Hounslow Heath Golf Club
2.5
66 reviews
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Price Guide: ££
Course Information
Hounslow Heath Golf Club, Greater London is now closed.
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Golf Club Facilities
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Review Information
GOLFSHAKE RATING
2.47
AVERAGE RATING 2.7
(based on 66 reviews)
5 star
4
4 star
11
3 star
22
2 star
17
1 star
12
RECOMMENDATIONS
79%
would play again or recommend
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Reviews for Hounslow Heath Golf Club
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The golf courses reviews are the personal opinions of members of Golfshake who completed a review after playing the course. These opinions do not necessarily represent the views of Golfshake.com
JP - Staines rated 1 out of 5
Reviewed Jun 12 2012
I am always a bit wary of poor reviews and I apologise to those who think golf at Hounslow Heath is fantastic, especially those in their formative years. I know I shouldn't want anyone blurring my fond memories. Unfortunately I have little good to say about it.
The clubhouse is a Portakabin with the warmth of the workhouse and decor to match. There was no guide to the course which made it very difficult for a first time visitor as the only holes in view from the tee are par 3s. Positioning drives was very difficult. Most pins were less than normal length which made which made distance control and reading undulations difficult. There were no rakes in bunkers, the tees were awful, there were no flat lies and any ball off the first cut of rough was lost, plain and simple.
During my adventure into the unknown I encountered a neanderthal selling golf balls and a Chinese man in meditation on the 7th tee. If he was praying for my welfare it simply didn't work! There was a dead magpie on the 13th green which must have been an omen. Had there been 2 I shouldn't have minded so much (1 for sorry, 2 for joy and so on.) Luckily I didn't have to move it. I'm sure that had I done so villagers would have emerged from the undergrowth with torches and pitchforks ready to burn me as an unbeliever who had defiled their sacrifice.
What really sums it up is the 14th (dog leg right.) You're not allowed to go for the green until you pass a post at about 175 yards. This is so you don't go over a gipsy site. Whatever your political persuasion or cut of your trousers you certainly swing to the left on that hole.
Having said all this, it was cheap if you don't count all the lost balls and the staff were very friendly, but I shan't be returning any time soon. Certainly not before the therapy to expunge the memory from my mind has been 100% successful.
The clubhouse is a Portakabin with the warmth of the workhouse and decor to match. There was no guide to the course which made it very difficult for a first time visitor as the only holes in view from the tee are par 3s. Positioning drives was very difficult. Most pins were less than normal length which made which made distance control and reading undulations difficult. There were no rakes in bunkers, the tees were awful, there were no flat lies and any ball off the first cut of rough was lost, plain and simple.
During my adventure into the unknown I encountered a neanderthal selling golf balls and a Chinese man in meditation on the 7th tee. If he was praying for my welfare it simply didn't work! There was a dead magpie on the 13th green which must have been an omen. Had there been 2 I shouldn't have minded so much (1 for sorry, 2 for joy and so on.) Luckily I didn't have to move it. I'm sure that had I done so villagers would have emerged from the undergrowth with torches and pitchforks ready to burn me as an unbeliever who had defiled their sacrifice.
What really sums it up is the 14th (dog leg right.) You're not allowed to go for the green until you pass a post at about 175 yards. This is so you don't go over a gipsy site. Whatever your political persuasion or cut of your trousers you certainly swing to the left on that hole.
Having said all this, it was cheap if you don't count all the lost balls and the staff were very friendly, but I shan't be returning any time soon. Certainly not before the therapy to expunge the memory from my mind has been 100% successful.
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David Thomas rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed Sep 24 2016
I think it shameful that some of the more recent reviews have given this lovely old course such poor reviews. This course is facing closure solely because of an inept council who a few years ago decided to pay £110K a year to a "company" to run it, (and keep all green fees by the way) who the just basically took the money and did absolutely nothing in return - no investment, no equitpment, nothing whatsoever. Now the course is closing - this course is one of the most unusual in the London area, it is more similar to an old Scottish course, natural, hummocky and very basic! - In a way it is a result of a bygone age which had there been some decent support from someone could have been one of the most interesting, playable and testing course in London. And testing it is in places, 14/15 and 16 being 3 of the most difficult holes that I have necountered anywhere in the world! (and I have played many!), Sadly, it is probably too difficult for the modern "newcomer" to the game who wants to play a flat course with no rough, no trees and pampered greens and fairways. Hounslow Heath is none of that and it is just a despicable crying shame that this inept and uncaring council and the useless money grabbing company that was "hired" to run it is making it close - many should be ashamed that this tradition and TRUE golf course is being allowed to close
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Ray P rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed Jun 8 2016
Excellent weather, if your a wayward player the rough is very heavy and it's quite noisy being so close to heathrow, my problem was some of the greens have been damaged by idiots and not repaired, the bunkers are awful and would need digging out and re doing.
There are no real facilities but this has some of the pretties holes I've come across in years.
Even with all its faults I would happily play this again now I've figured out where to go as there are no signs or course planners so I used Google earth to figure it out.
(Round played: Jun 2016 - Score: 88 Handicap: 15.3)
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John, Sunbury rated 1 out of 5
Reviewed Apr 19 2016
A somewhat challenging course made almost unplayable due to the poor condition it's currently in...
Tee boxes were completely uneven and markers non existent, if it wasn't for the course guide on their website I wouldn't have had a clue where I was going.
The grass looks like it hasn't been cut in weeks, with the fairways resembling the rough and to make matters worse, being absolutely covered in white daisy flowers (good luck finding that white ball after a long sweet drive).
Bunkers just as bad as everything else on the approach - not a single rake in sight throughout the day sums up their condition.
I'm afraid the greens don't get any better, huge mud patches with no grass at all, holes everywhere and cracks going right across some of them.
This place could be a true gem, but unfortunately it has been neglected and hands down takes my award for the worst golf course I have ever played. Cheap, but sadly not cheerful.
Tee boxes were completely uneven and markers non existent, if it wasn't for the course guide on their website I wouldn't have had a clue where I was going.
The grass looks like it hasn't been cut in weeks, with the fairways resembling the rough and to make matters worse, being absolutely covered in white daisy flowers (good luck finding that white ball after a long sweet drive).
Bunkers just as bad as everything else on the approach - not a single rake in sight throughout the day sums up their condition.
I'm afraid the greens don't get any better, huge mud patches with no grass at all, holes everywhere and cracks going right across some of them.
This place could be a true gem, but unfortunately it has been neglected and hands down takes my award for the worst golf course I have ever played. Cheap, but sadly not cheerful.
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Ross H rated 2 out of 5
Reviewed Sep 6 2015
A course with a lot of potential, but the council are trying to sell the course and are not spending any money on the up keep. Fairways and greens are pretty awful. The back 9 is very challenging and has some great finishing holes, a real shame they arent looking after it properly.
(Round played: Aug 2015 - Score: 81 Handicap: 10.4)
(Round played: Aug 2015 - Score: 81 Handicap: 10.4)
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Martin Evans rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed Jan 25 2015
I began playing this course many years ago. During the early nineties is was a lot busier than today.\It really has some fabulously designed holes. Many private courses with their boring straight and wide fairways really would not be in the same league as H.H. if someone could grab this place by the balls put some money into, adopt a proper management structure and build a clubhouse, this place would have a full membership in no time at all, especially considering the vast residential area surrounding the place. Coucellors whom have this place in their hands clearly are clueless to it\'s potential or are they running it down for other purposes? If I could purchase this place (which I could not afford) I would buy it tomorrow. Sadly the way it is going someone will lock the gates soon and the local dog walkers will have it to themselves- lucky people!
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Atchawin N rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Apr 20 2014
At 5,901 yards from the white tees, the course has an interesting mix of holes, ranging from 159 yards to challenging 418 yards, and is an enjoyable test for all standards of golfer.The course is tight in nature and has water features on many of the holes. The course is well maintained and is undoubtably the best value for money in the area
(Round played: Apr 2014 - Score: 102 Handicap: 15)
(Round played: Apr 2014 - Score: 102 Handicap: 15)
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Max/London rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Apr 19 2014
Hounslow heath is not a private club, hence the fact it isn't managed well really at all. However, in my approximate 50 visits here, the course is truly perfect for anyone wanting a cheap round. Highlights are the 14th 15th and 16th hole which epitomises the beauty of Amen Corner, especially the 15th which has to be one of the best holes in West London. The front 9 is the harder 9, with very firm greens, especially the 9th, which any first timer will struggle with, in my.opinion the hardest hole on the course. Regular experiences are: the Japanese old guy (not Chinese as mentioned ignorantly below, I have spoken to him before) who plays 3 rounds a day...youths who for some unknown reason like to chill out on the greens...the slightly unusual man who loves selling his balls...a few Indian lads playing Kabadi on the middle of the 16th green...and of course your berry pickers. Dodgy elements include the awful sandtraps, the dampness of some greens especially the par 5 4th. Stereotypical ball hunters like myself will love this course, with a high abundance of Dunlop balls. The apparent obsession of good tee boxes in these reviews quite frankly are irrelevant to the course and aren't too bad anyway, yes inevitably a bit rough. The 10-13th holes are across the road on an almost mini 4 hole course and are the easiest on the course, especially with the recently developed drivable par 4 13th, a great feature. There is a huge pile of waste to the right of the 10th which is slightly disturbing and yes the course is wholly not up to scratch, but it sure is more worthwhile to play here than to pay £50 at other nearby clubs. Highly recommended. The dog legs prove a challenge, although being a short course, playing a long par 4 elsewhere becomes the hardest par ever...
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steve guppy rated 2 out of 5
Reviewed Jun 29 2013
played the course 3 times whilst working in London with the boss. We both have enjoyed playing the course mainly for its intresting doglegs and course layout I must admit that its not the best course to play on greens very slow,tees very rough and bunkers like childrens sandpits but its a good way of spending a few hours after work while working away from home.Good value for money.
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OB rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed Dec 8 2012
Lets get this out of the way....A weekday round costs £10 at the moment with the weekends at £15. What would you expect for the price?? Particularly in the summer when sugarplums, apples, pears and blackberries are in abundance and available to forage for as you play (if its a quiet day!)
But more on the golf, yes, 'rough' is one word to describe this course, but i prefer (and wait for the cheesy drop), a diamond in the rough!
The experience tends to go like this - you will pay your fee in what can only be described as a portakabin with a counter and what appears to be a (consistently bare) food display fridge. It is basic, almost less then basic, but always friendly.
Because of a perceived low level of trade, you soon get recognised as a regular, and its welcoming. I have never had to book a tee off time here, nor had to wait to tee off unless its a particularly busy sunday morning! on the course it does feel like its a private course - soooooo quiet, which is great as a beginner. which is how i came into contact here, and have steadily worked my self down to a 18HC, having never felt rushed in a round. When you find yourself playing well elsewhere, its always good to come back here for a reality check - you really learn to play here!
The patrons tend to be a mix between beginners and decent players, but all friendly nonetheless, and you need to be of a cheery disposition to play here. the reasons follow:
Most of the holes are doglegs - you may think this tedious but you really learn to plan here instead of lumping everything in a straight line with a driver. it is challenging and i always caution newcomers to come armed with many many balls, as the rough is unforgiving and ball consuming, with the fairways tight and greens awkward.
There is a good mix of long and short Par 4's, straightforward par 3's and a single par 5, but the course is a course of two halves in that the first 9 seem quite bare and exposed. The back 9 starts with a bit more of the same, but the 14th to 16 holes are something special. the 15th is a gem, and is a great example of how course tactics are key.
The greens are poor, and do let the course down as does the general maintenance and upkeep, but the staff try their best. it gets quite boggy in the wet and hard and bouncy in the heat ,but a challenge i think for all levels and if you can look beyond the initial impression, into the experience, you'll want to keep coming back, and bring others with you.....If anything, to buy a bag of titleist balls for a fiver off the 'neanderthal' described below, who btw is harmless as are many of the public walkway users, local teens enjoying a cheeky smoke by the 'slice pit' on the 4th, and fruit pickers in the summer.
I and my fellow golfers have learnt one word while playing here - 'safety', and a phrase - 'Its special - its Hounslow'.......and actually, its quirky, economical and unique. an experience for sure.
But more on the golf, yes, 'rough' is one word to describe this course, but i prefer (and wait for the cheesy drop), a diamond in the rough!
The experience tends to go like this - you will pay your fee in what can only be described as a portakabin with a counter and what appears to be a (consistently bare) food display fridge. It is basic, almost less then basic, but always friendly.
Because of a perceived low level of trade, you soon get recognised as a regular, and its welcoming. I have never had to book a tee off time here, nor had to wait to tee off unless its a particularly busy sunday morning! on the course it does feel like its a private course - soooooo quiet, which is great as a beginner. which is how i came into contact here, and have steadily worked my self down to a 18HC, having never felt rushed in a round. When you find yourself playing well elsewhere, its always good to come back here for a reality check - you really learn to play here!
The patrons tend to be a mix between beginners and decent players, but all friendly nonetheless, and you need to be of a cheery disposition to play here. the reasons follow:
Most of the holes are doglegs - you may think this tedious but you really learn to plan here instead of lumping everything in a straight line with a driver. it is challenging and i always caution newcomers to come armed with many many balls, as the rough is unforgiving and ball consuming, with the fairways tight and greens awkward.
There is a good mix of long and short Par 4's, straightforward par 3's and a single par 5, but the course is a course of two halves in that the first 9 seem quite bare and exposed. The back 9 starts with a bit more of the same, but the 14th to 16 holes are something special. the 15th is a gem, and is a great example of how course tactics are key.
The greens are poor, and do let the course down as does the general maintenance and upkeep, but the staff try their best. it gets quite boggy in the wet and hard and bouncy in the heat ,but a challenge i think for all levels and if you can look beyond the initial impression, into the experience, you'll want to keep coming back, and bring others with you.....If anything, to buy a bag of titleist balls for a fiver off the 'neanderthal' described below, who btw is harmless as are many of the public walkway users, local teens enjoying a cheeky smoke by the 'slice pit' on the 4th, and fruit pickers in the summer.
I and my fellow golfers have learnt one word while playing here - 'safety', and a phrase - 'Its special - its Hounslow'.......and actually, its quirky, economical and unique. an experience for sure.
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Philip P rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed Jul 21 2011
good practice course value for money helpfull staff
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Anthony N rated 1 out of 5
Reviewed Sep 10 2016
A bit disappointed with this course. Untidy in places, Lack off Tee markers what is there has been graffitied or burnt. And seems to be local dog walking location.
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Paul S rated 1 out of 5
Reviewed Jul 23 2016
Horrible course, alot of thinking to be done. No tee boxes on alot of holes, no rakes in bunkers, no fairway yardage markers, flags are short making them look further away, if you don't hit straight forget it
DO NOT PLAY THIS COURSE
(Round played: Jul 2016 - Score: 84 Handicap: 16.2)
DO NOT PLAY THIS COURSE
(Round played: Jul 2016 - Score: 84 Handicap: 16.2)
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Robert M rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed Apr 18 2016
A challenging course with a good layout however it is in need of some TLC, a shame the council is selling it off as it has a lot of potential if it had a good revamp with a nee club house (doesn't accept cards fyi). For £10 during the weekdays though it is a good course with some good doglegs to practice your draws and fades
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Barry B rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed Apr 12 2016
(Round played: Apr 2016 - Score: 61 Handicap: ), tough course with the rough areas too long to find any lost balls.
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The golf courses reviews are the personal opinions of members of Golfshake who completed a review after playing the course. These opinions do not necessarily represent the views of Golfshake.com
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