insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 14 - April 2016 | Page 50

DAYSOUT

DAYS OUT

GOLF IN SUSSEX
Golf as we know it today was first introduced to
the UK in the fifteenth century, although there
had been a version of this exhilarating and stately
game that was played way back in 100 BC,
if not before. It was a Roman invention called
‘paganica’ and it involved players using a bent
stick to hit a ball, which all sounds rather familiar.

Once the ban was lifted, the game took off
in an even bigger fashion than it had before,
and even the Archbishop of St Andrews,
Archbishop Hamilton, realised how important
it had become to the people, and to the
economy; he declared that St Andrews itself
should be made available for golf.

The game was so popular in Scotland, that
in 1457 an Act of Parliament banned it (along
with football) because it was stopping men
from practising their archery, which was
needed to defend the country. Rather than risk
defeat should any enemies come for the Scots,
King James II decided that golf was too much
of a distraction and halted it completely. A ban
that lasted until 1500.

By the time King James VI ascended to the
English throne in 1603, golf was played at
court. How the king, his courtiers, and the
public at large were playing is still a bit of a
mystery, since the official Rules of Golf weren’t
created until 1744. They were set out by the
Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers,
and are still adhered to today.

The only change from the old version of golf to
golf as we know it today came in 1764. Due to
space restrictions, the course at St Andrews
was reduced to 18 holes. It had previously
been 22. Since then, the 18-hole format is the
one that all courses have been built upon.
Today, golf is played by millions of people
across the globe, and the beautiful county of
Sussex is no exception; in fact, some of the
country’s best-known and best-loved golf
courses are right here on our doorstep.
Here are more details about some of our
favourite Sussex courses:

Selsey Golf Club
www.selseygolfclub.co.uk // 01243 602165
Selsey Golf Course is a truly beautiful, but testing 9-hole links type course.
Situated next to the coast, with stunning views of the Sussex Downs as a
backdrop, it has multiple tee positions, a par of 68 over 18 holes, and was
once owned by Max Faulkner, who was Open Golf Champion in 1951.
One of the key features of the course is a present left by the Luftwaffe
during the Second World War: a 64-foot crater now known as Davison’s
Pool - you can drive over this on the 8th and 17th holes.

The club has a fully-licensed bar and restaurant too, which is open to
members and non members throughout the year. The restaurant offers
fine, home-cooked food and a varied menu, and can cater for parties
from 12 to 70. Both the bar and restaurant are available for functions
and, during the summer months, a marquee is also available for larger
functions.
The Resident PGA Professional has been with the club for many years.
He offers a wide range of stock and equipment and is available seven
days a week to take tee bookings and support golfers with lessons and
advice. With incredibly competitive green fees and membership fees,
you have the opportunity to play as a visitor or become a member at this
small, friendly club.

Selsey Golf Club boasts many additional facilities in addition to its
fantastic course. The Clubhouse, which is in a beautiful setting, has
ample car parking and a very welcoming and comfortable lounge area
with seating and an open fire to keep you snug in the winter. In the
warmer months, you may prefer to sit on the terrace looking over the 18th
green. The Clubhouse is also available to hire for a variety of functions
including wedding receptions, anniversary parties and birthdays.

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