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Over 70 years ago, Walter Tarrant bought 200 acres of the Wentworth
estate, including the late 18th century gothic-style country house –
built for the Duke of Wellington’s brother-in-law. Gold architect
Harry Shapland Colt was engaged to design two courses. The East
opened in 1924, the West three years later. Characterised by the
varied demands of heather carries and narrow fairways, with Gary
Player and Bernard Gallacher, the Edinburgh provides a fair test
without being a copy of either of its predecessors.
In the past decade, around £17 million has been invested in
developing the facilities on what are now the 700 acres of Wentworth
Club. The improvements have included the installation of a
computerised irrigation system on the West course, a new Halfway
House, serving the East and West, and a similar amenity on the
Edinburgh.
Although a mere youngster in golfing terms, Wentworth has played an
important part in British golf history, and has been praised by,
among others, Seve Ballesteros, who says, ‘I rate Wentworth at the
very top of my list of favourite places... The Club is warm and
friendly and has always treated me well. The West course is, for me,
the ultimate examination’.
The Club hosted the forerunner to the Ryder Cup in 1926, the
inaugural Curtis Cup in 1932, and the Canada Cup in 1956 drew over
30,000 spectators. More recently the West course has become known to
millions worldwide through the annual PGA and World Match Play
Championships. Wentworth is perhaps the only club in the world to
host three prominent professional tournaments every year – the HSBC
World Match Play Championship, the Volvo PGA Championship and the
Travis Perkins Senior Masters, played on the Edinburgh course.
Facilities are outstanding. The Tennis & Health Club has 15 outdoor
courts and four different playing surfaces and is rated by tennis
pro, Kevin Curren as delivering some of the best tennis facilities
in Britain. Then there’s a 25 metre indoor pool, gymnasium, aerobics
studio, spa and restaurant together with the 30 metre outdoor heated
swimming pool, not forgetting the three 18-hole championship golf
courses, a less demanding 9-hole challenge, driving range, two
putting greens, practice bunker and chipping green.
A rhododendron-lined drive leads to the famous Clubhouse. Superb
golfers’ facilities encompass a spiked complex with caddiemaster,
bag drop, locker rooms and professional’s shop. The Dining Room
noted for fine English food, and the Burma Bar overlook the 18th
green of the East and the lake, while the Club Lounge is an ideal
place to relax.
Four versatile private function rooms, a billiards room, a gabled
ballroom accommodating up to 280 guests, dormy rooms with en-suite
bathrooms and a luxury two-bedroomed suite all contribute to one of
the most superior and cosmopolitan Clubhouses in the world.
Wentworth Club
Virginia Water, Surrey GU25 4LS
Tel: 01344 842201
Fax: 01344 842804
www.wentworthclub.com
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