Trump International Golf Links Aberdeen #14

Nestled in the beautiful Surrey countryside, Hindhead Golf Club represents one of the most criminally underrated courses in Britain. Currently sitting at 91st in the UK & Ireland rankings, this remarkable heathland masterpiece deserves significantly higher recognition based on our recent experience playing there.

The Top 100 in 10 Golf Podcast team recently visited Hindhead as part of their journey to play all top 100 courses, and were immediately struck by both the warm welcome from the club and the spectacular nature of the course itself. From the moment they arrived, staff recognized them and made them feel at home – a refreshing contrast to some of the more “corporate” experiences at higher-ranked establishments.

What makes Hindhead truly special is its unique topography. The front nine winds through dramatic valleys, creating an almost fairy-tale landscape that podcast host Chris described as “something you would paint in a children’s book.” These valley holes feature natural slopes that can help slightly wayward shots back toward fairways, though truly wild shots will still find the punishing heather rough. The back nine transitions to more strategic, thought-provoking golf on higher ground, requiring careful placement rather than just raw distance.

Club President Jack Buchanan, a member since 1976 and friend of the late Peter Alliss, provided fascinating insights into the club’s history and character. Established because wealthy residents on the hill wanted a more convenient place to play than trekking down to the original Hindhead and Hindley Common Golf Club in the valley, the course was designed to take advantage of the natural fissures in the landscape, creating 18 truly individual holes.

Perhaps most impressively, the podcast team and their playing partners (two Hindhead members also working through the top 100 challenge) agreed that there wasn’t a single weak hole on the course. The par threes were universally magnificent, with the sixth getting “signature” billing primarily because people enjoy downhill shots, though each offered unique challenges and stunning vistas. The greens were described as immaculate – fast, true, but with subtle breaks that could send poorly-judged putts rolling off the putting surface.

The course perfectly balances visual splendor with strategic challenge. Unlike some beautiful courses that lack teeth, or difficult courses that feel like a slog, Hindhead strikes the ideal balance. It remains playable for higher handicappers while still requiring thoughtful golf from better players. Wildlife abounds, with the group spotting at least half a dozen deer during their round, adding to the magical atmosphere.

What becomes clear from their experience is how subjective course rankings can be. Their playing partners, who have completed 61 of the top 100 courses, noted that some of their favorite experiences have been at courses ranked in the 90s, while some highly-ranked “sausage factory” operations can feel corporate and rushed. The podcast hosts finished their Hindhead experience convinced it should rank among the top 20 courses in the country.

For anyone planning their own top 100 journey, or simply looking for an exceptional golfing experience, Hindhead Golf Club deserves immediate consideration. With reasonable green fees compared to some higher-ranked establishments, it represents tremendous value and an unforgettable day of golf in one of Britain’s most beautiful settings.