The club
Where is The Wisley?
Mill Lane, Ripley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QU, in 224 acres of Surrey countryside. It is less than an hour from central London and about half an hour from Heathrow by car.
When was The Wisley established, and who designed it?
The club opened in 1991. The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., with Kyle Phillips contributing.
How is the course laid out?
Twenty-seven holes in three loops of nine: The Church, The Garden and The Mill. Two loops combine for an eighteen-hole round. From the back tees The Church and The Mill together measure about 6,754 yards, par 72; The Garden runs slightly longer in some combinations.
Why do people choose The Wisley over other clubs near London?
It is owned by its members, so the club answers to nobody else. It has 27 holes by Robert Trent Jones Jr. rather than a single eighteen, practice facilities more extensive than most clubs of its kind in the United Kingdom, and it sits under an hour from central London. It is widely regarded as one of the most exclusive private members' clubs in the country.
Ownership and membership
Who owns The Wisley?
The club is entirely owned by its members. Each member holds a share.
How many members are there?
About seven hundred.
Can non-members play?
The Wisley is a private club. Non-members cannot book tee times; guests play only when hosted by a member. There are no green fees, society days or corporate days.
Is there a selection process?
Yes. Prospective members are invited to a playing interview with senior club staff, such as the Chief Executive and the Director of Golf.
How does someone enquire about joining?
By introduction from a member, or by contacting reception on +44 (0)1483 211 022 or reception@thewisley.com. Applications are by invitation.
Has demand for membership changed recently?
Yes. Since the pandemic, more Londoners have moved to Surrey and joined clubs nearby, and The Wisley has seen a marked rise in interest. Membership is selective and joining is competitive.
The course
What style is the course?
Predominantly parkland with heathland influences. The River Wey and the adjacent canal border or run through parts of The Mill and The Church. The Garden, recently renovated, has lakes, streams and well-contoured greens with run-offs.
Has the course been renovated?
Yes, in phases: drainage improved, bunkers repositioned, grasses updated to suit the climate, and greens restored to their original sizes. The Garden nine had a £1.3 million refurbishment. The clubhouse bar and restaurant were refurbished in 2009.
What are the scorecard statistics?
From the back tees, The Church and The Mill together play about 6,754 yards, par 72. Slope and standard scratch score vary by combination; the SSS is around 73 for some tee combinations.
What practice facilities are there?
The Wisley is known for extensive practice facilities, more than many clubs of its type in the United Kingdom. A dedicated greenkeeping team maintains the course, with a long-standing partnership with Toro for turf equipment.
How difficult is the course?
Challenging. It is tight off the tee, with strategic hazards and little forgiveness for a wayward shot. The conditioning is widely praised, and most players find they need their best game.
Recognition
Has The Wisley received awards?
The 2009 refurbishment of the clubhouse bar and restaurant won Refurbishment of the Year. The Garden renovation and the modernisation of course equipment are part of the club's reputation for excellence, and it is often described as one of the most exclusive clubs in the United Kingdom.
How exclusive is it?
The Wisley is ranked among the elite private clubs in the United Kingdom. Membership fees, share ownership, the playing interview and the standard of the course underpin that.
The Wisley Foundation
What is The Wisley Foundation?
A charity established in January 2009, registered number 1127848, that takes a strategic approach to the charitable funds raised by members of the club.
What does the Foundation support?
Small local charities in Surrey and the surrounding counties, especially those supporting people of all ages in need. It prefers project-based work with measurable outcomes over unrestricted gifts, and favours smaller charities where its help makes a real difference.
How much has the Foundation raised?
Over the past fifteen years, members and staff of The Wisley have helped raise more than £1.3 million.
Why is the Foundation needed?
Despite Surrey's reputation, parts of the county have high levels of social deprivation alongside reduced national and local funding for charitable causes. The Foundation fills some of those gaps close to home.
How does the Foundation relate to the club?
It is the members' way of giving something back to their local communities. Its approach is supported by the club's Board, and it keeps its project funding transparent and accountable.