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St George's Hill remains today a golfing gem. Each hole, of which there are three loops of nine (Red, Blue and Green), is memorable and individual in character, lined with heather and elegant Scots pine - the fairways are undulating and follow the natural contours of the land. The course plays 6496 yards, par 70 for 18 holes.
The original concept of the course and estate was unique. It was the first development of a golf course being constructed with the intention of building luxury houses adjacent to the fairways. George Tarrant, a local builder, had the foresight to see an opportunity when the land became available in 1911. Having acquired it, he had the good fortune, through a chance conversation with Charles Ambrose, to enlist the services of Harry Colt, the most prolific golf architect of his generation, to design the course.
And so St George's Hill was born, being ready for play in 1913. Undoubtedly Colt was a genius, one of the great, if not the greatest, golf architect of all time, and it has been suggested that St George's Hill is his masterpiece.
Whilst Colt master-minded the course, Tarrant built the Clubhouse, or pavilion as it was then called. In 1913, the pavilion and course were officially opened by Prince Alexander of Teck. It was then an impressive thatched building of three stories and wooden verandas.
During the first war, the Clubhouse served as a military hospital treating over 3000 wounded and shortly after, in March 1920, fire swept through the building destroying the thatch and upper story.
The dining room affords a wonderful panoramic view over the opening and closing holes, and no doubt will provide every golfer with a memory to treasure of this truly magnificent course.
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