The West Course, which winds like a snake through a densely wooded estate and offers tightly bordered fairways, begins with a huge par four of some 470 yards in length from the championship stakes. The 2nd hole, though a relatively short par three, is another great hole, with the bunker placement on the right the making of the challenge. The par four, 7th hole may be rather innocuous looking from the tee but can often prove devilishly tough, requiring an uphill approach over a well-positioned bunker. And the inconvenient presence of a pond in front of the 8th green makes this hole another interesting challenge.

It’s the homeward stretch however, that ensures that Wentworth’s West Course is an acclaimed matchplay venue. A recently built elevated tee has made the approach to the angled green on the 11th even tougher, while the uphill 440-yard 13th is a splendid driving hole. Last of the long par fours, the 15th requires a strong drive and brave approach over a stream and is rated by many as the finest hole on the course. But it is on the two closing par fives that the serious drama can unfold. With the 17th bending to the left and the 18th bending to the right, the key here is position from the tee. You can be assured that every element of your game is tested over the closing holes.