This is a historically very significant course, as Abercromby was one of the original heathland pioneers, who broke away from seeing golf exclusively as links golf. The Addington is one of the earliest great inland courses, appearing alongside such dignitaries as Sunningdale and Walton Heath. Unfortunately it has lost some of its appeal and today competes in the faded classic category. However, it is still a very unique and spectacular course in many places.

The main culprit are probably the trees, which have conspired to change the heathland character into more of a parkland setting. There are some patches of heather remaining, but the gravelly, loamy soil does not bode well for its future. Whether long-term agronomic neglect has actually taken place or not, the fact is that this Surrey course does not play anything like its great heathland cousins nearby. While it clearly was designed for firm and fast turf, it is either soggy or rock-hard - as is the fate of loamy courses all around the world. It cannot play true to its original design for most of the year.

The first five holes don't help the cause either, as they are fairly standard, tree-lined parkland fare. In firm and fast conditions they might be more exciting, but as it is the course starts with the 6th bunker. The stretch from here to #13 is downright stupendous due to the starkly undulating terrain and a number of bottomless gorges complete with what seem to be very ancient, wooden bridges. Unfortunately they do necessitate some rather ambitious forced carries, so The Addington is not playable for everyone. Holes #16 and #17 are also notable, the rest ok.

No doubt, the fun holes are a blast, although they too would profit from better soil. But some of the other holes aren't especially memorable and make this a mixed bag with some extraordinary highlights.