A golf club is so much more than the sum of its parts. They've all got greens, tees and fairways, clubhouses in all shapes and sizes, choices of beers on tap and varied menus, but what they've not all been blessed with is the hidden 'X' factor that gives you that warm feeling as you turn into the car park and unpack the clubs. Not matter how much money you chose to spend on marbled showers, leather sofas and state of the art satellite navigation systems on your fleet of buggies, unless you can generate a feeling of belonging and shared camaraderie amongst the people that choose to spend their money and their precious leisure time, they you can't lay claim to having a club. What you have is a collection of buildings and a whole lot of grass. Which brings us on to Clandon Regis. Ask any member here whether they've got the 'X factor' here, and they'll nod, give you the thumbs up and do the club dance there and then. It's just that kind of place. The 700-strong membership are a loyal bunch and are justly proud of the club which they bought for themselves some eight years ago. The club opened in 1994 as a proprietary club, but within two years the freehold for the course and clubhouse were offered for sale to the members. It was offer than was greeted with enthusiasm, and a few months later Clandon Regis Golf Club became a private members' club, owned and run by the members. It's a heart-warming tale of how 'little people' can join forces to make big things happen. Now firmly in charge of its own destiny, the club and its members have just enjoyed its 10th anniversary last month which was celebrated in typically sociable fashion with a dinner for over 150 people in the club's spacious and relaxed clubhouse. But what of the course? Designed by the highly respected architect David Williams, Clandon's 18 hole, par 72 championship track is set in 170 acres of prime Surrey parkland five miles east of Guildford off the A246 road to Leatherhead. With several man-made lakes, plenty of bunkering, acres of mature trees and tangly rough make for a testing yet thoroughly enjoyable round for all standards of golf. Although it's far from a monster at 6,419 yards, the fast and undulating greens, numerous dog legs and other natural hazards make it far from a pushover, although club member John Edgar might disagree with you after he lowered the club's amateur record last month with a gross 66 off a three handicap! Highlights include the 183-yard par 3, 11th which requires a tee shot over a lake off the back tees, while the short par 4 10th requires a nerveless swing off the island tee to find the gap between the two towering trees that split the fairway. The sloping greens require pin point approaches to ensure you get on the 'right side' of the hole to give yourself chances for birdies. It's an undemanding walk by some standards, so buggies aren't required here, but it's a picturesque place all the same, with plenty of wildlife and scenic views to take in while you're strolling between shots. All in all it's a layout that makes it hard to believe that it's just 10 years since the land was just another part of the Clandon Estate. Back to top of page. Since the completion of the course, almost 6,000 more trees and shrubs have been planted to add further maturity to the course. Course manager Steve Swanson and his greenkeeping staff are constantly looking for ways to improve the playability and appearance of the course. In recent years this has involved spending almost £250,000 on new drainage, extending many tees and greens and providing irrigation to all tees, greens and approaches. Steve prides himself on not having to resort to temporary greens at any time of the year, while it is almost unheard off for the course to close due to adverse weather conditions. Clandon Regis is also host to the administrative arm of the PGA South Region, who moved its offices to the club a few years ago.The club has a history of hosting top class competition, having been the venue for the final of the PGA Southern Professional Championship in 1995 and again in 1996. The course was chosen as the venue for the inaugural event of the MasterCard Tour in 1997. In addition to the fine course, there are comprehensive practice facilities, including a full length driving range with practice bunker, a practice putting green and chipping area and indoor practice nets. Club professional Steve Lloyd, who has been at the club for six years, runs a tidy pro shop which stocks a good selection of equipment and clothing. When he's not minding the shop he can often be found out on the range giving lessons to all levels of players of all ages. The large single storey clubhouse has a welcoming bar area, with plenty of large sofas to lounge around on, while the adjoining restaurant offers a more formal environment to enjoy a wide range of hot and cold meals from buffets to three course meals for up to 100 people. Outside there is a large patio overlooking the 18th green which is also a popular venue and after round drinks as well as summer barbecues. The club has never gone in for a booking system for tee-off times, so you take the club as you find it. This has ensured that members get to know each other quickly and has contributed to the warm reception that you will always find here. Visitors are made welcome throughout the week, although members do have priority at weekends. Green fees are a very reasonable £30 midweek, rising to £40 at weekends. The club is part of the popular Greensaver scheme and is also a founding member of the Barrelfield Golf Network, which provides free midweek golf to club members at over 25 other clubs around the country. Societies and corporate days are equally well catered for with 18, 27 and 36-hole packages with breakfast, lunch and dinner or combinations thereof all within the scope of the club's professional catering staff. To book your day call golf office administrator Suzanne Warden. The club is currently offering a limited number of five and seven-day memberships with a 50% discount on the £1,000 joining fee, so if you would like to be part of the 'X factor' at this most welcoming of Surrey clubs, then now's your chance. Just contact general manager Paul Napier on 01483 224888 and you too could become a paid-up member of the Clandon clan.