DAYSOUT
AN EXCITING COMBINATION OF GOLF, GOOD FOOD AND WINE AT MANNINGS HEATH
Mannings Heath – or, to give it its full title, Mannings Heath Golf Club and Wine Estate – has all the trappings of perfection. It is situated in an enviable location in Horsham with beautiful countryside all around, it has two fantastically playable courses to choose from, and it has a pretty impressive restaurant too, as well as its own winemaker. All in all, a day out at Mannings Health is something to be savoured for as long as possible. BY LISAMARIE LAMB
Playing golf at Mannings Heath is pure joy. There are two award-winning courses here, and whichever one you choose you’ ll certainly enjoy your game. The 18-hole Waterfall Course was created back in 1905, and it is a stunner still to this day. At 6,683 yards and par 72, and with the holes set among streams and woodland, it hardly matters whether you score a birdie or a bogey – the freedom of simply being out in the open air, plus a welcome hit of vitamin D when the sun is shining is what really hits the spot.
If you are looking for a shorter game, the Kingfisher Course is a great 9-hole option. It was built in 1996, so is much newer than its well known older sister, but for a relatively young course it has bedded in nicely both in the area itself, and in the minds of keen players. With wild deer roaming as you play, this is another example of exactly why it’ s good to get out and about amongst nature, one of life’ s pleasures that golf courses such as this can often offer unrivalled closeness to.
Mannings Heath boasts an excellent pro shop too, with everything you might need to boost your enjoyment of the game. This, combined with two putting greens and plenty of on-hand expert tutoring makes Mannings Heath the perfect place to play for both beginners looking to take their first swing, and experts who want to brush up their skills.
Although golf is the main pastime here, we must not – and cannot – forget the food, and Mannings Heath offers a great choice according to the level of formality you fancy. Will you opt for the beautiful Benguela Brasserie? Or perhaps a snack in the lounge bar would suit you better? With afternoon teas and Sunday lunches a specialty, you can bring the family or a special someone to enjoy the treats at Mannings whatever your group size or celebration.
The food here is an eclectic mix of traditional, high-end cuisine – think hand-picked Cornish crab, pan-roasted rump of lamb, foie gras, smoked salmon and guinea fowl – and modern dishes such as courgette stuffed with buckwheat couscous, slow-braised ox cheek, or roasted butternut squash. If you’ re feeling like some comfort food, you can also opt for home-cooked favourites like fish and chips; ham, egg and chicken; or a big old 10oz steak served with chips.
If you like a good glass of plonk, the wine tasting events at Mannings Heath are a must. Soon, 45 acres of the Kingfisher Course will be home to vines; just one of the exciting ventures that the owners of this wonderful, multifunctional golf course have in the pipeline.
Mannings Heath Golf Club Hammerpond Rd Mannings Heath Horsham RH13 6PG
01403 210228 www. manningsheath. com
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