West Sussex Golf Club Key Information
West Sussex Golf Club
An extremely pretty and very peaceful heathland gem whose natural beauty accompanies you all the way. This is the type of course that should keep any golfer interested throughout, and is also one that rewards return visits as you learn to appreciate its subtleties. There is a brilliant and very memorable handful of par 3s.
Reasons To Play West Sussex
– Play one of the prettiest courses in England, one that is also good test of golf
– Enjoy the tranquil setting nestled in the Sussex Downs
– Decide whether to play the 6th as a par 3 or a par 4!
Rankings
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2023/24 - 58
Although it could hardly be more different, then alongside the Old Course at Rye, West Sussex Golf Club is home to one of just two courses in the county in the Top 100. It is also one of the best heathland golf courses in the UK, and certainly one of the most attractive.
One of the real joys of this scenic course is that it constantly twists and turns as you work your way over gently undulating and very springy turf that sits on wonderfully free-draining soil. It dates back to 1930 since when not a great deal has changed. Subtlety is far more important than length, and it opens with the lone par 5, a rare chance to get one up on the card.
Following this, it is blessed with five quite fabulous short holes and an array of tricky but fair and varied par 4s that will both challenge and delight. Its main defence is the heather, some perfectly-placed and very attractive bunkering, and subtle greens that demand your full attention at all times. It is unquestionably one of the best golf courses in England.
Gentle but easily walkable changes in elevation, play a role and add to the visual delight, with the course at its most dramatic at the super-tough 226-yard par-3 6th. This very photogenic and demanding hole is played from an elevated tee over a valley containing first heather and bracken, and then a large and very pretty pond which unusually is classified as out of bounds. Playing short and to the right is often the sensible choice, turning the hole into a dogleg par 3. Once safely on the long and narrow green, you may find the putting as difficult as the approach. It was originally designed as a par 4, and such is its severity that it’s certainly still a ‘bogey’ 4!
There are many strong par 4s, particularly at the 7th, 11th and 14th, before you finally reach what is the prettiest hole on the course and one of the prettiest par 3s anywhere. The short 15th, again over water, is picturesque. You then have a tough finish that can make or break a score.
The 16th plays over a deep depression to a severely sloping green, the long par-4 17th is beautifully bunkered, and the closing hole calls for two strong, straight blows to find the green.
This is one of the very best golf courses in Sussex and a delight to play.
What The Top 100 Panel Said
There is no doubt that West Sussex is a very attractive course to play. It seems to fit well into its surroundings and once you have played away from the clubhouse there are very few external distractions to spoil the walk. Enjoy looking at the beautiful heather… but don’t go into it!
A two-ball or foursomes only course and a traditional club totally comfortable in its own skin that offers an outsized warm welcome for golf lovers. A place rich in reward for golfing afficionados. It is a tremendous experience to visit West Sussex and I really cannot wait to return to this beautiful part of merry olde England.
A well-dressed course with bunker-laden, lush fairways surrounded with vibrant purple encased in the captivating woodland - extremely easy on the eye. A truly enjoyable experience, a club that makes you feel very welcome and a course with a collection of par 3s that you won’t forget.
Ponds and lakes, heather, superb bunker placement, clever use of the natural ground undulations, beautiful vistas and a charming, warm and friendly ambience back in the clubhouse all make West Sussex a must play.
West Sussex Golf Club Location
West Sussex Green Fees
West Sussex Scorecard
Best Courses Near To West Sussex
Best Places To Stay Near West Sussex Golf Club
Chequers Hotel - Book now via Booking.com
This historic hotel is at the foot of the South Downs and provides a quiet haven with views over Arun Wild Brooks and the South Downs. Period features date back to 1548 and there are 9 bedrooms, an inviting inglenook fireplace, a great wine list and good local ales.
The White Horse Inn - Book now via Booking.com
The 5-star White Horse Inn has a terrace, private parking, a restaurant and a bar. All rooms are equipped with desk, flat-screen TV and private bathroom.
West Sussex Gallery
Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I
- 2023/24 - 58
- 2021/22 - 57
- 2019/20 - 52
- 2017/18 - 51
- 2015/16 - 55
- 2013/14 - 54
- 2011/12 - 57
- 2009/10 - 53
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best hole at West Sussex?
There is no doubt that it is the par 3s at Pulborough that will remain longest in the memory, with the super-tough 6th and the exceptionally pretty 15th arguably the pick of the bunch.
Can I play at West Sussex?
Visitors are very welcome so long as they book in advance, but this is a 2-ball course and so singles and foursomes play is very much the order of the day here.
