Every spring, Sunningdale Golf Club hosts one of the most unique competitions in the British golfing calendar. An event that sees amateurs take on tour professionals and celebrity golfers, like Gareth Bale, over four days of matchplay action. It’s called the Sunningdale Foursomes.
It may not carry the prize money or the global notoriety of some of professional golf events, but try explaining to those who play in it that it doesn’t matter as much.
Played across both of the courses at the Berkshire venue, the new Old and New Course, it’s a tournament that has become the unofficial curtain-raiser on the new golf season in the UK.
Our very own Tom Irwin and Nicola Slater competed in this year’s edition to find out what makes this such a standout event.
What are the Sunningdale Foursomes?
The Sunningdale Foursomes is an annual pairs competition.
First played in 1934, the event has morphed into one of the most respected and sought-after amateur competitions across the UK.
Foursomes is a format where two players compete as a team and take alternate shots with the same ball. It’s played at the Ryder Cup where Team Europe and Team USA face-off against each-other.
48 Hours In host Tom Irwin and Professional Golfer Nicola Slater competing in the 2026 Sunningdale Foursomes | Source: James Sparkes
“I think it’s the eclectic nature of it (what makes the event so special),” said Tristan Hall the Managing Director at Sunningdale Golf Club.
“We have anything from England internationals that are just starting out, we have a couple of 13-year-olds in the field this year, through to Charley Hull.
“Then you have got the likes of Gareth Bale and Andy Murray. It’s a great mix.”
Why it’s such a special event
“It’s quite a hard thing to explain to people about what makes it different and what makes it special, what makes it unique. It really is (all of those),” said Tom Irwin, 48 Hours In host and competitor of the 2026 Sunningdale Foursome.
Widely regarded as one of the finest 36-hole golf destinations in the UK, some view it to be a bucket-list place to play golf. But, is it the mix of competitors that makes it such a special event?
Tom Irwin competing in the 2026 Sunningdale Foursomes | Source: James Sparkes
“It’s where the whole golf world meets at the opening of the season at one of the best venues in the country. So, it is quite hard to beat in terms of a way of spending your time even when you get absolutely hammered in the country.
“But I’d do it all again tomorrow.”
Over the years, the Sunningdale Foursomes have attracted some of the biggest names both in and outside of golf.
Charley Hull, professional golfer on the LPGA and Ladies’ European Tour, spoke to the NCG Top 100s YouTube channel about her fondness of the event.
“I play it every year, I just love it,” she said. “I, obviously, live like two minutes around the corner and I just think it’s a really fun event.”
“It’s a cool event that has got a lot of history to it, a lot of great players play it,” said two-time European Tour winner Robert Rock.
“Obviously, you have got to be good to get in it in the first place which brings its own level of standard to the event.
“To get to play Sunningdale is the main reason.”
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NOW HAVE YOUR SAY
What do you make of the Sunningdale Foursomes? Have you ever played in them. Have you ever played at Sunningdale? What was your experience of the course or courses? Let us know by leaving a comment or by getting in touch with us on X!