Looking for a Golf Club In Sussex

[Chrimbo]

I'm looking to join a golf club in the East or Mid Sussex area and was wondering if anyone had any reviews or view on any clubs in the area.

I'm a relative newcomer to the sport so don't have a handicap but it will be high.

I'm quite tempted by either Lewes, Hassocks, Mid Sussex or Wellshurst has anyone played these or a member or has any views on these or suggestions on other courses.

Thanks

 

[Golfmmad]

Chrimbo, I've only played Lewes once, from what I remember a tough track but fantastic views. Wellshurst is quite open and usually score well there. Mid-Sussex I really like, long and open, lots of bunkers.What I don't like is names are not drawn for monthly competitions so a bit clickey I would imagine. Hassocks, where I'm a member, is a really friendly club,not too long but quite a challenge with the water features,especially the signature 11th par 5,a dog leg right with a long carry over water, then another large pond to carry and front of green guarded by 2 bunkers.

Hope this helps,

Golfmmad.

 

[Chrimbo]

Chrimbo, I've only played Lewes once, from what I remember a tough track but fantastic views. Wellshurst is quite open and usually score well there. Mid-Sussex I really like, long and open, lots of bunkers.What I don't like is names are not drawn for monthly competitions so a bit clickey I would imagine. Hassocks, where I'm a member, is a really friendly club,not too long but quite a challenge with the water features,especially the signature 11th par 5,a dog leg right with a long carry over water, then another large pond to carry and front of green guarded by 2 bunkers.

Hope this helps,

Golfmmad.

Absolutely, as I don't know anyone I want to join a friendly club but again I want a course that is challenging but not to difficult.

I'm erring towards Lewes (as a Lewesian it appeals to me to play golf whilst viewing the town where I was born and lived until I got married) and Hassocks as I've heard good reports.

Again many thanks

 

[Pedro_Wedgitos]

I wouldn't join Wellshurst. Its an okay course but a course you play rather than join. My neighbour has just left it to join Lewes

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'm not sure of cost etc but I'd play Goodwood. It was run down a few years back but has come like a phoenix out of the flames and is going from strength to strength. Mike H played there recently and said good things about it on Friday.

 

[OldWindy]

Lewes is an absolute gem and relatively inexpensive, IMO.

 

[Leftie]

Goodwood is best part of 40 miles and an hour plus on a good day from Lewes area Homer. Many good courses a lot nearer.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I see my grade E geography O level is as useful as ever

 

[Smiffy]

Out of the courses you mention, if Lewes is within easy travelling distance for you, I would join there like a shot.
It is a great course, and one of the only courses you can play all year round with no temporary greens (ever) and always in very good condition. The only downside to playing there is if it is windy, then it's almost impossible. But if you could master that, just think how good you would be on a links course!

 

[Chrimbo]

Many thanks to all for your feedback.

I was leaning towards Lewes and your comments have encouraged me to pay them a visit next weekend and have a look around with the intention of joining.

 

[bobmac]

Many thanks to all for your feedback.

I was leaning towards Lewes and your comments have encouraged me to pay them a visit next weekend and have a look around with the intention of joining.

When you phone up for a tee time, tell them you are thinking about joining and they might give you a free round

 

[Chrimbo]

When you phone up for a tee time, tell them you are thinking about joining and they might give you a free round

Certainly worth a try - they can only say no.

 

[Smiffy]

Top tip..........

Wellshurst is a goat track.

I think that on every third Sunday in the month they rope the first and second fairways off and use it for banger racing

Yes, it's that bad

 

[heronsghyll]

Crowborough Beacon is a great course and membership is available now. The waiting list has finished.

It is difficult, but from the yellow tees is playable for most handicap golfers. The upside is you will improve by playing there - a good round there is a great round somewhere else.

 

[Golfmmad]

Many thanks to all for your feedback.

I was leaning towards Lewes and your comments have encouraged me to pay them a visit next weekend and have a look around with the intention of joining.

Chrimbo, good luck in your search for the right club for you.
In your first post you mentioned that you were looking for a friendly yet challenging course. Although I'm probably biased towards Hassocks, might I suggest you give Hassocks a try before your final decision.
Despite the poor winter last year there were no temp. greens or mats off the white tees.

Golfmmad.

 

[Golfmmad]

Top tip..........

Wellshurst is a goat track.

I think that on every third Sunday in the month they rope the first and second fairways off and use it for banger racing

Yes, it's that bad

Smiffy, when was the last time you played Wellshurst?
I would agree with your comments if it was 5 or 6 years ago, manys the time I would walk off the course during the wet winter months with mud up to my knees!!
I played there last Autumn and it's a world apart. Most of the paths up to the tees are now laid with shells so no more mud! The course has matured pretty well during the last 5 years.
Having said all that, despite considering joining last year, I still much prefer Hassocks or even Mid-Sussex. Not sure about that wind at Lewes!

Golfmmad.

 

[Smiffy]

Smiffy, when was the last time you played Wellshurst?
I would agree with your comments if it was 5 or 6 years ago, manys the time I would walk off the course during the wet winter months with mud up to my knees!!
I played there last Autumn and it's a world apart. Most of the paths up to the tees are now laid with shells so no more mud! The course has matured pretty well during the last 5 years.
Having said all that, despite considering joining last year, I still much prefer Hassocks or even Mid-Sussex. Not sure about that wind at Lewes!

Golfmmad.

Quite some time ago Golfmmad, so maybe I'm being a little unfair. But to be honest, my "goat track" description has nothing to do with boggy fairways and muddy trousers during the winter, (although I did play it once on a wet January morning when everywhere else around was closed and wished I never had).
Bone hard ground during the Summer, fairways that are more like sunday league football pitches, greens that looked (and played) as if somebody had fly tipped a load of sand and just thrown some grass seed over.
I have played it maybe four or five times. Each time I went down there I was hoping the course would be better, each time I came away disappointed and vowing never to go back again. But I did, and I wish I hadn't. Haven't played it for a good few years, maybe I should and rid myself of the demons. But when there are so many better courses around here I think to myself "why bother"....
Despite just joining Highwoods in Bexhill, myself and a few mates are playing at Lewes again this coming Sunday. £20.00 the day on a "2fore1" voucher and on a Sunday too. How good is that for value? Really looking forward to it, the greens should be getting really speedy now.
Lewes is a good "honest to goodness" golf course. What you see is what you get. A couple of duff holes, but some crackers in amongst them too. The members are friendly, the new clubhouse is very nice, and the pro (Tony) is one of the nicest guys you'll meet. Even though he knows we are not members he will bend over backwards (ooerr missus) to help us out. If the OP joins Lewes I can guarantee that he will enjoy good golf for the full 12 months of the year, not have the course closed (or unplayable) for 3 months or so. If anyone fancies a knock on Sunday we have a couple of spaces left. You would be more than welcome to join us.
Rob

 

[Chrimbo]

Crowborough Beacon is a great course and membership is available now. The waiting list has finished.

I did look at Crowborough but it's a bit expensive compared to other courses in the area.

Mind you so is Lewes but now they have dropped their joining fee and have a facility for monthly payments it moves it into my cost bracket.