The Oaks

What can you buy for £18 pound these days? A takeaway, a couple of sleeves of balls, a round of drinks down the local? Or a round of golf just 12.4 miles from the centre of London at The Oaks.

At under 5900 yards it's not long but for a lazy Sunday afternoon knock what more could you ask for? Although don't be lulled into thinking it's a pushover. With it's tight raised greens you will need to make accurate and confident approach shots even though the course isn't heavily bunkered.

The best hole is the par 5 14th. Gently downhill, this 497 yarder isn't too daunting. That is until you spot the huge oak down the right of the fairway, directly on the shortest line to the green. The branches just seem to reach out and pluck the balls from mid air. It does have its fair share of divots, and pitch marks but then it is a public course.

Other facilities include a short nine-hole course, a driving range, a well-stocked pro shop, and a decent cafe for post-round refreshment. This place really does have everything to prize you away from the city.

Best Hole: You?ll enjoy the challenge of the par-5 14th, our advice would be to play it sensibly and secure your par.

Green fees: £18 weekdays, £21 weekends

Location: Woodmansterne Road, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 4AN

Tel: 020 8643 8363