The Royal Automobile Club Golf Club

The Royal Automobile Club Golf Club's Old Course sits on the Woodcote Park estate in Epsom, Surrey, approximately fifteen miles southwest of central London. The course occupies gently rolling parkland that was once part of a private estate, and the club itself was established in the early twentieth century as the country sporting facility for the Royal Automobile Club. The Old Course was designed by Harry Colt and opened in 1913, representing one of his earlier complete eighteen-hole layouts during a period when he was establishing himself as one of Britain's foremost golf architects. Colt routed the course across varied terrain that includes mature woodland, open parkland, and subtle elevation changes characteristic of the Surrey landscape. The design features his typical strategic bunkering and green complexes that reward thoughtful play rather than pure length. Several holes move through corridors of oak and beech trees, while others play across more open ground with views toward the North Downs. The layout measures over 6,700 yards from the back tees and presents a traditional members' course experience with a balance of risk-reward opportunities and demanding approach shots. The club maintains a private membership and operates as the sporting arm of the Royal Automobile Club, with facilities that extend beyond golf to include other recreational amenities. The Old Course shares the property with a second eighteen-hole layout, the Coronation Course, which was added later to accommodate the membership.