Sussex and Kent based charity, Melanoma Fund is looking to raise awareness and tackle of the most dangerous ‘hazards’ that has an increasing presence of the golf course; Skin Cancer.
With numbers playing golf at their highest levels in recent years due to knock on effects of the epidemic, with a combination of the Furlough scheme and increased numbers working from home allowing increased leisure time for many, now is the ideal time for golfers and golf clubs to unite in the fight against Skin Cancer, and send it out of bounds for good!
Golf is a particularly high risk sport for Skin Cancer (even with British Summers!), due to the prolonged UV exposure during a round in an environment typically devoid of shade. When writing this piece, I was amazed to hear that in the UK, Melanoma rates have more than doubled in my lifetime (30 years), and it is the fastest rising form of cancer, and it has definitely made me think a lot more about my routine when playing golf.
What can we do about it? Well, Melanoma Fund launched it’s Slip! Slap! Swing! program back in 2019, offering a FREE accreditation to golf clubs who are able to meet a short list of requirements, such as raising awareness of the campaign, and having sunscreen available for purchase within the shop. It is such a simple thing for golf clubs and individuals to do in order to raise awareness and make the sport safer for all, there is no reason for clubs not to join the initiative!
If you work at a golf club, or are a member of a golf club within Sussex, please share this post with the club to help raise awareness and make a difference!
So… lots has changed sine the last time I ‘spoke’ to you! I’ll begin with some happy news – just over a month ago on the 18th March, we were lucky enough to welcome our son into the world. After much deliberation, and all of the names of the World’s Top 50 ranking golfers were ruled out by my fiancée, we settled on the name William!
5 days later, the unthinkable happened. Life as we know it changed, and we went into survival mode. Countrywide lock down measures were put in place as a result of COVID-19 which would see the closures of Schools, Pubs, Offices and well… Golf Courses among other businesses.
Perhaps most frustratingly for many golfers, the lock down has coincided with the weather turning, with wall to wall sunshine and blue skies for the most part providing a pleasant change to the wet weather of the previous months. Whilst the courses remain closed, greenkeepers up and down the country carrying out essential maintenance to the courses have been teasing us with snippets of how beautiful our courses are looking right now.
Whilst a lot of golfers have questioned whether or not courses should be reopened, ultimately long term health is most prevalent, no matter how frustrating it is. There have been plenty of fantastic ideas as to how golf courses could function and reduce the risk of transmission, and it is great to see people thinking outside the box! This is one of my favourites…
But what is going to be the state of play if and when they do reopen? I have to admit, I am worried. The longer that this does roll on for, the more money golf courses are losing. These places that we hold so dearly in our hearts may well be at risk of going under, and closing their doors for one final time. Now is the time that they need our help more than ever.
So, what can we do?
Membership – If you are fortunate enough to be a member, keep paying your member’s dues. Some courses will be providing offers or free months at the end to those that have supported them through tough times.
Support your pro – If you’re still making purchases to get your golf fix, many pros are still operating online or over the phone, and some have some great deals about! Drop them a line and see how they can help before you head to an online retailer.
Look out for other initiatives your club may be running – some are offering a meal delivery service from the kitchens, online lessons, book a function.
Explore a couple of new courses – once restrictions are lifted, get out and play a new course with a visitor green fee. Don’t forget to stop in the clubhouse afterwards for a bite to eat and a drink and make a day of it!
Support their Social Media pages – like and share their posts, and help them to grow their audiences.
Support other independent brands / small businesses – they are most affected in times like these. A little can go a long way!
The last thing that I would want to see is any of our courses having to close due to this. I would like to extend an offer to all clubs across the county for a free promotional post across my social media accounts. Reach out to me on Social Media or email thesussexgolfer@gmail.com and we can sort something out! It is the least I can do in these crazy times to help try and send a few new customers your way.
Another year on from my most recent ‘Top 10’ of my favourite courses in Sussex, and I sit here on a blustery Saturday afternoon looking out of the window, bemoaning the poor weather we have had so far this year which has prevented me from making it out onto the course yet. As mentioned previously, it’s not the only reason… but it is a reason nevertheless!
Within 2019, I was fortunate enough to play some fantastic courses for the first time, working my way through 6 of the 10 in my Wish List of courses that I was most looking forward to playing, and let me tell you… a number of them delivered beyond expectations.
One of the main things that I have taken away from the courses played in 2019 is that there really is something for everyone in Sussex. We are fortunate enough to be in a county that can offer Downland, Heathland, Parkland and links golf all within a 30 minute drive.
I have now played 52 courses across the county, which by my calculations is over two thirds… however it is mostly likely that a certain little bundle of joy arriving in March is likely to prevent the remaining 20 or so being ticked off in 2020. The quest to tick off all of the courses in Sussex goes on!
So let’s get started with the Top 10! As before, the list ranks the courses which I have enjoyed playing the most, but value and all round experience are also very important to me. My ‘Wish List’ is still alive and kicking, still with plenty of courses which could challenge to be in the Top 10 next year!
As always, I would love to know your thoughts! If you have any further recommendations, or can help me in ticking off some on the Wish List, get in touch through the comments section or on Social Media.
Date: 22/02/2020
Top 10 Favourite Courses I’ve Played in Sussex
1. West Sussex Golf Club
A course which I would love to play every week. A traditional club if ever there was one, but these traditions just add to the aura of the place. One of the first courses I have played where hole after hole is memorable, and with the heather in bloom the course is stunning. It is not cheap – but it is definitely one of the courses you have to play at least once. Perfect to treat yourself for a special occasion!
2. Goodwood Golf Club – Downs Course
At Goodwood, it is all about the experience. From pulling into the walled car park (which is bound to be full of expensive sporty numbers), to sipping on a local beer in The Kennels after your round everything feels luxurious. But most importantly the 18 holes in the middle (and use of their classic ‘Woody’ buggies if your’re lucky) provide a standout Downland experience.
3. Seaford Head Golf Club
Still arguably the best value course in the county. A thoroughly enjoyable experience which culminates in the one of the a kind 18th, with its ~60m elevation change from tee to green. Other parts of the course offer spectacular views over the iconcic Sussex coastline of the Seven Sisters.
4. 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.
5. Piltdown Golf Club
A course that has grown on me significantly within 2019, and is now firmly established within my Top 10. This traditional Heathland gem has no bunkers, but makes up for it with plenty of strategically placed heather. Play late in August with the heather in full bloom to enjoy it in all its beautiful purple hues.
6. East Sussex National Golf Club – East Course
Of the two courses at the fantastic venue near Uckfield, my preference of is the East. For a course only 30 years or so old, it feels very mature with tall trees, thick grown in rough, and water coming into play on a number of holes. A championship length course (and former host of the European Open), expect a tough test!
7. Worthing Golf Club – Lower Course
With 36 holes on offer, as well as extensive practice facilities and a driving range, Worthing Golf Club has to rank as one of the best golfing facilities in the county. The Lower Course, the longer of the two, offers some of the best downland golf in the county, with plenty of spectacular holes from raised tee boxes, and views out to the Rampion Wind Farm. A well bunkered layout, and some of the finest greens I have played in the county contribute to a memorable experience.
8. 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.
9. Copthorne Golf Club
A bit of a ‘hidden gem’ for me. 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.
10. Crowborough Beacon Golf Club
This heathland classic, situated at one of the highest points in Sussex, 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!
One month into 2020 and I’m still yet to head out on the links. Whilst it can largely be blamed on the weather, there has probably been a couple of opportunities missed so far, and I have been limited to 2 hours on a simulator. But you know what… I’m okay with it!
2020 is set to be a defining year in my life – the year I become a father! One of the most exciting moments I could ever wish for. In little over a month from now, our little baby boy will be here and everything will change, and I am already cherishing every kick and wiggle in Mummy’s tummy! Things which seemed important before will pale into insignificance.
So as you can imagine – golf will be taking a backseat this year. Does this mean the end of The Sussex Golfer? Not by any stretch of the imagination!
In fact… it is only the beginning. And this is where you can help!
So how can you get involved? Whilst I won’t be able to be out there on the course every weekend come wind, rain or shine, I’ll be keeping an eye out for your reviews, pictures and videos across Social Media!
Each month – I will be sharing some of my favourite images and posts from your experiences of courses across the county, with the aim of letting golfers across Sussex know which courses are in great shape and playing well. If you have a Charity day you’re looking to increase exposure for, get in touch!
So join the community! Get tagging me (@thesussexgolfer) in your posts, or use the hashtag #SussexGolf.
Golf Clubs – don’t forget that I still have plenty of options to help support you with your Social Media or advertising needs! Just head to my services page to find out more. Want to spread the word about tee time deals, membership options or just what your course has to offer? Let me know!
One of my favourite things to do at the end of the season is to take a deep dive into the numbers which have made up my year. I felt that 2019 was one of my more consistent seasons to date, which came from playing fairly regularly, but also from having a clear understanding of my abilities and limitations as a golfer.
Make sure you check out my Instagram for more pictures and comments on the various statistics over the coming weeks.
Overall
As you all know by now, my main aim each year is to try and play as many new courses across Sussex as I can, documenting my journey on @thesussexgolfer along the way.
One photo from each of the 36 different courses played in 2019!
Rounds Played : 43.5
Courses Played : 36
Shots Hit : 3627
Putting
As with last year, I know the below number might seem high, but when expressed as a percentage it doesn’t seem too bad. Out of the 3627 shots hit in 2019, 38.2% were putts. As always, to put this in perspective, a round in regulation would equate to 50% putts!
Putts Hit : 1385
Putts per Round : 31.83
Putts Per Hole : 1.77
The following numbers give more of a representation of how my putting actually was last year, with a putting average of less than 2 (which means I am making more birdies when hitting the green in regulation than bogies), but a 3 putt percentage of greater that 5.5%, meaning on average I am 3 putting more than once per round which needs some improvement!
Putts Per GIR : 1.96
Putters Per Missed GIR : 1.64
3 Putt Percentage : 9.6%
Fairways and Greens
Two areas which continue to need some major work if I am to take my game to the next level: FIR % and GIR %. On the whole, I have felt that I have driven the ball better than previous years, and I feel a lot more confident with my driver as a result, but the stats don’t seem to back that up! In previous years I have turned to long irons or a hybrid to try and get the ball in play, but having a 3 wood and driver as an option has meant that I am typically a lot further up the hole, even if I am just off the fairway a lot of the time! Both statistics being just over the 30% mark leaves a lot to be desired.
Average FIR% : 34.76%
Average GIR% : 34.60%
Scoring Averages
Since 2018, this is one of the areas which I use to best judge how my game is doing. Previously it has highlighted my strengths on par 3’s, and difficulties on par 4’s. This year has been no different- but it has improved from previous years.
Whilst par 4’s remain the weakest part of my game, dropping my Par 4 Scoring average by 0.18 Shots from 2018 to 2019 I believe is saving me approximately 2 shots per round, and it shows in my overall Scoring Average. The key to future improvements is going to be driving that number down closer to 4.5!
Scoring Average Par 3 : 3.55
Scoring Average Par 4 : 4.81
Scoring Average Par 5 : 5.53
Scoring Average : 83.35 (+12.72)
Hole Performance
Overall, I am happy with my performance here. It averages out over 7 pars and 1 birdie a round, which I’m fairly happy with. Unfortunately no Eagles for me in 2019!
Pars : 315 (40.23%)
Birdies : 51 (6.26%)
Eagles : 0
The important ones!
One of the main numbers people want to know when they’re talking about people’s golf games… handicap.
So, I finished 2019 with an (unofficial) handicap of 10.4, exactly what I started the year on! Given the fact that every round counts as a qualifying round for me (not having a home club, and entering all my cards online), I am happy with that, despite not managing to hit my goal of reaching single figures.
As with previous years, I have prioritized playing new courses over practice, which playing 43.5 rounds across 36 different courses shows!
I do feel that my game has become more consistent in 2019. I had a streak of 28 consecutive rounds in the 70s/80s, before 3 rounds in the 90s in the space of a week put pay to that!
Handicap : 10.4
Best Round : 74 (+2) Chartham Park GC (03/02/2019)
So that’s another year flown by! 2019 will always be a memorable one for me due to a number of things which have happened in my personal life (which we will come on to later!), but I have also managed to experience some fantastic courses along the way! As I write this on the 31st December 2019, it is a great time to look back and reflect on the goals I set at the start of the season.
For those that haven’t seen the original post- you can find that here…
So… how did I do?
How many courses this year?
Unfortunately, 2019 was not the year in which I will complete my ultimate goal of playing every course in the county, but I do continue to get closer! (Check out the course map here to see how I am getting on!). Playing 42.5 rounds across 36 different courses, ultimately I smashed both of my goals I set at the start of the year!
Rounds played: Target 40+ : Final 42.5
Courses played: Target 25+ : Final 36
As the eagle eyed of you will spot- there are still a few courses across the county I am yet to get to. If you are a member / employee at any of the courses I haven’t played- get in touch, and lets sort something out!
Handicap
So I had hoped that I would be able to try and hold my handicap below 10 come the end of the season.
Handicap: Target 9.9 : Final 10.4
In the end, I did miss this goal, however I am still happy to have a playing handicap of 10. I managed to get as low as low as 9.4 (Playing 9) back in February, but ultimately finished the year at 10.4.
Fairways and Greens
An area which I have always felt needs work is getting the ball in play off the tee, and giving myself a decent change at hitting the green in regulation. I have tried multiple approaches over the years, from hitting a lot of irons and hybrids, and trying to sacrifice distance for the sake of accuracy, to just hitting driver or 3 wood and trying to get the ball as far up the hole as possible, which I felt more confident in doing for the second half of the season after a driver and 3 wood change in my bag.
I thought the goals I set were a little optimistic, but there are slight improvements shown from 2018… so at least we are moving in the right direction! Numbers were slightly down for the second half of the season.
GIR %: Target 40% : Final 34.6%
FIR %: Target 40% : Final 34.8%
Scoring Averages
I was aiming for minor improvements across the board here, and despite my handicap going up, I have delivered on the scoring average front, and feel much of this is down to my game being more consistent.
Scoring Average Par 3: Target 3.5 : Final 3.55
Scoring Average Par 4: Target 4.85 : Final 4.81
Scoring Average Par 5: Target 5.7 : Final 5.53
Scoring Average: 86.8 ⇒Target 84.7 : Final 83.35
In the end, my Par 3 scoring average is the essentially same as 2018 (down by 0.01), Par 4 scoring average has come down by 0.18 (and beat my target) and Par 5 scoring average down by 0.29 (again, beating my target). Multiply all of these numbers out against the assumption that the course has 4 Par 3s, 10 Par 4s and 4 par 5s, you would expect a 1.98 reduction in my scoring average. My actual reduction of 3.5 would suggest that courses I have been playing have had a par of less than 72.
Short Game
Putting was one area I targeted for improvement in 2019, but if anything, things seem to have moved slightly in the opposite direction! Whilst I know that not all of these are specifically related to the flat stick (i.e lots of it is to do with approach proximity to the hole!), I don’t feel as confident in the 6-10ft range as I used to. Something to work on!
Putts per Round: Target <30 : Final 32.2
Putts per GIR: Target <1.95 : Final 1.96
Putts per Missed GIR: Target 1.6 : Final 1.64
3 Putt %: Target 5.55% : Final 9.6%
Whilst I haven’t managed to hit my goals in any of the 4 categories, I have managed to at least improve on my Putts per Missed GIR, which would suggest slight improvements in my chipping. I definitely feel more confident just around the greens, and hope that for the rest of the season, these numbers will continue to drop and hopefully I will hit a couple of my targets before the year is up!
Miscellaneous
Consecutive rounds below handicap
Consecutive rounds in the 70s
Treat myself to a round somewhere special for my 30th birthday!
Three big ticks here! Two consecutive rounds in August where the handicap came down at two fantastic heathland courses (West Sussex GC and Piltdown GC. Two consecutive rounds in the 70s were achieved back in July with a 78 at Farleigh GC (Surrey) and a 79 at Piltdown GC again. As for the somewhere special for my 30th? West Sussex was always top of the wish list… and boy did it not disappoint!
Following on from the success of last year’s ‘Dream 18’ – a fantasy course which was a selection of my favourite holes played in Sussex to date (at the time), I have decided to repeat the task – but only using holes which I played for the first time in 2019!
The aim is to come up with a course, where holes are placed with their respective hole number from their course, which would all work together to a combined par of around 72!
Have you ever fancied yourself as a course designer? Well here’s your chance! I’m looking to hear some of your favourite 18 holes in Sussex! Let me know across social media or in the comments below what your stand out holes are!
Front 9
#1 – 1st @ Ham Manor Golf Club – Par 4
The opening hole of this year’s ‘Dream 18’ is one which I played all the way back in February – the first at Ham Manor Golf Club. Whilst this short opening hole may look friendly on the card, a number of ditches, water hazards and an angled fairway make clubbing essential on the first shot of the day. Two conservative mid-irons and you should find the centre of the green.
#2 – 2nd @ Worthing Golf Club (Lower) – Par 4
It’s all downhill from here! From the 2nd tee on the Lower Course at Worthing Golf Club, you’re faced with a long and tough par 4, but luckily you are assisted by a downhill tee shot. Keep your drive down the left to shorten the approach into a slightly raised green. A bogey isn’t a bad score here.
#3 – 3rd @ West Sussex Golf Club – Par 4
The first of what may well be a few holes from this heathland gem, widely renowned as the best course in the county. Not being the longest of par 4’s, stay out of the heather and the gaping fairway bunkers and you should have a solid chance of hitting the green in regulation.
#4 – 4th @ Golf @ Goodwood – Par 5
The 4th at Goodwood Downs is the first of a number of challenging par 5’s on the course, winding its way along the valley. Keep your drive left to maximise distance and set up the best angle for 2nd (and 3rd!) shots into the small raised green guarded by deep bunkers well below the putting surface. Beware!
#5 – 5th @ Mannings Heath Golf Club (Waterfall) – Par 3
The first of 5 par 3’s on the card this year is the dramatic 5th from Mannings Heath (Waterfall), featuring its ‘Punchbowl’ green. The stairs are a tell-tale sign of just how steep the surrounding bank is! A fun little par 3!
#6 – 6th @ West Sussex Golf Club – Par 3
Formerly a Par 4 in a previous life, the 6th at West Sussex is now an imposing test of a par 3, involving a carry over vast swathes of heather (like many holes at West Sussex!) and a marshy area, to a narrow and well protected green. Another stunning hole where bogey isn’t always a bad score!
#7 – 7th @ Littlehampton Golf Club – Par 4
From high up on the sand dunes, you get a great view of this relatively short, but tough par 4. A fine example of links golf!
#8 – 8th @ Worthing Golf Club (Lower) – Par 5
This stunning par 5 is another hole which snakes along a dry valley on one of our county’s downland gems. Likely to be a 3 shotter for most, deep fairway bunkers and a fast two tier green mean that par is not a certainty by any stretch of the imagination here!
#9 – 9th @ Mannings Heath Golf Club (Waterfall) – Par 4
An uphill par 4 almost entirely surrounded by dense trees makes for a tough finish to the front 9 of our ‘Dream 18’. An enforced carry from the tips, and a cavernous bunker front left of the green waiting to catch anything coming up short add to the difficulty.
Back 9
#10 – 10th @ East Sussex National Golf Club (East) – Par 5
This hole really comes into its own as you get closer to the green. If you manage to get a good drive away, you may get an assist off the bank, leaving yourself a long iron in to a green which slopes from back to front. Be aware- the green is guarded by a stream and a large tree waiting to catch or repel any errant approaches. Laying up is the sensible play!
#11 – 11th @ Mannings Heath Golf Club (Waterfall) – Par 4
If you thought that 6th (West Sussex) was an intimidating tee shot, take a look at the 11th at Mannings Heath (Waterfall) from the back tees! Hitting out of a narrow chute to a dogleg fairway which runs away from you towards a water hazard, there is no margin for error here! If you do successfully find the fairway, the job isn’t complete as you still have to find the putting surface, guarded on multiple sides by water. A par 4 as tough as they come.
#12 – 12th @ West Sussex Golf Club – Par 3
Possibly one of my favourite holes I have played this year, and the start of a great stretch at West Sussex, this par 3 is long and tough hole over heather. But boy is it beautiful!
#13 – 13th @ West Sussex Golf Club – Par 4
Stood over your ball (hopefully) in the 13th fairway, your target appears as an island green amongst bunkers and characteristic seas of heather. It takes two fantastic shots to have a chance at birdie here!
#14 – 14th @ West Sussex Golf Club – Par 4
This sweeping dog leg continues a run of fantastic holes at West Sussex. From the tee, the fairway appears but a speck in a sea of heather. Cross bunkers short of the narrow green make a layup for anyone who didn’t find the fairway difficult!
#15 – 15th @ West Sussex Golf Club – Par 4
Who doesn’t love a par 3 over water?! In a dramatic change from the seas of heather, the water hazard short of the green awaits any under hit tee shots. A welcome birdie opportunity on this short par 3!
#16 – 16th @ East Sussex National Golf Club (East) – Par 3 Another par 3 over water! Picking the correct club is the key to finding this shallow green guarded by water and three pot bunkers. Reminiscent of the 12th at Augusta!
#17 – 17th @ East Sussex National Golf Club (East) – Par 4
At nearly 450 yards from the tips, this stern test isn’t giving away par easily! A long and straight drive is required to set up a long approach over water into a relatively shallow green, surrounded by run offs. Hold your nerve and keep your ball dry!
#18 – 18th @ Mannings Heath Golf Club (Waterfall) – Par 4
Closing out the back nine on the Waterfall course and our ‘Dream 18’ for 2019 is a hole which may divide opinions, but one which I imagine has settled a lot of matches! Get a good drive away, assisted by the slope you will be left with just a wedge into the green to set up a chance at par (or better!). Get your approach wrong however and there could be a big number on the cards!
So we are now officially half way through the year, so I thought it would be a great time to look back on the goals I set at the start of the season, and see how I am getting on against those goals.
For those that haven’t seen the original post- you can find that here.
So let’s see how I’m getting on…
How many courses this year?
So I am working my way through the list of courses slowly but surely… (Check out the course map here to see how I am getting on!). If you are a member / employee at any of the courses I haven’t played- get in touch, and lets sort something out!
Rounds played: Target 40+ : Current 22
Courses played: Target 25+ : Current 21
Most definitely on track with this one!
Handicap
So I had hoped that I would be able to try and hold my handicap below 10 come the end of the season.
Handicap: Target 9.9 : Current 10.7
Slightly missing this goal at this stage, Although I have been as low as 9.4 (Playing 9) back in February, I am now at 10.7 (Playing 11) at the halfway stage in the year. I have been happy with my scoring in general, and happy that all of my rounds so far have been sub 90, with three rounds in the 70s.
Fairways and Greens
I thought the goals I set were a little optimistic, but there are slight improvements shown from 2018… so at least we are moving in the right direction!
GIR %: Target 40% : Current 34.85%
FIR %: Target 40% : Current 35.08%
Scoring Averages
I was aiming for minor improvements across the board here, and despite my handicap going up, I have delivered on the scoring average front, and feel much of this is down to my game being more consistent.
Scoring Average Par 3: Target 3.5 : Current 3.56
Scoring Average Par 4: Target 4.85 : Current 4.77
Scoring Average Par 5: Target 5.7 : Current 5.61
Scoring Average: 86.8 ⇒ 84.7 Target 84.7 : Current 83.27
22 Rounds in and my Par 3 scoring average is the same as 2018, Par 4 scoring average has come down by 0.22 and Par 5 scoring average down by 0.21. Multiply all of these numbers out against the assumption that the course has 4 Par 3s, 10 Par 4s and 4 par 5s, you would expect a 3.02 reduction in my scoring average. My actual reduction of just over 3.5 would suggest that courses I have been playing have had a par of less than 70.
Short Game
Putting was one area I targeted for improvement in 2019, but if anything, things seem to have moved slightly in the opposite direction! Whilst I know that not all of these are specifically related to the flat stick (i.e lots of it is to do with approach proximity to the hole!), I don’t feel as confident in the 6-10ft range as I used to. Something to work on!
Putts per Round: Target <30 : Current 31.91
Putts per GIR: Target <1.95 : Current 2.02
Putts per Missed GIR: Target 1.6 : Current 1.64
3 Putt %: Target 5.55% : Current 9.6%
Whilst I haven’t managed to hit my goals in any of the 4 categories, I have managed to at least improve on my Putts per Missed GIR, which would suggest slight improvements in my chipping. I definitely feel more confident just around the greens, and hope that for the rest of the season, these numbers will continue to drop and hopefully I will hit a couple of my targets before the year is up!
Miscellaneous
Consecutive rounds below handicap
Consecutive rounds in the 70s
Treat myself to a round somewhere special for my 30th birthday!
No luck here! With just the one cut to the handicap (back in February), and 3 rounds in the 70s spaced out (one every 2 months), I have not managed to hit either of the first two. I’m still very keen to treat myself to somewhere special for my 30th, which is coming up in the second half of the year… watch this space!
Sweetwoods Park Golf Club (https://www.sweetwoodspark.com) is one of my favourite courses in Sussex. For those that haven’t seen- check out my review here.
They have been kind enough to offer a fantastic prize for you and 3 golf buddies to come and experience the course for yourself, as well as throwing in lunch!
Competition is open across all forms of Social Media, and all you have to do to enter is simply:
Make sure you like/follow my page (@TheSussexGolfer) and Sweetwoods Park GC on the relevant site to be in with a chance of winning.
Tag 3 friends in the comments on Facebook / Instagram, or RT on Twitter.
Entries close on the 7th May 2019, and green fee voucher is valid until the end of 2019. Winners will be selected from all eligible entries. Competition open to UK entries only.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
The Sussex Golfer 