10 Most Improved Golf Courses in The South of England in 2020

It's been a year of lockdowns and social restrictions, but when given the opportunity, golfers across the South of England flocked to local courses in huge numbers, tracking their rounds on the Golfshake Score Tracker at record levels. 

They also provided a vast library of new reviews and ratings within the popular Course Section. But which venues faired best during this most unique of golf seasons? 

Rather than simply showcasing those that received the most positive reviews, we have compared ratings between 2019 and 2020, identifying ten standout destinations that enjoyed a notable improved this year, underlining their status as genuine must plays throughout 2021.

Surrey Downs Golf Club

Location: Surrey

Average 2019 Rating: 2.91 

Average 2020 Rating: 4.21

Difference: 1.30

Reviewer Comment: "Great to see the course in such a good condition after 15 years since I last played here. Staff very welcoming even in such strange times."

Pyrford Golf Club

Location: Surrey

Average 2019 Rating: 3.08 

Average 2020 Rating: 3.86

Difference: 0.78

Reviewer Comment: "The greens are in immaculate condition and quite fast which was a welcome change to my local course. There are some significant improvements going on around the course which include water, fairways and layout of the course. I haven't seen this level of improvement works in a single course, ever!"

Three Locks Golf Club

Location: Buckinghamshire

Average 2019 Rating: 3.75

Average 2020 Rating: 4.45

Difference: 0.70

Reviewer Comment: "Love this golf course. Very good greens. And very good value for money."

Singing Hills Golf Club

Location: West Sussex

Average 2019 Rating: 3.56

Average 2020 Rating: 4.08

Difference: 0.53

Reviewer Comment: "A lovely course consisting of three sets of nine holes set in part wooded countryside with a variety of interesting holes, some with water, some tree-lined and some completely open."

The Darenth

Location: Kent

Average 2019 Rating: 3.75 

Average 2020 Rating: 4.19

Difference: 0.44

Reviewer Comment: "Lovely course in picturesque and tranquil surroundings. Nice clubhouse, friendly staff. Good society venue."

Foxhills Club & Resort

Location: Surrey

Average 2019 Rating: 4.10 

Average 2020 Rating: 4.53

Difference: 0.43

Reviewer Comment: "I love this venue - amazing golf course, exceptional service and first class leisure and food. Highly recommended."

The Hampshire Golf Club

Location: Hampshire

Average 2019 Rating: 3.36 

Average 2020 Rating: 3.76

Difference: 0.41

Reviewer Comment: "Lovely course with amazing view of the Hampshire countryside. Quite forgiving with short rough. Tough going when windy."

The Oxfordshire Golf Hotel & Spa

Location: Oxfordshire

Average 2019 Rating: 4.19 

Average 2020 Rating: 4.59

Difference: 0.40

Reviewer Comment: "Just fantastic, beautiful course, water holes, views and layout. I seriously drive mileage to play courses like this. I can't wait to return."

Surrey National Golf Club

Location: Surrey

Average 2019 Rating: 3.67 

Average 2020 Rating: 4.07

Difference: 0.40

Reviewer Comment: "Played Surrey National for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it. Lovely course layout using the natural contours of the land. Would love to play again."

Clandon Golf Course

Location: Surrey

Average 2019 Rating: 3.35

Average 2020 Rating: 3.74

Difference: 0.39

Reviewer Comment: "Hadn't played here for years. Course is a bit dry in places but greens were decent. Interesting policy in that they currently only allow single or two balls which makes it easy to get round in good time. Enjoyed it and will play again soon. Also excellent value."

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20 Most Improved Golf Courses in England in 2020