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Our latest trip to the Surrey sand-belt takes us to Tandridge, a club where tradition and history sit perfectly with a modern and visually stunning golf course...

Celebrated architect Harry Colt must have had a real blast back in the 1920s, given the numerous opportunities he had to design golf courses in the rolling hills of the Surrey sand-belt.

And when presented with a beautiful piece of land in the Tandridge Park estate just outside the town of Oxted in Surrey, Colt would have been rubbing his hands with glee at the chance to build a course with spectacular views over the North Downs and Kent and Sussex countryside.

The original 1924 course was a Colt classic, with over 300 bunkers (many with those famous curling lips and steep faces), elevated tees and typically creative use of the rolling natural terrain, featuring two loops of nine built into the attractive woodlands.

A comprehensive review of the course layout in 2000 repositioned a number of bunkers to restore the challenge for the better players in light of the technical advancements in equipment, with hundreds of trees moved and replanted to maintain the beautiful views and encourage heathland regeneration.

Subsequently, the modern-day Tandridge is an excellent challenge. A par-70 at 6,277 yards from the back tees, it seems a fair test for players of all abilities, beginning with four long-ish par fours in the opening five holes.

In general, the front nine is relatively flat and features plenty of chances to pull the driver out on tee-shots to wide and inviting fairways.

The back nine is where the drama really begins as Colt sends you out into the hills and valleys. The 13th, a long par three with a severe drop-off to the right and bunkers front and left, is a hole to test the nerves.

And it is followed by the club's signature hole, the 456-yard par-four 14th (pictured above). There cannot be many tee-shots as visually stunning in the whole of the South East, with your drive played from a high-tee down to a wide fairway below - with your second back up the hill to an elevated green guarded front and left by three bunkers.

It is the jewel in a majestic finishing stretch which includes another stunning elevated tee-shot on the 17th and a really testing 392-yard par-four finish along the valley to a well-guarded green.

The clubhouse, which has stood since 1928 when it was built to replace the original, which was destroyed by fire, is a building of real style and charisma where the traditions of the game are admirably still respected and upheld.

But there is no stuffiness here; Tandridge has a reputation for being one of the most welcoming and friendly members clubs around - and it's not hard to see why.

Overall: A traditional members club, but one that has struck a unique balance between retaining a sense of history and moving with the times. A challenging course, in fine condition, with stylish clubhouse and great facilities.

Favourite hole: Undoubtedly, the 14th. The view from the tee is stirring, and the challenge that awaits the second shot calls for skill and nerve.

Value-for-money: £68 for an all-day ticket in summer is excellent value. The club are also rightly proud of their Society Rates, which come in at under £100 for 36 holes and a four-course carvery lunch - very competitive for the Surrey sand-belt.

Details: Tandridge Golf Club, Oxted, Surrey, RH8 9NQ. Tel: 01883 712274

Website: www.tandridgegolfclub.com

Alex Sharratt / Eurosport