Wentworth Golf Club

Our game had been generously facilitated by a lifelong member who had previously hosted me on Wentworth’s less-feted but no less impressive East course, which is also in England’s top 100.

Both are part of the Wentworth Estate – and a collection of stellar properties border them.

The luxurious Wentworth clubhouse has a marvellous collection of clubs and photos of champions since its early days when it hosted the precursor to the Ryder Cup.

Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros, Ernie Els, Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, and Rory McIlroy are just some of the stars who have competed for the likes of the British Masters, World Match Play and the BMW PGA Championship (most recently staged two weeks ago).

Meanwhile, its driving range is fitted with the most up-to-date Trackman technology.

Designed by Harry Colt in the early 1920s, the West course has a reputation for being among the most challenging in the world.

The opening tee is cut among its fabulously manicured garden in front of the clubhouse, and I couldn’t help thinking the number 100, cut in heather bushes, was created just for me as I completed England's top 100 courses rather than the club's centenary two years ago

The West course greens are the first in England to feature SubAir technology, which controls moisture levels to ensure firm and fast conditions regardless of the weather.

However, despite being a beautiful day, there was still much moisture from recent heavy rain.

This meant there had been no recent cuts of the rough, which was tangly, dense and best avoided.

Thus, I put on my sensible hat and decided to take my medicine whenever the ball strayed and just try to play to handicap rather than chase the game.

My champagne moment came on the 14th – a steep par-three to a green which falls sharply from back to front.

My choice of three-wood saw the ball go deliciously straight but through the green into spongy rough, and my second was at the flag but impossible to stop.

Thus, I was thrilled to nail the third from just off the putting surface.

I thought I could hear the groans of disappointment from the galleries as my approach to the 18th found the water but it was just the workmen chatting as they dismantled the BMW's grandstands.

The limp finale did nothing to dimmish our day on one of England’s iconic courses. Perfect weather, great company and a memorable venue for the 100th of my top 100.

Great course and facilities (driving range with trackman), chipping area, putting greens for each course. Courses well maintained 365 days a year vs other courses in the area.

Wentworth's West Course offers an unparalleled golfing experience, effortlessly combining history, beauty, and challenge. Its deceiving beauty reveals a challenging landscape with wicked undulations, treacherous roughs, swift greens courtesy of a sub-air system, and an iconic 18th-hole water hazard. The ambience is enriched further by a walk through the 1920s Clubhouse, which holds the stories of PGA Championship legends.

Beyond the course, Wentworth pampers its visitors with luxury and impeccable hospitality. Diners are spoilt for choice with various culinary delights, while the formal lounge offers serene relaxation. The Burma bar hits the spot for those looking for a more relaxed post-round drink. The changing facilities, reflecting true luxury, are spacious and immaculately maintained, with large showers and complimentary towels and toiletries.

However, it's not without room for improvement. The driving range, restrictive to only irons, felt limiting given the course's demand for accurate long shots. Yet, this minor limitation barely dims the brilliance of Wentworth's West Course. An unforgettable journey for any golfer, this course deserves a spot on every golfer's bucket list.

Have had the privilege to play the West course at Wentworth a few times since ownership last changed and boy what a difference a few years has made. I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of playing The West but each time remember being disappointed by the poor condition the course was presented in, especially the greens. Not any longer. Despite the incredibly hot summer we have had that has seen most courses burnt out, rock hard and only now slowly recovering in a very patchy inconsistent manner, Wentworth West was an oasis of perfectly manicured dark green grass. Carpet lush fairways, thick nasty rough combined with the purest and slickest of greens. Heather and gorse expertly maintained, thick and evil, just waiting to gobble up your ball.

The West is a brilliant course, such a demanding test. Not sure I’d like to play around here every day but love the challenge whenever I get the opportunity.

What a joy it is to stride the fairways where the worlds best have played over the years. I played in a team competition a few years ago off the back club tees and was by far the most testing course I have ever played & been beaten up by! Playing from nearly the same tees as the pro’s gave a rare chance to directly compare my hacking with how the professionals play the same game. After that outing I’m not sure it is the same game after all...

Playing at Wentworth is a once in a lifetime experience. I had the opportunity to play 18 holes with some collegues from BAT. The surrounding, the holes, the restaurant, everything was top notch and taken care of down to the last detail.

Again, for me it was a great experience and hope to get another opportunity to pay there again.