The Drift golf Club

The Drift occupies gently rolling Surrey heathland near East Horsley, about twenty-five miles southwest of London. Opened in 1976, the course was designed by Robert Sandow in collaboration with three-time Open Championship winner Henry Cotton, who lent his expertise during the layout phase. The property sits within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the design takes advantage of natural elevation changes and mature woodland that frame many holes. The routing moves through a mix of open heathland and tree-lined corridors typical of the region's inland courses. The layout measures around 6,400 yards from the back tees and presents a parkland character with strategic bunkering and several water hazards that come into play. Sandow and Cotton shaped greens with subtle contours that reward accurate approach shots, and the course demands thoughtful club selection rather than overwhelming length. Doglegs and elevation shifts create variety throughout the round, and the closing stretch includes holes that tighten as players return toward the clubhouse. The Drift operates as a members' club with visitor access, maintaining a welcoming atmosphere common to many Surrey clubs. The clubhouse offers traditional amenities and views over the course, and the club has developed a reputation for consistent conditioning and a friendly membership base. While it does not host professional tournaments, The Drift serves as a solid example of mid-1970s British course design that respects the natural landscape without excessive earthmoving.