Opened on 9th June 1993 by Nick Faldo, Stockley Park is a PGA European Tour Course. It is one of the few courses designed by internationally acclaimed golf architect Robert Trent Jones Snr. It is characteristic of his unique style with vast teeing areas, dramatic bunker shapes and an imaginative use of water.
Modern construction techniques have been applied using sand-based greens, and a fully automated irrigation system, which covers greens, tees and fairways. An extensive drainage system ensures the course is maintained in the best possible condition all year round.
The course measures 6,754 yards from the back tees with four par 5's and four par 3's. The prevailing wind means that correct club selection is as important as shot execution. Well positioned jigsaw bunkers, large stepped greens and undulating contours add to the demands required of the golfer. Stockley Park is operated on a daily fee basis and is open to all. Rangers patrol the course to ensure that etiquette and speed of play is observed.
The Clubhouse overlooks the 9th and 18th greens and offers a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Societies and corporate golfers are welcome on weekdays and can play 9, 18, 27 or 36 holes in whichever format they choose.
Front nine The 1st hole is one of the most difficult opening holes you will ever play. A dogleg left with hazards both left and right, good club selection is required to avoid the fairway bunker. The approach to the green needs to be precise, as anything left is out of bounds and a large kidney shaped bunker protects the right.
With one of the hardest holes on the course under your belt a short walk is required across the footbridge to the 2nd hole. The first of the water hazards is at the 2nd, a relatively straight hole with a fairway bunker on the left. Clear this and you will have an approach over the lake.
You begin the 3rd on a mound overlooking the lake. A wayward tee shot and you are likely to find one of the four large bunkers that are strategically placed for anything venturing off centre. The approach is a difficult shot requiring skill to stop the ball on this plateau green. Don't be too strong as there is a bunker at the back of the green that is not visible from the fairway.
Standing on the 4th tee watching the aircraft approaching Heathrow is the setting for the first of the par 3's. If the wind is against the 4th can be tough and punishing. Water doesn't effect this hole but a number of green side traps await.
Next is the 5th and the first par 5, a long, uphill hole that bends away to the right. Whether you attempt the green in 2 shots or lay up, beware, the 5th has the smallest green on the course so precision is essential.
Having completed the first five holes it is now time to return back across the bridge to attack the rest of the course. The toughest part of the 6th hole is the drive; it is one of the hardest on the course. The ideal position is to get over the hill to give you a better view of the pin. Your approach should favour the right side of the green.
After a short walk around the back of the 9th and 18th tees you will arrive at the 7th tee. Out of bounds on the left and right makes an iron the smart shot. Don't be long, as there are a number of hazards behind the green.
The 8th is the shortest hole on the course. Accuracy is a must as the green slopes from left to right and the bunkers await any mistakes. It is not as easy as it looks.
A blind drive on the 9th needs to carry the bunker at the top of the hill. This shot takes out the dogleg and offers a short iron to the green. Watch out for the green, it slopes towards the lake.
Back nine Dogleg right, the par 5 10th has out of bounds on the right. Big hitters may wish to take on the plantation as the drive will take a further 50 yards off your approach shot. The green is guarded by two large bunkers and is one of the largest on the course, undulating in every direction.� The long par 3 11th has a two tier green, not too many shots go through the back of this hole.
The 12th does not favour the driver as the fairway narrows close to the green. An iron shot is suggested here to land just in front of the bunker. The green is protected by out of bounds long and left.
The longest hole on the course is the 13th, unreachable in two by most. Two large bunkers guard the front of the hole with a narrow entrance into the green.
Although it is possible to drive the green on the short par 4 14th hole, it is rarely worth the risk. A lay up with an iron will leave a pitch to a small 'upturned saucer' shaped green.
Positional play is a must for the 15th, as there is out of bounds left and a plantation in front. An iron shot to the bottom of the gully is suggested for this hole. Large bunkers are left, right and directly behind the green so be accurate.
The 16th requires a tee shot just right of centre to set up a short iron approach to the green. Beware there is hidden trouble on the right in the form of a water hazard and a bunker. The green is a small target so check your yardage.
The 17th is a deceiving hole where the green looks a lot closer than it actually is. A large bunker waits in front on the right and the green slopes from back to front.
To finish your round you could not ask for a better hole than the 18th. From the front tee this par 5 requires a perfect drive just to the left of the large white marker on the edge of the plantation. If you hit the ball down the middle of the fairway you could end up in the rough or even the plantation on the right. Lay up if you want to play safe, otherwise you can go for the green in two with your second. The two sand traps and the lake that protrudes into the middle of the fairway make this a very narrow entrance. Treat this shot with respect.