The Berkshire Golf Club Red Course

The Berkshire Golf Club Red Course (Ascot, Berkshire, England)

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Ascot, Berkshire, The Berkshire Golf Club’s Red Course offers a golfing experience like no other. Designed by the renowned architect Herbert Fowler in 1928, this heathland gem is celebrated for its distinctive layout featuring six par 3s, six par 4s, and six par 5s. As you step onto the first tee, you’re greeted by rolling fairways lined with pine and heather, promising a challenging yet rewarding round. The Red Course’s blend of strategic design and natural beauty has earned it a place among the finest courses in the British Isles, attracting golfers from around the world to test their skills on its storied fairways.

Key Details

• Location: Ascot, Berkshire, England
• Length: 6,452 yards (from White tees)
• Par: 72
• Designers: Herbert Fowler (1928), with minor updates by Tom Simpson (1928) and Tim Lobb (2017)
• Established: 1928
• Notable Events: The Berkshire Trophy, English Amateur Championship, British Senior Amateur Championship, Astor Salver, Women’s Home Internationals

History and Significance

The Berkshire Golf Club was established in 1928, with its Red and Blue courses constructed by the Office of Crown Lands on estates once used by Queen Anne for hunting in the 17th and 18th centuries. Herbert Fowler, famed for his work at Walton Heath, designed both courses, earning high praise from golf writer Bernard Darwin in the club’s 1930 handbook. Darwin noted, “His art has mellowed with experience and has gained something in variety, in subtleness, and in picturesqueness,” highlighting Fowler’s evolved design prowess.

The club’s early years were marked by an intriguing anecdote. Initially known as Royal Berkshire, the club lost its “Royal” prefix after an incident where King Edward VIII and the Duke of Windsor were denied lunch with professional golfer Archie Compston due to strict clubhouse rules. A subsequent letter instructed the removal of the title, adding a quirky chapter to the club’s lore.

Since its founding, The Berkshire has been a hub for amateur golf, hosting prestigious events like the English Amateur Championship, British Senior Amateur Championship, and Women’s Home Internationals. Annual tournaments, such as The Berkshire Trophy (since 1946) and the Astor Salver (since 1951), have seen winners like Sir Michael Bonallack, Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle, and Ross Fisher, cementing the club’s legacy. Recent events include the Ladies Rose Series Finals, further showcasing its relevance.

The Red Course, often considered the slightly superior design compared to the Blue, is ranked 42 in the UK & Ireland Top 100 by Golf Monthly, reflecting its enduring appeal. Its traditional members’ club atmosphere, combined with a warm welcome for visitors, makes it a cherished destination for golfers seeking history and quality.

Course Features

The Red Course at The Berkshire Golf Club is a quintessential heathland layout, defined by rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and vibrant heather that frames each hole. Set across 372 acres of Crown Estate land, the course is surrounded by mature trees—sycamore, birch, chestnut, and pine—demanding accuracy off the tee. Its undulating terrain, with notable elevation changes, adds complexity to club selection and shot strategy.

The course’s hallmark is its unique configuration: six par 3s, six par 4s, and six par 5s, a rarity in golf course design. This balanced mix ensures a dynamic round, testing every facet of a golfer’s skill set. The par 5s, generally shorter by modern standards, offer birdie and eagle opportunities for those who avoid the heather and bunkers. Conversely, the par 3s are among the course’s toughest, with varied lengths and hazards like heather and elevated greens requiring precision.

Visually, the Red Course is stunning, especially in summer when the heather blooms into a sea of purple. The springy turf and sandy soil typical of heathland courses enhance playability, while ongoing bunker and landscape restoration since 2016 by Tim Lobb ensures the course remains in pristine condition. This seamless integration of design and nature creates a tranquil yet challenging golfing experience.

Signature Holes

Hole 6: Par 4, 354 Yards

The 6th hole is a short par 4 that doglegs right, tempting longer hitters to cut the corner. However, driving through the fairway risks trouble, making a fairway wood or long iron a safer choice. A precise drive sets up a short approach to a well-guarded green, offering a birdie chance for strategic players. Its compact design and risk-reward nature make it a standout.

Hole 10: Par 3, 186 Yards

This magnificent par 3 requires a carry over heather to a green flanked by bunkers. Aiming for the left half of the green is the safest play, but going long or left leads to a steep bank and a tough chip. The hole’s visual appeal, with heather in bloom, and its strategic demands make it a favorite among players.

Hole 16: Par 3, 221 Yards

One of the course’s longest par 3s, the 16th demands a wood or hybrid to reach a green that slopes sharply from back to front. The hole’s length and fast green test both distance control and putting skill, making par a rewarding achievement. Its beautifully framed setting adds to its allure.

Hole 17: Par 5, 520 Yards (Estimated)

The 17th is the Red Course’s most challenging par 5, requiring two long shots to approach the green. Ditches threaten the second shot, while deep bunkers guard the green, which features a front slope and middle tier, complicating chips and putts. This hole epitomizes the course’s strategic depth.

Why Visit

The Red Course at The Berkshire Golf Club offers a unique golfing challenge that blends history, strategy, and natural beauty. Its 6-6-6 layout ensures a varied and engaging round, appealing to golfers of all skill levels who can meet the handicap requirements (men: 24, ladies: 30). The course’s heathland terrain and iconic par 3s test precision and creativity, rewarding well-executed shots with birdie opportunities.

Walking fairways trodden by golfing greats like Nick Faldo and Sandy Lyle evokes a deep connection to the sport’s amateur heritage. The club’s traditional ambiance, coupled with warm hospitality, creates a memorable experience. As one golfer noted, “It’s a beautiful golf course… I absolutely love it”. The stunning visuals, especially when heather blooms, elevate the round into a sensory delight.

Beyond golf, the club’s proximity to attractions like Ascot Racecourse and Windsor Castle makes it an ideal base for a broader Berkshire adventure. With excellent dining and practice facilities, a visit to The Red Course is a bucket-list experience for any golf enthusiast.

Facilities

The Berkshire Golf Club provides a range of facilities to enhance your visit. The traditional clubhouse features a main dining room serving excellent cuisine, where a jacket and tie are required for lunch, reflecting the club’s classic ethos. A well-stocked bar and pro shop cater to golfers’ needs, while changing facilities ensure comfort.

Practice facilities include putting greens and short game areas, highly rated by visitors, though there is no driving range. Caddie services are available by prior arrangement, and electric trolleys can be hired, though buggies are reserved for medical needs with a certificate. A halfway hut near the 8th tee offers refreshments, adding convenience to your round.

Contact Details and Directions

• Address: Swinley Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 8AY, United Kingdom
• Phone: +44 1344 621495
• Email: golf@theberkshire.co.uk
• Directions:
• From London: Approximately 30 miles west via the M4 (junction 10) or M3 (junction 3).
• From Heathrow Airport: About 10 miles, a 20-minute drive via the A332 and A329.
• Public Transport: Ascot railway station, served by South Western Railway from London Waterloo and Reading, is a short taxi ride from the club.
• Parking: Ample on-site parking available.
• Map: View on Google Maps

Green Fees and Booking

Green fees at The Berkshire Golf Club vary by season and day, with a 36-hole option for playing both courses in one day. Bookings are made through the golf office at +44 1344 621495 (option 1) or via email at golf@theberkshire.co.uk. Visitors must have a handicap index (men: 24, ladies: 30) and adhere to a smart casual dress code, with no denim or golf shoes in the clubhouse. The Berkshire Green Fees

Nearby Attractions

Ascot and its surroundings offer a wealth of attractions, blending history, nature, and family fun, making your golf trip a well-rounded experience. Tripadvisor Ascot

• Ascot Racecourse: A global icon, hosting Royal Ascot in June, where visitors enjoy elite racing and royal processions. It’s a short drive from the club, perfect for a day of sport and socializing.
• Windsor Castle: The world’s oldest inhabited castle, offering tours of its State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel, rich with royal history.
• Legoland Windsor: Ideal for families, this park features over 55 rides and attractions, ensuring fun for all ages.
• Savill Garden: A tranquil retreat with vibrant plant displays, perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic in Windsor Great Park.
• Virginia Water Lake: Offers picturesque trails around a lake with waterfalls and Roman ruins, ideal for nature lovers.
• Go Ape Bracknell: An adventurous outing with tree-top courses, suitable for thrill-seekers and families.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I book a tee time at The Berkshire Golf Club?

Tee times can be booked by contacting the golf office at +44 1344 621495 (option 1) or emailing golf@theberkshire.co.uk. Visitors are welcome Monday–Friday and after midday on weekends and bank holidays by prior arrangement.

What are the green fees for visitors?

Fees vary by season and day. From 21 April 2025 to 31 October 2025, 18 holes on Monday–Friday cost £265, and 36 holes cost £365. Check The Berkshire Green Fees for current pricing.

Is there a dress code for the course and clubhouse?

Yes, smart casual attire is required. On the course, appropriate golf clothing is mandatory, and in the clubhouse, a jacket and tie are needed for lunch in the main dining room. No denim or golf shoes are allowed indoors.

What facilities are available at the club?

The club offers a clubhouse with dining and bar facilities, a pro shop, changing rooms, putting greens, and short game areas. Caddie services and electric trolleys are available, but there’s no driving range.

Are there any handicap requirements to play?

Visitors must have a world handicap index: men 24, ladies 30. The course is not suitable for beginners.

Can I hire golf clubs or caddies?

Caddie services can be arranged by contacting the caddiemaster at +44 1344 622627. Golf club hire availability should be confirmed during booking.

Is there a driving range or practice facilities?

There is no driving range, but the club provides highly rated putting greens and short game practice areas.

What is the best time of year to play the course?

The course is playable year-round, but summer, when heather blooms, offers the most visually spectacular experience.

Are there any notable tournaments hosted at the club?

The club hosts The Berkshire Trophy, English Amateur Championship, British Senior Amateur Championship, Astor Salver, and Women’s Home Internationals, among others.

How do I get to the club from London?

The club is 30 miles west of London via the M4 (junction 10) or M3 (junction 3). Ascot railway station, accessible from London Waterloo, is a short taxi ride away.

Is accommodation available on-site or nearby?

No on-site accommodation is available, but Ascot and nearby Windsor offer numerous hotels and guesthouses.

Can I play both the Red and Blue courses in one day?

Yes, a 36-hole day ticket allows play on both courses on the same day, subject to availability, ideal for experiencing the club’s full offering.

What is the history of the club?

Founded in 1928, designed by Herbert Fowler on former royal hunting grounds, the club has a rich amateur golf heritage, hosting events like The Berkshire Trophy.

Are there any membership options for frequent visitors?

As a private members’ club, various membership categories are available. Contact the club for details on joining.

What makes the Red Course unique?

Its 6-6-6 layout (six par 3s, six par 4s, six par 5s) offers a rare, balanced challenge, complemented by its heathland beauty and historical significance.