like stepping back in time - a truly classic English inland setting. The fairways and greens were in superb condition. The course has 6 par 3-s - mostly played uphill and in the 13th and 17th, over ravines. Several holes involve a lengthy carry off the tee but this is no grip-it-and-rip-it course. Trees, heather, gorges and heather will destroy your scorecard if you err from the fairway. A strokesaver is a worthwhile purchase too - plenty of blind shots. Don't expect much from the pro-shop - there isn't one, so stock up on balls before you get there! Similarly the changing rooms could do with some modernisation. Not a cheap course but definitely one to play given the opportunity.

Posted by D Bailey on 06/10/2006
3
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Overall Rating 3
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  • Clubhouse 1
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 1
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5

I gave some feedback about this course 4yrs ago. Played there again, and once again what can I say. If anything the condition has improved due to the take over, but overall the beauty is there to be seen. Just can't get enough of this place, as I work not far from it, the clubs will be making the trip with me.

Posted by Andreas Georgiou on 26/07/2005
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5

Fantastic course and a absolute must to play.Some great holes including the par 3 7th and 13th. Overall a very good test of ability that's as good as Wentworth and only a third of the price.

Posted by James Byers on 11/11/2004

I have read with interest the comments on The Addington Golf Club in Surrey and am delighted what I have read. I have played at The Addington for the past 30 years on many occasions and 2 years ago became a member. Words cannot express the delight of playing such a wonderful golf course every week particularly after all the hard work that has been put in the last few years on bringing the course back to top condition. For the better golfers amongst us it is well worth playing off the back tees, a true test of golf! I have had the privilege of playing golf in many countries on some great courses and have to rate The Addington in my top ten for interest, beauty and difficulty. Did you know that it was voted in the top 50 golf courses in the British Isles some 20-30 years ago by a top golfing magazine? May it go from strength to strength. D. Dalton

Posted by David Dalton on 12/05/2004

This course is absolutely stunning and definitely a hidden gem, a test of every aspect of the game and certainly not for the novice player. Accurate course management is essential as every drive, approach shot, chip and putt has to be well thought out and executed. Any deviations and the trees will claim your wayward shot or the undulations of the fairways will divert a ball which pitches off line.The Addington is a "must play" in the south east of England and don't be put off by the slightly shabby clubhouse,which adds charm and reflects the era when the course was built. Go, play, enjoy!

Posted by Liz Grant on 09/06/2003

Difficult to think of a better course inside the M25, Walton Heath maybe, it's that good. Like W.H. an opening par 3 hole but then you immediately get a feel for the rest of the holes, narrow, mixed with heather and treelined. Simply stunning in parts and some very good short holes. The condition on the times I have played, has always been exemplary, yes the clubhouse could do with a lick of paint, but the people there are friendly and the members rightly proud. Strongly recommend a game here

Posted by Lawrence Kingsnorth on 09/04/2003

One of the most challenging courses you will play. This is a hidden jem that is up with the best in Surrey. You have to plot your way around as every hole will test your powers of course management, accuracy and driving distance. Don't be put off by the club house, which is like stepping back 50 years, just enjoy being on a course that is supurb in every way.

Posted by Graham House on 17/12/2002

Played the course some 5 years ago and was overwhelmed by its charm. Played again 2002 and was impressed by the amount of work put into the place. Can only agree with everyones comments about the 13th. The 7th being one of mys best holes ever in golf. I love the place and highly recommend it to all golfers with a h/c 20 or under

Posted by Paul Bexley on 16/12/2002

We arrived to find the clubhouse virtually deserted, but the bar staff helped us out and proudly informed us that the 13th hole had been ranked as one of the top-10 holes in the world! Well, the 13th is indeed a nice hole, but several others stuck in my mind - the secluded par 3 7th, and the dogleg 9th across two ravines are the highlights on the front nine, whilst on the way back the 16th is a short but very beautiful par 5. The green, tucked against a bank of purple heather, can be reached in two by a competent player. There isnt a weak hole on the course and only the 12th could be described as unfair.

Posted by Mike on 26/07/2002

Quiet club - virtually empty when I played it last summer - with a feel of times past. Reminiscent of the New Zealand Club near woking or Huntercombe. Good layout and more wooded than one might expect. Good value and will certainly play it again.

Posted by Benedict Hughes on 09/01/2002

Course information

Number of holes 18
Year opened -
Designer -
Style heathland

Tee information

TeesYardsParSSS
Competition
Men's644071
Ladies'

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Weekday round£65
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Weekend round£95
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