Golf Societies in Sussex
Golf Societies in Sussex are a popular way of enjoying your regular round of golf in the county, especially for those that are independent golfer or nomads.
There are a variety of courses in Sussex to plan or organise your Golf Society or Charity fund-raising day, as there is a plethora of private members’ golf clubs, proprietary clubs, and ‘Pay and Play’ clubs to choose from.
Sussex is also an excellent county for corporate golf days as the transport links are very good. It is easily accessible from London and from the neighbouring counties of Kent and Surrey. Getting in, out and around the county is simple with key links from the M25, M23, A22, A23 and A24.
Transport links are also supported by the main London to Brighton Railways.
There are more than 45 golf clubs in Sussex and whilst some clubs have been sold or closed in recent years, it is still a popular destination for golfers from all over the UK.
In addition, much of the county is chalk-based, meaning many courses can be played throughout the year, whatever the weather conditions.
Golf Societies Sussex – some of the better-known clubs for you to consider include:
-
Seaford Head GC
Designed and constructed in 1887, this golfing links is steeped in recent and ancient history.
From its Saxon camp to its use during the war, Seaford Head has an energy all of its own.
You will never tire of teeing off of the 18th tee (approx. 300ft above sea level) and watching your drive soar down 150ft to the fairway below.
This is arguably THE best golf course vista in the whole of the UK.
The Club and course have recently had a makeover in the last few years, with a new £1.7m clubhouse and panoramic sea views from the restaurant area.
There are modern changing rooms and showers and a well-stocked Professional Shop.
Playable all year, it is very rare to see the course close for the wet.
If you are looking for the ‘dramatic’… golf societies Sussex, this is it!
-
Royal Ashdown GC – West Course
Founded in 1888, Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club is a traditional members’ golf club set in the heart of the Ashdown Forest.
One of the things that golf lovers most appreciate about playing here is that so little has changed over the club’s 130-year history.
Heather, humps, hollows, pools and streams remain nature’s defence against shooting a low score.
Royal Ashdown Forest offers not one but two superb golf courses that are both entirely natural.
The West Course snakes its way through the mature woodland of Ashdown Forest.
The stunning heathland layout of the Old Course was rated 29th in the Golf World Top 100 courses in 2019.
No earth has been moved, no ponds dug nor streams diverted since its inception.
The courses have been fashioned around the contours of the land with the Old Course providing spectacular views over four counties.
-
East Sussex National GC – West Course
Set in over 1000 acres of beautiful and established green English countryside, East Sussex National provides the perfect retreat for both business and social golfers alike.
Ideally situated just 30 minutes from Brighton and less than an hour from London, this unique golf resort offers Championship golf with the added convenience of an on-site hotel.
With more than 100 beautifully designed bedrooms all overlooking the South Downs, and manicured golf courses, East Sussex National provides its valued guests with every comfort.
The golf resort offers a health club and spa, award-winning restaurants, and two championship golf courses.
The West Course meanders through ancient oak trees, alongside quiet pools and rippling streams.
The par 72 West Course stretches 7,154 unforgettable yards.
The East Course is a 7,081-yard stadium layout, designed for tournament play.
It has been the setting for many important UK & international tournaments, notably the European Open Championship on two occasions.
-
Piltdown GC
Beautifully carved out of ancient Sussex heathland, the club first opened its door in 1904.
Piltdown Golf Club enjoys a colourful history, a stunning location, and a challenging heather-lined 18 hole course, excellent practice facilities and welcoming period clubhouse.
Between 2013-2018, the club invested over £600,000 on the course, with all 18 greens and their surrounds have been completely rebuilt and are now widely considered to be among the best in Sussex.
There is also a new practice putting green and an indoor teaching room with a virtual golf simulator.
Piltdown was always considered a “hidden gem” but it now features in the Top 100 Golf Courses in England.
-
Copthorne GC
Copthorne Golf Club was first formed in 1892 with nine holes being laid out by the designer.
Originally established by a group of golfing enthusiasts, Copthorne has remained a private members club ever since.
But it is said that when the first golfers arrived, it was on four legs rather than two.
Apparently, in those early years, it was necessary to provide stabling for horses whilst members enjoyed their round of golf.
The 9 hole course was in play in 1892, but it wasn’t until the end of 1908 when the full 18 holes were open for play.
In 1930, James Braid of Walton Heath and Winkleton was asked to design some course modifications. So far as the current course is concerned, we are indebted to Braid for the 4th, the 9th, the 10th and the 18th.
Bill Cox designed the new holes, now numbered 13, 14, 15 and 16, which were brought into play in May 1979. The remaining six were opened in 1984.
The present Club house site was acquired in 1930 and, except for the addition of a substantial dining room and a splendid conservatory that overlooks the 18th green, it remained basically unaltered until 2001.
A major construction program resulted in a significant improvement in the changing facilities and the integration of the pro-shop within the clubhouse.
By Damian Benstead
JOIN THE UK’S BIGGEST GOLF SOCIETY TODAY >>
Other recent articles from The Social Golfer Blog…
Golf Societies Essex – Where to golf…