Founded in 1895 on the estate of H.F. Locke-King, who also created Brooklands, the world’s first motor racing circuit, New Zealand Golf Club is nestled in the famous Surrey heath belt. Designed by Samuel “Mure” Fergusson, the course was an early innovator in heathland golf, following the footsteps of nearby Woking Golf Club.
Spanning just over 6,000 yards with a par of 68, New Zealand Golf Club offers a strategic challenge rather than relying on length. Six par fours exceed 400 yards, demanding accuracy off the tee amidst tree-lined fairways and heathery rough.
Following Fergusson’s enhancements over three decades, Tom Simpson, with Philip Mackenzie Ross, undertook a major redesign in 1931, reshaping bunkers and refining the course’s character. The layout features intimate, tree-lined holes, creating a secluded and engaging atmosphere for golfers.
In recent years, New Zealand Golf Club engaged Frank Pont of Infinite Variety Golf Design to restore Simpson’s architectural elements, emphasising laced/diagonal fingered bunkers and their asymmetric aprons. This restoration project aimed to revive the course’s historical charm and enhance its strategic integrity.
Renowned for its stylish design and tranquil setting, New Zealand Golf Club remains a cherished destination for golf enthusiasts seeking a distinctive heathland golf experience in Surrey.
