Toot Hill Golf Club – Fees, Reviews and Membership Guide

Toot Hill Golf Club stands as a distinctive parkland course nestled in the Essex countryside, offering golfers a challenging 18-hole layout that rewards precision and strategy. Located near Ongar, the club has built a reputation over three decades for delivering an honest test of golf without the pretension found at some higher-profile venues.

Since opening its gates in September 1991, the course has attracted players seeking meaningful competition away from the busier metropolitan clubs. The rolling terrain, mature woodland, and carefully positioned water features create a playing experience that evolves with each season.

For visitors and prospective members considering Toot Hill as their regular golfing destination, understanding the costs, facilities, and what past visitors have experienced becomes essential in making an informed decision. This guide brings together the available information to provide a comprehensive picture of what the club currently offers.

What are the green fees and membership costs at Toot Hill Golf Club?

Green fees at Toot Hill Golf Club vary considerably depending on the day of the week and whether players fall into standard or concession categories. The club maintains a two-tier pricing structure that reflects demand patterns throughout the week.

Current official green fees from the club’s website show weekday rates of £35 for Monday through Thursday with a discounted rate of £30 available. Friday pricing sits higher at £45 for standard play or £35 during certain periods. Weekend and bank holiday rounds cost £50, with a discounted rate of £40 also offered.

Other sources indicate slightly different structures, with some reporting flat weekday rates around £35 and weekend fees reaching £35. Concession pricing for seniors has been documented at £18 for Monday through Thursday rounds, with general weekday rates around £22 during those times. A 2018 price comparison document listed fees between £35 and £40, with reduced rates of £25 available after midday.

Visitor access policies allow play Monday through Friday except on bank holidays, with Sunday afternoons available upon advance notice. Member guests can play at reduced rates typically ranging from £23 to £28.

Understanding the membership structure

Specific membership fee details are not prominently available through public sources. Prospective members interested in joining should contact the club directly using the phone number +44 1277 365747 to obtain current membership pricing and available categories. Club opening hours run from 7am to 7pm during summer months and extend to 5pm in winter.

Societies are welcome at Toot Hill Golf Club, with dedicated packages available for groups seeking coordinated tee times and potentially discounted rates. The welcoming atmosphere noted in reviews suggests the club accommodates group bookings fairly readily.

Key points about pricing at Toot Hill

• Monday through Thursday green fees start from £30 with discounts available
• Friday rates reach £45 at peak times with £35 options during off-peak periods
• Weekend and bank holiday play costs up to £50 per round
• Visitor access is generally available weekdays and Sunday afternoons with notice
• Society packages exist for groups seeking coordinated bookings
• Current membership pricing requires direct inquiry with the club
• Price variations between sources suggest checking the official website for the most accurate figures

What do reviews say about Toot Hill Golf Club?

Player feedback for Toot Hill Golf Club presents a generally positive picture, with the course earning an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 across aggregated review platforms. Golfers consistently highlight the scenic parkland layout and the challenge it provides across all skill levels.

Praise for the course and facilities

Multiple reviewers describe the course as one of Essex’s most beautiful hilly layouts, with the undulating terrain offering visual appeal that extends beyond mere aesthetics. The combination of mature trees, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards creates a playing experience that rewards strategic thinking over brute power.

The quality of greens receives particular commendation, with players noting that the surfaces remain playable throughout the year without requiring temporary tees. This reliability appeals to regular golfers who value consistent conditions regardless of season.

Value for money emerges as a recurring theme in positive reviews, with many describing green fees as reasonable for the quality offered. The phrase “bargain” appears in several assessments, suggesting players feel they receive good return on their investment. The proximity to major road networks including the M11 and A414 makes access convenient for those coming from greater London or surrounding areas.

Criticisms and areas for improvement

Not all feedback paints an entirely positive picture. Some summer visitors express concerns about fees relative to perceived value during peak season, suggesting the pricing may not always align with expectations when demand runs high.

The signature par-3 12th hole, featuring an island green over water, receives mixed reviews regarding its “wow factor.” While the design element impresses some players, others find it lacks the dramatic impact expected from a signature hole. The par-5 17th, with its dogleg layout, tends to receive more consistent praise for strategic interest.

Pace of play emerges as a criticism in several reviews, with some players noting rounds can stretch longer than ideal. This issue affects the overall experience for visitors with limited time or those preferring quicker rounds.

The availability of alternative courses in the surrounding area means some reviewers suggest better options exist nearby, potentially dampening enthusiasm for return visits. This competitive landscape means Toot Hill must continuously deliver quality to retain players who might explore other venues.

Location and accessibility

Situated on School Road in Toot Hill, the club occupies a convenient position for players travelling from northeast London, Chelmsford, or surrounding Essex towns. The nearby Kelvedon Hatch bunker and proximity to Epping Forest provide additional context for players planning broader golfing itineraries in the region.

For those combining golf with other activities, the area offers access to various attractions that could form part of a day out. The Places to Go in London guide provides additional options for visitors extending their trip beyond the immediate golfing experience.

Where can I find the Toot Hill Golf Club scorecard and course map?

The scorecard at Toot Hill Golf Club provides detailed information across three tee configurations, each offering a different challenge level suited to varying player abilities. Understanding these options helps golfers select the appropriate tee for their game.

Available tee configurations

The White tees represent the longest option on the course, set at 18 holes with a par of 70. Official ratings list this configuration at 70.7 with a slope rating of 124, indicating a meaningful challenge for accomplished players.

The Yellow tees offer a middle option, also covering 18 holes at par 70. The rating of 68.4 and slope of 122 reflect the reduced distance compared to the White tees. Data from June 2020 confirms this configuration remained current at that time.

The Red tees complete the options, set at 18 holes but with a par of 71. The rating of 71.2 and slope of 124 suggest this configuration provides a fair challenge, though the par difference from the other tees indicates varying hole lengths that could affect scoring expectations.

Course map availability

No downloadable PDF of the full scorecard or course map appears in available sources. The official website hosts descriptive information and images showing the layout, but embedded downloadable files are not present. Players seeking detailed hole-by-hole maps may need to contact the club directly or obtain materials during a visit.

Key holes worth noting include the par-3 12th with its island green requiring precise club selection to carry water, and the par-5 17th featuring a dogleg that rewards strategic positioning off the tee. These signature holes appear in multiple descriptions and reviews, suggesting they represent memorable moments in any round.

Golfers planning specific strategies would benefit from walking the course in advance of competitive rounds, as the undulating terrain creates elevation changes that can affect shot selection and club choice beyond simple distance calculations.

What cafe and menu options are available at Toot Hill Golf Club?

The clubhouse at Toot Hill provides cafe facilities for visitors, though detailed menu information remains limited in public sources. The welcoming atmosphere noted in reviews extends to the hospitality offered in the club’s dining and refreshment areas.

General facilities

The clubhouse operates during standard opening hours, with summer months seeing extended service until 7pm while winter operations conclude at 5pm. This timing allows for both morning rounds concluding with refreshments and afternoon tea following later starts.

A pro shop operates on-site, providing equipment, apparel, and potentially custom fitting services. The presence of professional retail facilities indicates commitment to supporting players’ equipment needs beyond the course itself.

Society and group catering

Groups booking tee times through the society packages can likely arrange catering to suit their requirements. The club’s willingness to accommodate group bookings suggests flexibility in providing food and beverage options for larger parties.

For visitors planning specific dining expectations, direct contact with the club using +44 1277 365747 would provide the most accurate information regarding current menu offerings, pricing, and availability for private events or celebrations.

How did Toot Hill Golf Club develop over time?

The evolution of Toot Hill Golf Club reflects a measured approach to establishment and growth, with development progressing steadily from initial conception through to the established venue it represents today.

1. 1989: Construction of the course commenced, transforming the rural Essex landscape into what would become the foundations of the club. The initial building phase established the basic infrastructure including routing, drainage, and initial turf establishment.
2. September 1991: The course officially opened, presenting golfers with Martin Gillett’s design featuring rolling hills, mature tree lines, and strategic bunker placement. The opening marked the culmination of nearly three years of development work.
3. Early 1990s onwards: The club established itself within the regional golfing community, building membership and attracting visitors seeking quality parkland golf without metropolitan pricing pressures.
4. Present day: The club maintains active operations including social media presence, updated website information, and ongoing visitor welcome policies. An Instagram following of approximately 767 demonstrates continued engagement with the golfing community.

The company registered as TOOT HILL GOLF CLUB LIMITED (company number 02610485) handles business operations, with records available through official Companies House channels. This corporate structure indicates professional management approach to the club’s affairs.

What is confirmed and unconfirmed about Toot Hill Golf Club?

Certain information about Toot Hill Golf Club appears reliable based on consistent multi-source reporting, while other details require verification through direct contact with the club.

How does Toot Hill fit into the Essex golf landscape?

Essex hosts a diverse collection of golf courses ranging from prestigious venues with international reputations to honest local options serving community needs. Toot Hill occupies a particular niche within this spectrum.

The parkland character distinguishes Toot Hill from links courses found along the Essex coast and inland heathland venues that dominate other parts of the county. The mature tree-lined fairways and rolling topography create a different playing experience compared to more exposed courses where wind plays a greater role.

For visitors exploring golf in the region, the location provides access to various courses within reasonable driving distance. Those seeking broader itineraries might consider the Best Places to Visit in October resource for combining golf with other autumn activities in the area.

The course’s proximity to Epping Forest adds recreational context, potentially appealing to visitors who enjoy outdoor activities beyond golf. This combination of accessibility, natural beauty, and golfing challenge positions Toot Hill as a viable option for both local players and those willing to travel for quality parkland golf.

What do official sources say about Toot Hill Golf Club?

Various sources contribute to the available information about Toot Hill Golf Club, each bringing different perspectives and emphasis.

The club’s own materials describe the course with promotional language emphasizing unique character, though specific details tend toward general descriptions rather than technical specifications.

Golf course ranking platforms provide more analytical assessments, with one noting “situated to the south of the village” when describing location and offering insights into design philosophy and playing characteristics.

Expert assessments from golfing professionals highlight the “breathtaking views” from opening holes, suggesting the terrain provides aesthetic rewards alongside playing challenges.

The company’s registered status provides official business verification, confirming operational existence and legal standing within UK company structures. This formal record complements the more subjective assessments found in golfing media and player reviews.

What should visitors know before playing Toot Hill Golf Club?

Toot Hill Golf Club represents a capable parkland option for golfers seeking quality without premium pricing. The 18-hole layout provides honest challenge across all skill levels, with the terrain and hazards creating meaningful decision points throughout any round.

Those planning visits should verify current green fees directly with the club, as pricing structures may have changed since the information compiled in this article. Booking ahead, particularly for weekend play, helps ensure tee time availability and allows the club to prepare for group visitors.

Players unfamiliar with the course would benefit from studying the layout before arrival, as the undulating terrain and strategic bunkering reward preparation. The signature 12th hole demands particular attention given the water carry required from the tee.