West Sussex Golf Club: Course Review, Tee Times and Key Info

West Sussex Golf Club Key Information

West Sussex Golf Club

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 1100 Golf Courses UK & Ireland. It is also one of the best heathland golf courses in the UK, and certainly one of the most attractive. I have been lucky enough to play here regularly over the years and seem to enjoy it more every time.

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, and I think, one of the prettiest.

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! For me, it is a par 3 and a half.

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's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said...

Cathal Devlin

It’s the uniqueness that stood out to me the most. Many heathland courses and links courses can look quite similar. The bunkering at West Sussex makes it stand out and it doesn’t feel like anything else. It stands on its own two feet proudly and is easily one of my favourite courses I’ve played.

Matt Weavers

The definition of a hidden gem, West Sussex is a beautiful heathland course set amongst magnificent heather and pine.

Rob Fear

In golfing terms, West Sussex smacks of old money and is delightful. Obviously not a popular society destination because of the 2 ball rule, but nevertheless, the serious golfer will have a memorable day here.

West Sussex Golf Club Location

West Sussex Scorecard

Best Courses Near To West Sussex

LIPHOOK

This classy, absorbing, heathland design has raised its game even higher in recent years with the addition of two new holes as well as three very cleverly reworked ones, all of which has improved the overall test and flow.

GOODWOOD - DOWNS

One of the finest downland courses in the country is the James Braid Downs design at Goodwood. The round begins down in the valley but soon runs up into the hills where it offers far-reaching views over to Chichester and out to sea as well as plenty of entertaining golf.

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. With glorious views across the Pulborough Brooks and the South Downs National Park, it is a quintessential Sussex pub and fine restaurant

West Sussex Gallery

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Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I

• 2025/26 - 62
• 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