Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, established in 1882 on Wimbledon Common before relocating to Caesar’s Camp in 1907, epitomises a serene and historic golfing venue near London. Designed by Willie Park Junior at its current site, the club boasts a rich history and a prestigious membership that includes notable figures like Dr. William Laidlaw Purves, who contributed significantly to golf’s development.
Bernard Darwin aptly described Royal Wimbledon as a place where the hustle and bustle of suburbia disappears amidst solitary woods, offering a tranquil golfing experience. The course’s evolution continued with the involvement of renowned architect Harry Colt, who refined its layout to challenge golfers with narrow, undulating, tree-lined fairways over its 6,348 yards.
A standout hole is the 452-yard 12th, a challenging par four requiring precision from tee to green. Notably, the 6th hole witnessed a remarkable moment when Prince Edward VIII, as Captain, achieved a hole-in-one on the 265-yard par four—an impressive feat.
Recent enhancements under Tom Mackenzie’s guidance, completed in phases from 2018 onwards, have revitalised the course. This included refurbishing bunkers for added character, re-routing paths, clearing trees to promote heather growth, and updating various holes like the 2nd, 5th, 6th, 11th, 13th, and 17th.
Royal Wimbledon Golf Club remains a cherished venue, blending historical charm with modern amenities, providing a challenging and scenic golfing experience for members and visitors alike.