East Sussex National (West) - Sussex - England

I remember making the trip to play here when the courses first opened in 1990 to great fanfare. The much anticipated opening was big news back then. Billed as England's Augusta, no expense was spared in laying out the course and by implementing fastidious maintenance, they kept it beyond immaculate. It was built at a time when the propensity for building new courses to satiate demand from an oversubscribed golf market was at gold rush fever pitch. Established clubs at the time had waiting lists in years and I for one remember waiting patiently in the car park in a numbered bay for a tee time at the local municipal in Southampton from 4 A.M. for a midday tee time the same day. So it looked like a good Idea, until we had the ERM, Norman Lament and a not inconsiderable recession. The original credit crunch was the full fat, pips squeaking variety that turned sure things into folly overnight.Since then many courses have happily come along, Some as extravagant in concept as East Sussex National, Some even more so. Some not. East Sussex has subsequently changed ownership a few times and some lesser tracks like Botley Park in Hampshire are sadly going to disappear under a new housing estate very soon, not 25 years since they were laid down. I digress. I was keen to see if the initial awe I experienced here, when my Balata balls, spanked with persimmon clubs (I Know, late adopter) only just reached the fairways from the back tees. Would that view still resonate in the new titanium century? Back then it seemed outrageously long and a real privilege to play. How times have changed. We arrived on a bargain Golf break. It really is unbeatable. On arrival the gilded gates remain but are now perceptibly burnished and since the huge expense at the beginning you get the feeling that there has been an understandably more pragmatic approach to the commercial elements put in place. The West is my pick of the courses, still a majestic layout on clay. I prefer the routing through the mature Oaks and the variety of the holes. They moved a lot of Earth here to create the courses but they were also aided by some excellent parkland that they worked with and not against. Condition is not what it was back then, it could not possibly last commercially at that level. It is perfectly acceptable however. It is still very good. You will enjoy these courses.I feel now that this complex has survived its difficult birth and precocious adolescence, the difficult and impecunious early twenties might soon yield to an era when perhaps new money will elevate these courses with a few tweaks. The off course facilities lack soul but are first class none the less. The bones are there. All courses must evolve, I hope this one does. It deserves it.

Big American style course with a lot of space for most, but not all, drives. Fun to play, it invites you to go for shots. Greens in good condition, though I found them difficult to read. I thought the Par 3s were good, especially 13th. The 16th is a bit quirky being so short, but that adds a bit more variety. A superb run of holes from 10 to 14. The front nine less memorable, with some of them - 6,8,9 - seeming quite similar. The long rough has been left to grow very thick which looks good but I would guess slows up play when its busy. Locally, Chart Hills is similar; to me East Sussex is a bit more varied, but greens not quite so good.

Sussex isn't blessed with an abundance of great courses unlike neighbouring Surrey, so it was a pleasure to play this one. I'm sure it gets a fair amount of corporate traffic in the week, but on a Saturday in August it was pretty, tranquil and not too busy. I agree the 16th was a little lacklustre, but 17 & 18 more than compensated. Loads of variety here - good fast greens, excellent service, great practice facilities, good value I thought. Can't wait to go back and see if the East is as much fun.

I had heard good things about East Sussex National so I was looking forward to playing the West course and I have to say that I was not disappointed. We played off the very back tees which probably made it a little too long for me but it didn’t detract from the experience. It's one of those courses where the holes seem to get better as you go through the round, I really liked the 10th hole where a good drive will set you up a mid-iron over water to a 2 tier green. I also liked the 12th, 13th and the long par 4 14th. The practice facilities were excellent as was the service from the staff.

I have recently returned from an overnight trip staying at the East Sussex National Resort to play both courses and have to say, I really enjoyed the visit. I did play here back in the mid 90's but could not remember many holes. I played the West course first and thoroughly enjoyed the variety of holes - in fact it is not until the 9th that consecutive holes have the same par. Pick of the front nine is the 8th; a par-4 around 400 yards with a blind drive and then a tricky downhill approach. Toughest hole has to be 10th; another par-4 around 400 yards but the shot to the green this time is over water at the green. The 12th is a conundrum; a par-5 and without a doubt the key shot is the second as there is a water hazard about 150 yards from the green - an exact lay-up is required. There is a negative point on the back nine and that is the 16th; I love par-3's but this is a poor hole - it is ultra short (70-133 yards) and there are no features to justify this length ('take the tee back, there is room'). Overall the course is very pleasing on the eye and when compared to similar style of courses (Hanbury Manor, Chart Hills and even Brocket Hall), the West certainly holds it's own and probably is just ahead of the second course here, which is the East (but it is a close shout).

have to agree played here back in 02 and had a great stay played two rounds and loved it a good challenge and lovely scenery would visit again

A lovely american-style course. It has several mounds and undulations. The back nine were brilliant but apart from the first the front nine was comparitively dull. The greens were of a very high standard. Be sure to carry the ball on to the green on the full. The course makes great use of the trees and hills and it is a must play. However the bar afterwards was dreary and dull.

Super course with many great holes, with the best being 10th,12th and 13th. The greens were true and quick, but fairways weren't in the best condition as there were quite few divots. The West has better holes than the East, but for me the East was in better shape, probably because they had the EuroPro Tour on there a week before my visit. The hotel attached to the courses is superb, lovely rooms and great food. Highly recommend a weekend break here.

Played both the East and West courses with an overnight stay at the attached hotel. Thought the West course was significantly better than the East specifically the back nine which was very good. Service within the pro shop and clubhouse was excellent, sadly this can not be said of the hotel which was truly dreadful

An impressive complex with a very large modern club house and proshop. It has all the US style welcome with bag drops etc. The west golf course is a good one, although as with any new courses there are a few fields you play on, but over all it is a really good test of golf with some cracking holes for example the 18th. However with one exception .. the 16th, I have nothing against very short holes but this feels like it has been thrown into the middle of a field. Everyone commented on it in our society. All that work to create a really good golf course and then that hole! Still despite this it is really worth the visit and we will definitely play it again.