The great game of golf is no stranger to Buckinghamshire. A county so renowned for its rolling hillscapes, such as the Chilterns, must naturally have an abundance of first-class courses to play a few holes on. Buckinghamshire does boast many wonderful courses and clubs to go with, some of which are among the oldest and most resplendent in the South of England.
From championship layouts hosting elite tournaments to charming parkland courses set amid woodland and natural beauty, the county offers a range of golfing experiences that cater to all levels and interests. Whilst geographically speaking, a very small area, Buckinghamshire manages to pack a sizeable number of impressive golf clubs, of which there is no doubt, the following entrants are the cream of the sizeable crop.
Woburn Golf and Country Club
Woburn Golf and Country Club is widely regarded as one of the premier golfing destinations in southern England, if not the entire country. The club comprises three distinct 18‑hole championship courses, the Duke’s, Duchess and Marquess, each with its own unique facets and challenges. The Duke’s Course is traditionally seen as the most strategic test of a golfer’s mettle, with tree‑lined fairways and subtle greens demanding accurate drive, whilst the Duchess is a slightly softer, more forgiving layout that rewards thoughtful play. The Marquess, the newest of the trio, combines length and variety with immaculate lawn conditioning that belies all top-tier clubs in the world.
Woburn’s pedigree is reflected in its history of hosting elite tournaments, including the British Masters and the Women’s British Open. Off the course, Woburn’s clubhouse and practice facilities match the quality of the fairways. The club delivers excellent dining options, locker rooms, a fully kitted out pro shop and practice areas that attract both serious competitors and social golfers alike. Membership here is highly prized, but remarkably open for such a premier club, with options including corporate memberships and those for junior golfers. Woburn prides itself on being a family-friendly enterprise that caters to all.
Stoke Park Golf Club
One of the most recognisable names in English golf, occupying a historic estate just outside Slough that blends championship play with unmistakable Georgian grandeur. The 27-hole layout was originally designed by Harry Colt and later refined to modern standards, with the Championship Course offering a testing but fair round of golf. The fairways are generous but demand positional play, defined by sweeping parkland vistas, mature trees, and carefully shaped greens. The course’s history is as compelling as its design, having hosted international tournaments and welcomed some of the game’s most celebrated players over the decades, from Tiger Woods to even James Bond himself in the third film in the franchise, Goldfinger.
Beyond the course, Stoke Park operates as a full country estate, with golf and tennis forming the core of members’ lifestyles. The Palladian mansion at the heart of the estate serves as both clubhouse and hotel, offering refined dining, spa facilities and 13 tennis courts of mixed surfaces. So high are the standards for the latter that Stoke Park plays host to the Wimbledon warm-up tournament, Boodles. It is a club where a morning round can seamlessly roll into lunch on the terrace, a swim, or an evening drink overlooking one of the UK’s most iconic golfing landscapes.
Denham Golf Club
Defined by its riverside setting and traditional heathland-meets-parkland layout, Denham Golf Club offers a markedly different, but equally compelling experience. Situated near the Colne Valley, the course weaves through flat terrain filled with water hazards, narrow fairways and fast-running greens demanding accuracy and shot restraint, rather than relying on length and breadth of the course. Denham rewards golfers who think their way around each hole, choosing placement over power and respecting the subtle dangers posed by its complex and active geography.
The course here is yet another example of the masterful design work of Harry Holt, and the club itself maintains a strong sense of tradition, with a loyal membership base and a reputation for excellent facilities and events throughout the year. The clubhouse overlooks key holes and provides a relaxed setting for post-game chatter and drinks. Denham is right on the border of Buckinghamshire and technically has a London postcode, but this formality aside, it remains one of the best clubs to reach across the county for scenic golfing.
Gerrards Cross Golf Club
Gerrards Cross Golf Club is a classic private members’ club with a course that consistently challenges skilled golfers. The parkland layout makes intelligent use of elevation changes, doglegs and mature woodland to create a round that demands concentration from the opening tee shot. Despite its strong connections with London, the club feels unspoilt and uncrowded, offering a sense of calm that enhances the playing experience and preserves a sense of tranquillity despite its reputation and popularity.
A generous supply of social events, club matches and regular competitions gives the club a lively social calendar which feels fitting for its past suburban location. The facilities are high-quality, offering a range of driving ranges, putting greens, and practice bunkers and quality instruction to ensure even the most established golfer benefits from working on their game at Gerrard’s Cross.
The Buckinghamshire Golf Club
Just fifteen miles from the charming and eclectic neighbourhood of Notting Hill, yet nestled in the rolling countryside of Denham, The Buckinghamshire Golf Club is a modern bastion of private golf estates and in contention for the title of the finest the county has to offer. Its championship course has hosted European Tour events, with the layout designed to test every aspect of a golfer’s game. From precise drives to deft short game touches around the greens, the course routing makes excellent use of the natural terrain, so much so that holes practically flow through some of the more gentle rises, with plenty of dips and panoramic views to make playing here a memorable experience regardless of the scorecard.
Beyond the fairways, a beautifully restored 17th-century country house serves as the clubhouse, offering refined dining for post-match lunches and dinners, elegant lounges and private function spaces that give off an old-world and old-money appeal. Members enjoy exclusive access to events, personalised service and an estate that’s designed to impress. The Buckinghamshire Golf Club represents one of the most prestigious golfing addresses in the South of England.
