Sunningdale Golf Club was founded in 1900 on Chobham Common, on land owned by St. John's College, Cambridge.

The original 18-hole course, set in a heathland area, with sandy subsoil amid mixed treed foliage, was designed by Willie Park Jr., and was ready for play in 1901.

It was also among the first successful courses located away from the seaside, as many people had thought at the time that turf would not grow well in such regions.

He scored 66-68 over it during qualifying for the 1926 British Open, with the 66 consisting of 33 full strokes and 33 putts, with every hole played in either 3 or 4; this has sometimes been described as the perfect round of golf.

The club's first professional was Jack White, winner of the 1904 Open Championship, played at Royal St. George's.