DAYSOUT
It’ s tee time... THE BEST GOLF COURSES IN SUSSEX cont.
MANNINGS HEATH www. manningsheath. com // 01403 210228
Mannings Heath is home to not one but two award-winning courses. The 18-hole Waterfall Course dates back to 1905. It’ s a par 72 and measures 6,683 yards and, although it has been known to be called a tough course to play, that only adds to its allure, particularly for those who relish a challenge. The second course is the 9-hole Kingfisher Course. Built just over 90 years after the original, it’ s popularity has grown steadily over time.
Mannings Heath also offers two restaurants( a bar lounge and a brasserie), so you can make a full day of it after you’ ve completed your game( s). If wine tasting is something you’ re keen to tick off your to-do list, this is the golf club for you – there is a wine expert on hand to show you what’ s what, and plans to plant a 45-acre vineyard are afoot.
AVISFORD PARK GOLF CLUB www. avisfordparkgolfclub. com // 01243 554611
The Avisford Park Golf Club can be found near the historic town of Arundel, nestled neatly in 89 acres of stunning greenery. The fact that this course takes into account the natural hazards that were there well before anyone even considered playing golf on this spot is a great touch, making the whole place feel organic and exciting. It also means that some of those hazards are particularly tricky, but that only adds to the experience at this great course.
LITTLEHAMPTON GOLF CLUB www. littlehamptongolf. co. uk // 01903 717170
Founded in 1889, Littlehampton is considered to be the only true links course in West Sussex. Technically that means that the course is built on undulating ground, with ridges and dips across it. This is not a smooth, manicured course like others in the county, but that’ s all part of the fun. There are bunkers galore along the route here, and it isn’ t until you reach the 18th hole that you’ ll find much in the way of a green. It’ s exciting and exhilarating, especially if you enjoy the challenges that the rough can throw at you.
SLINFOLD www. slinfoldclub. co. uk // 01403 791154
At Horsham’ s Slinfold Golf Club there is plenty to do. Golf is the main attraction, of course, thanks to the 18-hole, 6,424- yard course dubbed‘ the thinking person’ s course’. Why? Because there’ s so much more to it than going out there and taking long shots to put you on the green. The holes on this course are designed in such a way as to ensure that you have to really think about each shot, take every angle and possibility into account, and only then can you go for it. A quick game this is not, but an enjoyable one? Undoubtedly.
Slinfold is for everyone, however, and that means golf isn’ t the only pleasure to indulge in here. For those who prefer not to play, there is a health club and spa retreat full of luxurious treatments – including massage, waxing, facials, tanning and holistic therapies – to partake in.
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