Links courses in sussex?

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newbhoy123

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Like the title suggests can anyone recommend a proper links course in sussex, please bear in mind not a downland course, a proper links? Also one that is somewhat affordable under 40 notes preferably :)
 
Littlehampton golf course is a links course I believe.

A few of my friends play up there and they seem to like it.
 
As mentioned before, Rye and Littlehampton - with Littlehampton being infinitely cheaper and easier to get a game. There is Cooden Beach which has elements of links golf, but could not be classed as 'true' links. Slightly further afield is Hayling Island GC in Hampshire which (although I have never played there) looks fantastic and should meet your budget if you get a twighlight or 241 deal.
 
Hayling Island is a good course, we have a reciprocal there. A true links course with a fantastic Art Deco style clubhouse.
 
DarthVega said:
I thought Cooden beach was right at the shore, interested as to why you wouldnt class it as a links?
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It's not right by the shore. Close, but not quite. I don't know how you would class Cooden to be honest. It's definitely not links (it doesn't have the tightly mown sandy fairways that true links tend to have) and there is too much going on on the course. True links can be desolate places where it seems to be you versus nature. Cooden isn't like that. It's difficult to put into words really....only playing it will make you realise it's "shortcomings" as a true links course. I live right on the Sussex/Kent border. If I wanted to play a links course down this way I wouldn't be looking at Rye....difficult, almost impossible, to get a game on there. Go a little further down the coast (not too far) and visit Littlestone. Open qualifying course, and a true test of golf. And you should get a game for the money you want to spend on a green fee. http://www.littlestonegolfclub.org.uk/
 
DarthVega said:
i thought Cooden beach was right at the shore, interested as to why you wouldnt class it as a links?
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that's a tricky question Some holes feel linksy and the ones closest the beach are only seperated from it by a railway line. As Smiffy says it doesn't have the desolate feel. The first 3 or 4 holes are treelined, nice course thought. I would put it in the same bracket as North Foreland. Almost a links but not quite.

Back to the question. Another vote for Littlestone, even thought it's in Kent. You won't be disappointed there. To get on Rye you have to write to the secretary and even then to get a game on the day you want is tough. We contacted them re a society game last year. They didn't dismiss it, but could only offer the second Monday on every month starting with a vowel or something like that :confused:
 
As was said by several, Rye is the hardest place to get onto and, by all accounts not too great anyway. Littlestone is a fabulous links course and welcoming. They play mainly 2 ball there but allow three and sometimes 4 ball during the week at times (Wednesdays is one I thinkk).

It starts relitively easy and then, by the turn, it can be a monster with the return 9 being into the prevailing wind. The 16th is a very long par 4 and the 17th a wonderful par 3, especially if the sun is setting to the right of the green, I guarantee you won't have seen a prettier par 3!


Chris
 
Thanks for the responses.

Littlestone - looks a cracker, a course that would be better suited to play 36 holes in the summer than on a wet and windy day in January. The one sticking point is it appears to be a little of the beaten track, a good thing i know, but one of our party needs to travel by train on the day we intend to play, so could be a bit difficult.
Hayling Island again looks very nice, although I would have some reservations about paying £70 for a winter green fee, similar to Littlestone, if you are paying a decent amount of money really to do the course justice and for your value for money the summer time is the best time to play.

Littlehampton looks the best bet for us, by all accounts the winter fees are reasonable. The course appears to have a few holes inland type holes but on the whole a links course. Anyone got my tips or advise on the course? According to their website they seem green fee friendly for visitors
 
Before reading the responses thus far, I immediately thought of Littlehampton and Littlestone. The posts so far sum things up very well. I do not know the location of the station to Littlehampton GC (the course is right by the right hand side of the river as you look towards the sea - cross the river and take the first left - it is signposted).

I have played both and they are very good. Littlehampton edged it for me but I think thats only as its slightly easier. The holes along the coast (generally the first 9) have a links feel. Its much like any links course - if the wind blows - good luck.

Think we paid £38 a couple of years ago which was the last time I played it.

Its worth the trip if you ask me.
 
Newbhoy123 Littlehampton golf club is about 1 mile from station. Very easy to get to walking or if another member of your party was to meet them at the station. Otherwise there are always taxis outside the station. Would cost bout a fiver although havent used cabs for years. Benefits of her who must be obeyed not drinking
 
Mattyboy said:
I have played both and they are very good. Littlehampton edged it for me but I think thats only as its slightly easier. The holes along the coast (generally the first 9) have a links feel. Its much like any links course - if the wind blows - good luck.

Its worth the trip if you ask me.
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That's great to hear. The course looks nice from the website but it's always nice having a bit of reassurance from others on here. The course does not appear overly long but as you say when the wind gets up that's another story. Looking forward to a bit of links golf, can't beat it!
 
From memory Littlehampton's front 9 is a links course playing along the dunes. The back 9 is more parkland with a flatter landscape and more bushes etc. It's a lovely little course.
 
SyR said:
From memory Littlehampton's front 9 is a links course playing along the dunes. The back 9 is more parkland with a flatter landscape and more bushes etc. It's a lovely little course.
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Yes heard from a mate that's it's quite flat and a little 'easier' (i use that term lighly!) than some other links around the county. Fingers crossed the weather will be half decent
 
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