West Hill Golf Club

Butchart's Test Through the Pines

The golf course at West Hill Golf Club opened for play in 1909 after Cuthbert Butchart designed and supervised its construction. The land had belonged to the London Necropolis Company, which released part of its surplus estate for golf. Some holes were lengthened after the First World War, but the club says the layout has otherwise remained largely unchanged.

Towering pines frame the course, while sandy soil supports firm heathland conditions. Heather and carefully placed bunkers narrow the safest lines, placing particular weight on approach play. Drives must find useful positions, and many greens carry natural slopes that make routine two-putts far from certain.

Five par-3 holes bring variety across the par-69 layout. The 15th is the most celebrated of them, while the closing stretch includes a demanding par 5 followed by a strong par 4 towards the clubhouse. Its modest yardage still demands careful control and judgement.