Why Swinley Forest Refuses to Chase Fashion

There is something wonderfully refreshing about visiting a club that refuses to be hurried.

Swinley Forest is one of those rare places where you feel as though you have stepped back in time — but without ever feeling that you have been left behind.

Founded in 1909, Swinley Forest has built its reputation around tradition, character and a very clear sense of what makes the club special. It is a place where the past isn't simply preserved; it is part of the club's identity.

There is a wonderful nod to P.G. Wodehouse in the atmosphere, the characters and the sense of English sporting life that surrounds the club. Over the years, its membership has included Prime Ministers and members of the Royal Family, adding to a history that is both fascinating and distinctly Swinley.

Yet what makes the club particularly interesting today is that this respect for tradition doesn't mean standing still.

Quite the opposite.

The course continues to embrace modern best practice in course management and design, ensuring that it remains as challenging, enjoyable and beautifully presented as ever. The hospitality is equally strong — understated, personal and delivered in a way that feels entirely appropriate to the club.

Even the pro shop perfectly captures that balance between heritage and modernity. Immaculately presented, it carries the latest brands and models, giving the lucky visitor — whether from the UK or overseas — the opportunity to take home something from the experience and wear it with genuine pride.

One of the most interesting parts of Swinley’s story is the man guiding its next chapter.

Gordon Simpson and I first met when he was at Ladybank Golf Club. After leading Gullane — another historic club with extensive experience welcoming international visitors — he arrived at Swinley just over a year ago.

Gordon understands how to protect a club’s character while meeting the expectations of today’s travelling golfer, making him well suited to lead Swinley as its international reputation grows.

That makes Gordon the perfect person to take on the role at Swinley.

He understands instinctively how important tradition and authenticity are to a great club, while also appreciating what today's visiting golfer expects. He has seen first-hand how you can protect the character and values of a historic club while delivering an outstanding experience for golfers travelling from all over the world.

And perhaps that is exactly what Swinley needs as its reputation continues to grow internationally.

At a time when golf can sometimes feel obsessed with the newest course, the latest technology, the next big development or the latest 'must-play' destination, Swinley Forest reminds us that there is enormous value in knowing who you are.

Sometimes, the most modern thing you can do is simply be exceptionally good at what you have always believed in.

Swinley has always been a special place to play, but it is increasingly being recognised by golfers from around the world who are discovering just how good it is. For those lucky enough to experience it, there is a sense that you are playing not just a golf course, but a piece of golf history.

For us at Grapes&Greens, Swinley captures what golf is really about: people, places, stories, heritage and character.

And there is nobody better placed to bring some of those stories to life than my long-standing friend Gordon Simpson, Secretary of Swinley Forest.

Our conversation with Gordon will be released on 21 October as part of the Grapes&Greens Podcast. We will talk about Swinley's history, its traditions, its characters and what makes the club so special in today's rapidly changing world.

Sometimes, going back in time is the best way to understand where golf should be going next.

— Niall

If you think Touriga Nacional sounds like the name of a Portuguese footballer, you’re not far off. It’s actually one of Portugal’s great grape varieties — and Hedges Family Estate has decided to give it a rather different home in the sunshine of Washington State.

Hedges Family Estate was founded in 1987 by Tom and Anne-Marie Hedges in Red Mountain, a hot, dry corner of Washington State where the vineyards get plenty of sunshine and very little rainfall.

The family has spent decades proving that this rugged landscape can produce seriously good wine. Now the next generation, Sarah Hedges Goedhart and her brother Christophe, are pushing things a little further by planting Portuguese varieties that are perfectly happy dealing with the heat.

Think of it as taking a Portuguese golfer and sending them to Arizona — they should be quite comfortable!

The Hedges vineyards are Demeter-certified biodynamic, which basically means they take looking after the land very seriously.

Chickens patrol the vineyards keeping unwanted pests under control, cover crops help protect and nourish the soil, and the Touriga Nacional vines are trained as traditional bush vines.

It’s all very hands-on, with low yields producing small, concentrated grapes. In wine terms, that means less quantity, more flavour — a bit like finding the sweet spot with your driver.

First impressions? Big, dark and seriously good-looking.

It pours a deep, almost ink-like purple — the sort of colour that tells you this isn't going to be a delicate little number.

The nose brings plenty of dark fruit, with blackberry and plum joined by violets, lavender and a touch of earthy minerality.

Then comes the good stuff.

There’s plenty of ripe blackberry and dark plum, followed by dark chocolate, black pepper, nutmeg and a lovely mineral character. The tannins give it plenty of grip, but the cool desert nights keep the wine fresh and balanced rather than heavy.

The finish is long, dry and slightly savoury, with hints of espresso and balsamic freshness.

This is a big, bold red with plenty going on, but it’s not all muscle. There’s freshness and elegance underneath it, which makes it surprisingly easy to enjoy.

It would be very happy alongside roast lamb, steak, BBQ or anything that comes off the grill — ideally after a good round when you've earned it.

And if you're wondering how long you could keep it?

Well, you could cellar it for years… or you could simply open it tonight.

After all, unlike golf, wine doesn't keep score.

— Tom

Special Specialist Price: Hedges Family Estate Touriga Red Mountain AVA 2018

We’re offering an exclusive Grapes & Greens discounted price of just £21.50 on this outstanding 2018 vintage.

Which matters more to you: preserving tradition or giving it a new setting? Hit reply—we’d love to hear your view.

The Grapes&Greens Team