Toot Hill Golf Club – Essex Parkland Guide with Fees and Reviews

Toot Hill Golf Club offers an 18-hole parkland experience in the heart of Essex, drawing golfers with its mature landscape and strategic layout. Located in Toot Hill near Ongar, the course has built a reputation as a welcoming venue for visitors and societies since its opening in 1991.

The club provides green fee options starting from £25 midweek, making it an accessible choice for golfers seeking quality play without premium pricing. Its signature island green on the 12th hole creates a memorable challenge, while the course’s rolling terrain and mature trees deliver scenic variety throughout the round.

Those considering membership or a single visit will find comprehensive facilities including a grass driving range, pro shop, and teaching services. Tee times can be arranged through the club’s website or by telephone, with societies welcomed throughout the week.

Location and Contact Information

Toot Hill Golf Club sits in rural Essex, approximately 3 miles from Ongar town centre. The full address is School Lane, Toot Hill, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9SJ. Visitors traveling by car will find the club accessible from the M25 and A12, with free parking available on-site.

The pro shop coordinates enquiries and bookings directly. Golfers can reach the club by telephoning 01277 365523 for tee time reservations and general information. The teaching professional, Mark Bishop, can be contacted separately on 01277 365747 for lesson bookings.

Course Overview and Key Statistics

The 18-hole layout measures 6,254 yards from the back tees, playing to a par of 70. Designed by Essex-based architect Martin Gillett, the course opened in September 1991 after construction began in 1989. Despite its relatively recent establishment, mature trees and rolling terrain give the course an established character that belies its age.

Course Layout and Signature Holes

The out-and-back routing takes players through varied parkland terrain featuring water hazards and mature woodland. Water comes into play on several holes, demanding accurate shot-making from players of all handicap levels.

The 511-yard par-5 seventh hole provides an opportunity for aggressive players to score, while the 453-yard par-4 fourteenth carries a stroke index of 1, making it the most demanding hole on the card. The short par-4 eighteenth hole features cross bunkers that catch wayward approach shots, creating dramatic finishes for visiting groups.

The par-3 twelfth hole stands apart as the course’s signature feature. Its island green requires a precise club selection, rewarding clean striking while penalising offline shots that find the surrounding water.

Tee Options and Yardage

The slope rating of 122 from the yellow tees indicates a moderate-to-challenging test for players of average ability. Golfers preferring shorter holes can select from multiple tee positions to match their game.

Playing Experience and Course Conditions

Independent reviews consistently praise the course condition, noting that both fairways and greens maintain excellent quality throughout the year. Unlike some parkland venues requiring temporary winter tees, Toot Hill remains playable year-round without such accommodations.

Players have described the pace of play as average, with rounds typically completing within four to four-and-a-half hours. The moderate challenge level suits a wide range of abilities, though the water features and strategic bunker placement reward thoughtful shot selection.

Walking is permitted and encouraged, with pull-carts available for hire. Electric and manual golf carts can also be rented from the pro shop for those preferring vehicle assistance.

Facilities Available

• Grass driving range for practice
• Putting green adjacent to the first tee
• Pro shop with equipment and apparel
• Club and cart rental services
• Bar and dining facilities
• Banquet rooms for events and societies

Green Fees and Visitor Policy

Green fees at Toot Hill represent strong value within the Essex market. Midweek rates start at £25–£35 for 18 holes, rising to £30–£50 during weekend play. Day rates are available at approximately £45 midweek, offering full access for extended visits.

Visitors are welcome throughout the week without significant restrictions. Proper golf attire is required, consistent with standard dress code expectations at UK clubs. The club accepts visitors via online booking or telephone reservation, with walk-up play subject to availability.

Society and Group Bookings

Societies receive preferential rates from £27 per person, with packages typically including green fees and optional catering arrangements. Group bookings should be arranged in advance through the club office to ensure tee time availability.

Members may invite guests to play on weekends, though some afternoon tee times remain restricted to member play only. Visitors and societies should confirm these details when booking to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Membership Options

The club offers 7-day membership options allowing unlimited access throughout the year. Specific membership fees are not published publicly, reflecting the club’s preference for direct enquiries about current rates and joining conditions.

Those interested in membership should contact the pro shop or club management directly to discuss available categories and payment options. Visitor and society deals provide an alternative for golfers who prefer flexibility over full membership commitment.

Club History and Development

Construction of the course began in 1989 under the direction of Martin Gillett, an Essex-based golf course architect. The venue opened for play in September 1991, establishing itself as a purpose-built golf facility in the rural landscape northwest of Ongar.

The mature tree growth that characterises the course today was planted during or shortly after construction, creating immediate visual appeal that has deepened over three decades. The rolling terrain provides natural drainage and visual interest, reducing maintenance requirements while enhancing playability.

Recent reviews spanning 2023 and 2024 make no mention of significant renovations or major course alterations, suggesting the original Gillett design continues to deliver the intended challenge without substantial modification.

How Toot Hill Compares to Nearby Courses

Toot Hill holds a ranking of 10th best golf course in Essex according to independent reviews, positioning it among the county’s established venues without claiming top-tier status. Nearby alternatives include North Weald Golf Club, which carries approximately a 3.9 rating from review platforms, and Stapleford Tawney Golf Club, rated around 3.6.

The course distinguishes itself through its island green feature and competitive green fee structure, appealing particularly to societies and visitors prioritising value alongside quality. Local courses range from exclusive private clubs to public pay-and-play venues, with Toot Hill occupying an accessible middle position.

What Visitors Say

Aggregate reviews rate Toot Hill Golf Club at approximately 4.0 out of 5, reflecting generally positive experiences across multiple platforms. Players frequently cite the consistent course conditions and reasonable green fees as standout positives, with many describing the venue as a “hidden gem” among Essex golf courses.

The par-3 holes receive particular praise, with the island green 12th consistently mentioned as a memorable feature. Staff friendliness has received mixed feedback, though several reviewers note that helpful assistance is typically available when requested.

Those sharing experiences on Golfshake and Top100golfcourses highlight the year-round playability, scenic parkland setting, and excellent value when compared to pricier regional alternatives. The moderate challenge level attracts golfers seeking enjoyable rather than punishing rounds.

Confirmed Details and Areas of Uncertainty

The following assessment distinguishes established facts from areas where current information remains limited.

Planning Your Visit

Visitors should confirm their tee time before arriving, particularly during peak weekend periods when demand peaks. The online booking system accessible through the club’s website provides real-time availability and immediate confirmation.

Those travelling from further afield can combine golf with visits to nearby attractions in rural Essex, though accommodation options within the immediate vicinity remain limited. Hotels in Brentwood or Chelmsford provide convenient alternatives for overnight stays.

The club accommodates societies throughout the week, with advance booking essential for groups exceeding four players. Standard visitor dress code requirements apply, and electric or manual carts can be arranged in advance if required.

Sources and Further Information

Official information is available through the club’s own website at toothillgolfclub.co.uk, which publishes current green fee rates and booking options.

Independent course information appears on Top100golfcourses.com, offering detailed reviews and photographic documentation of each hole.

Visitor reviews and community feedback can be found on Golfshake.com, providing aggregated ratings and individual player perspectives on course conditions and overall experience.

Summary

Toot Hill Golf Club delivers a well-maintained parkland experience at accessible green fee rates, making it a practical choice for visitors and societies seeking quality golf without premium pricing. The course rewards accurate play through its water features and island green, while the mature setting provides visual appeal throughout the seasons. Those interested in membership should contact the club directly for current rates, while visitors can book tee times online or by telephone. For sporting events in the area, consider checking England vs Andorra Tickets – How to Buy, Prices and Availability or Ipswich Town vs Southampton – Preview, H2H and Prediction for additional local sporting information.

Frequently Asked Questions