West Sussex Golf Club

West Sussex Golf Club stands as one of England's finest heathland treasures, where strategic brilliance meets natural beauty on this "little sandy jewel set in the Sussex clay." Despite measuring just 6,355 yards, this par-68 masterpiece delivers one of the most thought-provoking and challenging rounds in British golf.

West Sussex is a relative youngster, dating back to 1930. Commander G W Hillyard, who moved down to Sussex from Leicestershire, originally discovered the site. A company called Links and Courses was commissioned to design and build the course, where Sir Guy Campbell, Major C.K. Hutchison and and Colonel S.V. Hotchkin were the principal directors. These three architects created one of the most natural and aesthetically pleasing golf courses in England. It is one of the most strategically sound 18 holes ever compiled in the world.

Course Design and Strategic Excellence

The genius of West Sussex lies not in its modest yardage but in its strategic complexity. Professional Tim, who has served the club for over 30 years, aptly describes it as a "long short course" – a designation that becomes abundantly clear after experiencing its challenges. The opening hole provides the only realistic birdie opportunity as a short par-5, but thereafter, golfers must negotiate seven par-4s measuring over 400 yards.

The routing follows a unique par-68 configuration with five par-3s (including two over 200 yards) and twelve par-4s, five of which exceed 400 yards. This unconventional structure ensures that every club in the bag receives thorough examination whilst maintaining the perfect balance between challenge and playability.

The course's strategic soundness stems from superb bunker placement, incredible use of natural ground features, and fascinating architectural details that reward thoughtful course management. The architects' approach of maximising natural features is evidenced by four bunkerless holes, suggesting they found sites so naturally perfect that artificial hazards would be superfluous.

Notable Holes

The 6th Hole remains West Sussex's most celebrated test. This 222-yard par-3, originally designed as a dogleg par-4, features a pond lurking 40 yards in front of the green with the entire water area marked out-of-bounds. Hotchkin's insistence on converting this hole to a demanding long par-3 proved prescient, creating one of the most memorable one-shot holes in English golf.

The 16th Hole exemplifies the course's natural beauty, where the green sits on a natural hillock amidst heath-covered terrain, requiring no artificial enhancement. This 364-yard par-4 plays over a heather-covered ravine to a green that is wider than it is deep, demanding precise distance control.

The 14th Hole represents the course's stern examination of longer hitters. At 456 yards, this par-4 plays as a par-5 in Stableford competition, with heather framing the fairway and cross bunkers positioned 80 yards from a well-protected green.

Course Setting

West Sussex sits on sandy subsoil that drains quickly, meaning heavy downpours rarely close the course for extended periods. The favourable location near the South Coast ensures frosts and snow are less likely to affect play during winter months.

The holes wind through enchanting woodland, with oak, silver birch, and pine providing a stunning backdrop whilst heather and cunning bunkering provide definition. The prolific growth of trees, mainly pine and birch planted in the 1930s, transformed the course from its original open heath character into today's lush woodland setting.

Much of the land holds designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), reflecting the course's importance as a rare habitat for heathland animals and plants, especially the heather for which West Sussex is renowned.

Practice Facilities and Clubhouse

The practice facilities are conveniently located adjacent to the clubhouse, featuring a driving range with 12 outside and 3 inside bays, two putting greens, and an extensive chipping and bunker practice area. This proximity creates an exceptionally convenient setup where everything is within steps of each other, from the clubhouse to the driving range to the first tee.

The clubhouse, built in 1930 in mock Tudor style, was designed for potential conversion into a country house should the golf club fail. Today, it provides marvellous aspects all round with particularly fine views of the Downs to the south.

Visitor Experience

West Sussex maintains strict traditional policies, operating as a two-ball golf club where three-balls are not permitted and four-balls must play foursomes. To ensure rounds are completed in little more than three hours, the club convention requires playing either singles or two-ball foursomes.

Visitors must be members of a recognised golf club with current handicaps, and prior booking through the professional is essential. Weekend rounds can be arranged, though tee-time availability is much more restricted than on weekdays.

Destination & Surrounding Area

For international visitors, West Sussex offers exceptional accessibility, located just 30 minutes from Gatwick Airport. London visitors can reach nearby Pulborough station in just over an hour directly from Clapham Junction, making day trips perfectly feasible.

West Sussex operates as one of England's quintessential hidden gems, comfortable with its status, whilst the big stars of Sunningdale, Walton Heath, and Swinley Forest attract most attention despite being within an hour's drive.

Our Assessment

Recent rankings place West Sussex as one of England's best. It is also banging on the door of the World Top 100. As noted by Sir Peter Allen, "If I had to choose one example to demonstrate the best sort of British inland course, to explain what it was trying to do to provide entertainment, and why it had to be so different from a links... I think I would pick Pulborough".

West Sussex Golf Club delivers an experience that transcends its modest yardage through masterful strategic design, stunning natural beauty, and unwavering commitment to traditional golf values. The combination of fascinating features, superb bunker placement, incredible use of natural ground features, and gorgeous vistas makes West Sussex a must-play course well deserving of its place among the world's best.