Rye Golf Club Old Course Key Information
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 |
| Address | Camber Road, Camber, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7QS |
| Phone Number | 01797 225241 |
| Website | https://www.ryegolfclub.co.uk |
| links@ryegolfclub.co.uk | |
| Green Fees | All visitors should apply to the secretary |
| Visitor Times | Invitations to visiting golfers are made at the Secretary's discretion |
| Par | 68 |
| Slope Rating | 121 (Blue), 116 (White), 112 (Yellow), 127 (Women's Red) |
| Opened | 1895 |
| Designed by | Harry Colt |
Golf Monthly Verdict
The Old Course at Rye offers honest, quintessential links golf from start to finish and is a textbook example of golf course architecture from probably the master of them all, Harry Colt.
A day at Rye is a day well spent giving you the opportunity to enjoy golf as it was intended to be played over 100 years ago.
The booking process maybe a little tricky but there’s no arrogance there and it's worth the effort if you can secure a game.
REASONS TO PLAY RYE GOLF CLUB OLD COURSE
– Historic and pure links course harking back to golf as it used to be
– But always maintained in great condition with excellent playing surfaces
– Predominantly a members' club so if you get the chance to play, grab it with both hands
RANKINGS
UK and Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2023/24 - 65
Founded in 1894 the original layout at Rye was designed by a 25-year-old Harry Colt. Even at that young age his talent for visualising and creating attractive and exciting holes was evident. This is a hugely characterful layout. Rye is one of the best golf courses is Sussex.
Indeed, Colt was the club’s first captain and Rye, his very first design, was one that would switch him from his career as a solicitor into that of a golf course architect.
The course at Rye is something of a timeless classic that has been largely unchanged since the 1930s. But it will still present a strong challenge, particularly when the wind is up.
It’s a classic links layout played over fast-running and undulating turf.
The opening in Rye is relatively gentle before things ramp up at the superb 4th playing to a hogsback fairway with trouble on both sides.
Other holes worth noting including the 6th – a dog-leg with a blind tee shot over a dune, then the superb 7th with a green featuring run-offs on all sides.
On the back nine, the 13th is a cracking hole where the second shot will generally be a long iron over a dune.
Although times for visitors are limited, bookings will be taken on weekdays by appointment.
When you do play, you’ll be made to feel very welcome. Be sure to allow yourself time for what is always an excellent lunch in clubhouse.
What The Top 100 Panel Said
A bump and run links course with undulating fairways. There's a good variety of green sites, some of the greens are flattish, but some (eg the 16th) are notably contoured. Rumpled fairways and runoffs round greens all add to the challenge. The par 3s are all good. The 5th is epic across a valley. The clubhouse is excellent, very smart showers, old established comfortable, well-appointed clubhouse with many rooms and historical artefacts. The members are extremely friendly.
Rye is a classic - providing a stern test regardless of the wind. The more you play Rye the more you get it – there’ll always be a new bounce, a new lie, a new challenge on the green, or a new breeze.
Despite the old-school, largely members only approach, you receive a warm welcome in the clubhouse. 2-ball golf is preferred, followed by donning jacket and tie for lunch – an integral part of the Rye experience. Golfing royalty such as Colt and Darwin have graced the fairways of Rye as past Captains, and this history only adds to the experience.
Rye Golf Club Old Course Location
Rye Golf Club Old Course Green Fees
Golfers wishing to visit should enquire by emailing the Secretary (details on club website.) Names, handicaps and the home Clubs of all players should be provided.
Best Courses Near to Rye Golf Club Old Course
Best Places To Stay Near Rye Golf Club Old Course
The Gallivant - Book now at Booking.com
Opposite Camber’s golden beach, Gallivant Hotel offers elegant rooms with homemade cake and luxury toiletries. Just a couple of minute's drive from Rye Golf Club, The Gallivant restaurant serves a variety of menu options, using seasonal and local produce.
The Hope Anchor - Book now at Booking.com
Built around 1750 for local sailors and ship builders, The Hope Anchor is thought to have once sheltered the Tenterden Gang, who used its old secret passages for smuggling. Relax beside the log fire in traditional snug bar, and enjoy the individually styled bedrooms, some of which have a four poster bed. It's in the centre of Rye just a mile and a half from the golf club.
Rye Golf Club Old Course Gallery
Rye Golf Club Old Course Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I
- 2023/24 - 65
- 2021/22 - 65
- 2019/20 - 57
- 2017/18 - 54
- 2015/16 - 58
- 2013/14 - 61
- 2011/12 - 71
- 2009/10 - 77
Frequently Asked Questions
Are visitors welcome at Rye?
Invitations to visiting golfers are made at the Secretary’s discretion. Smaller groups are more easily accommodated. To arrange a visit - email the secretary
Is Rye a twoball course?
Yes - "All play is in two ball format with foursomes preferred, especially in the morning. No three or fourball golf is played. Players wishing to play their own ball, rather than foursomes, will generally be invited to play late morning or after lunch."
What is the dress code at Rye?
Information on the club website reads as follows:
When meeting before play, golfing attire may be worn in either bar. For gentlemen, a jacket and tie or roll neck is mandatory after 11.00 a.m. in either bar. In the Dining Room, gentlemen must wear jacket and tie.
Ladies may wear golfing attire when meeting before play in either bar. After 11.00 a.m. ladies are expected to dress appropriately when using the bars or dining room so as to complement the dress code applying to gentlemen in these areas.
Ladies and gentlemen may wear golfing attire in the Darwin Bar after 4.00 p.m. daily.
A high standard of dress is expected on the courses and may include the wearing of tailored golf shorts but, for men, only with long socks with a turnover top.
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