This blog post explains how this page came about, but in substance, this is it: during my Captain’s year, I’ve decided to go on a little tour of the courses of Sussex (and beyond, work permitting) and play with a member wherever I go. I’m hoping they’ll tell me stories about their course and what they love about it. This way, I’ll see them in a completely different light from a regular visitor. So don’t expect critical reviews that will assess course condition, length and other technical aspects. My course reviews will be closer to love letters from the people who know them best. When I can’t play with a member, or when I play a match, I’ll answer a few basic questions. That’s what I did for the courses I played in Portugal a few weeks ago.
To see the review of each golf course, click on the flag, then on the link following “HLAP review” under “description”.
Royal Cromer Golf Club
Type of course? Heavenly clifftop links Pleasant staff? Yes Best hole? The signature hole is the 14th leading to the lighthouse, but the 9th par 3 is particularly daunting and beautiful, with seven...
read moreThetford Golf Club
Type of course? It’s described as heathland, but really, it’s more of an enchanted forest type of course. Pleasant staff? Very nice. Best hole? There is no standout hole golfing wise,...
read moreRoyal Ashdown Forest Golf Club
Type of course? The Old Course is all heather, slopes and forest (unsurprisingly). Pleasant staff? Lovely pro. Best hole? The 249 yard par 3. Elevated tee, big space, heather left and right and the...
read moreEast Sussex National Golf Club
Type of course? Undulating parkland. Pleasant staff? It’s a huge business, with a hotel and two courses, so the service is professional, but quite impersonal. Best hole? We played both West...
read moreTorrey Pines Golf Course
My first guest review! Charlotte is on a business trip in California and was lucky enough to play this very famous course that I’d never heard about. Type of course? Iconic and jolly famous....
read morePalheiro Golf
Type of course? Hilly. So so hilly. Pleasant staff? Yes. Best hole? The 18th because if I tonked my drive, I was able to get on the green in two provided I avoided the bunkers on the right. I just...
read moreClub de golfe de Santo da Serra
Type of course? As hilly as Madeira. There are three 9 hole courses. Two tough hilly ones and one easier, flat one. We climbed a mountain the day before and were both hobbling on very sore legs, so...
read moreColchester Golf Club
Type of course? Parkland Pleasant staff? Yes Best hole? None stood out Après golf? Mediocre nachos for me, mediocre egg and salmon sandwich for Charlotte Nice round? We were both very disappointed...
read moreBicester Golf Club
Type of course? Parkland. Pleasant staff? Wonderful, all of them, especially the bar staff who always gave me two pieces of shortbread with coffee. Best hole? The first two times I played the 17th,...
read moreHollingbury Park Golf Course
Type of course? Downland. Pleasant staff? Yes. Best hole? I liked the 12th because I love risk/reward holes. It’s a short par 4, so the driver isn’t needed, especially as the entrance to...
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