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THE BEST GOLF COURSES IN SUSSEX
Golf as we know it today was first introduced to the UK in the 15th century, although there had been a version of this stately game that was played in at least 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.
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 to this day.
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’ s a guide to some of our favourites.
GOLF AT GOODWOOD www. goodwood. com // 01243 755168
Golfing at Goodwood is all about you. There are no stereotypical, stuffy membership conditions to meet, and no strict tee times because it is all designed to be as flexible as you need it to be. Your golfing experience can be directly tailored to suit your golfing style and your lifestyle, no matter how much or how little time, experience, or confidence you have.
Goodwood consists of two beautiful courses. The Downs Course has ranked in the top 100 courses in the UK and is a course that offers views of Chichester Cathedral, as well as the splendour of the South Downs. On clear days, you might even be able to glimpse the Isle of Wight. It’ s a tricky one, with plenty of doglegs and long sweeping greens that can test even the most experienced golfer. Then there’ s the Park Course, which is an altogether more gentle way to play – although it still has its hazards in the form of some surprising switchbacks and bunkers.
DALE HILL www. golfclub. co. uk // 01580 200112
With over 350 acres of grounds, the two courses at Dale Hill are laid out to take in the best of the surrounding scenery. The High Weald is at its best here, and playing golf in such a lovely place is surely good for the soul.
Both the courses at Dale Hill are 18 holes. The first, designed by Ian Woosnam, is, as Woosnam himself describes:“ challenging enough to test the pros, yet accessible enough to be enjoyed by amateurs”. You can’ t ask for much more than that when it comes to golf – a place where everyone can enjoy the game on the same course, but for different reasons. The Dale Hill Course is the original one on the site, but has lost none of its charm and still makes for a satisfying round of golf.
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