My Favourite Courses in Sussex (February 2019 Update)

Right, so it has now been a over year since I completed my last ‘Top 10’ of my favourite courses in Sussex. I’m slowly but surely working my way through them (around half way!), and I’ve found a wealth of fantastic courses, many of which offer great value to the everyday golfer who might not be so keen on taking out a membership and playing at the same place week-in, week-out.

The original list proved a little controversial to some, either based on the number I had played at the time of making the list, or the choices themselves. This year, I am going to go into a little more detail with regards to what this ‘Top 10’ is based around, and also a little more detail about each of the courses. Coming up with this short list was even tougher this year, there are so many fantastic courses that haven’t quite made the top 10.

So here goes…

Disclaimer: This ‘Top 10’ is a list of the courses that I have enjoyed most, offer the best value and all round experience, and not the courses that I feel are most likely to have the recognition of professional events, or be included within traditional magazine ‘Top 100’ lists where money is no object. This is a real list for every day golfers like you and I! Key factors for me are Enjoyment, Experience, Condition and Value for Money.

I have retained the wish list of courses that are my ‘Top 10’ which I haven’t played yet (and can’t wait to get out and experience!), and have updated to include new courses where I managed to tick a few off in the last year!

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts! If you have any further recommendations, or can help me in ticking off some on the wish list, do get in touch either through the comments section or Social Media! And don’t forget to upload your own reviews on Go&Golf!

Date: 14/02/2019

Top 10 Favourite Courses I’ve Played in Sussex

1. Seaford Head Golf Club

   • Excellent value, and thoroughly enjoyable experience due to the exciting mix of holes on offer. Provides the opportunity to play the one of a kind 18th hole, with its ~60m elevation change from tee to green, whilst also taking in views of the Seven Sisters from other parts of the course.

2. Sweetwoods Park Golf Club

   • A beautiful parkland course, set within the High Weald on the borders of Kent and Sussex. Featuring a number of valleys, lakes, mature trees, monuments and statues, you would be forgiven for thinking that you were wandering around National Trust owned gardens, but the sweeping doglegs, manicured fairways and greens give away it’s true purpose! Fantastic value also, with plenty of tee time deals.

3. Willingdon Golf Club

   • Fantastic course nestled amongst the South Downs north-west of Eastbourne, which provide a spectacular backdrop to a number of holes. Rolling fairways ensure lots of challenging lies, and trademark Dr Alistair MacKenzie two tiered greens (who later went on to design Augusta National amongst many others!), help to provide plenty of difficulty and protection. A hidden gem.

4. Copthorne Golf Club

   • This heathland classic winds its way through Copthorne Common, with holes framed perfectly by rows of trees, and intersected with many ditches to keep the golfer on their toes. A flat and easy walk, don’t expect ranging views over the Sussex countryside, but expect a thoroughly enjoyable round at a challenging, yet fun course, in excellent condition.

5. Crowborough Beacon Golf Club

   • Situated at one of the highest points in Sussex, this heathland layout offers extensive views across the Weald and beyond, and has a fantastic mix of holes from short par 3s, to risk reward par 4s, to long and tight dogleg par 5s. The elevation changes can make the course a tough walk, but the views more than make up for it! Don’t forget to bring your camera!

6. Pyecombe Golf Club

   • One of my favourite courses within close proximity to Brighton, Pyecombe offers a great alternative to some of the other courses in the area. The course offers a few good birdie opportunities, but equally as many holes that can turn around and bite you!

7. Chartham Park Golf & Country Club

   • A modern, resort style layout that still manages to ooze character and class. Whilst not the longest course, plenty of water hazards and wooded areas are positioned to punish errant shots and can soon help to rack up a score, but there are birdie opportunities out there to be taken on the true rolling greens.

8. Dyke Golf Club

   • The standout course for me within the immediate vicinity of Brighton & Hove, offering 18 holes always in great condition due to its location up on the Downs, and views for miles across the city and out to the English Channel.

9. Hill Barn Golf Club

   • Rising up into the South Downs National Park from the outskirts of Worthing, Hill Barn Golf Club is a fun, yet challenging course, that is in fantastic condition. Offers plenty of stunning views out to sea on a clear day, as well as a decent mix of holes. Well worth a visit!

10. East Sussex National Golf Club – West Course

    • One of two courses at Sussex’s premier golf and leisure venue, the West Course offers a championship length, resort style course, with mature trees, plenty of hazards, and equally as many tight and challenging tee shots! The service is unlike anything else in Sussex (and very reminiscent of courses in America), which makes for a fantastic experience.

Top 10 Wish List Sussex

1. West Sussex Golf Club
2. Rye Golf Club
3. Littlehampton Golf Club
4. Goodwood Golf Club – Downs Course
5. Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club – Old Course
6. Mannings Heath Golf Club – Waterfall Course
7. East Sussex National Golf Club – East Course
8. Nevill Golf Club
9. Cowdray Park Golf Club
10. Worthing Golf Club – Lower Course

The Sussex Golfer