East Sussex National

The East Course was designed to test the talent of the world's finest golfers, and measuring over 7,000 yards from the gold tees, is a formidable test. The host course for many a top level event, including the 1993 and 1994 European Opens, as well as five European Challenge Tour events and four PGA European Tour qualifying schools between 1994 and 1997, the East has clearly fulfilled its purpose as well as thrilling the club golfer looking to take on a thoroughbred tournament test.

However long and challenging this might be, it is not out of reach for the handicap golfer. A number of other tee positions allow for golfers of varying ability to test their game on the East Course, with blue tees being laid out close to but in front of the golds, as well as white tees which offer a much more manageable game of golf to the higher handicapper.

Fairly open from the tee, the East Course allows golfers to have some fun with the driver, while sublime putting surfaces and perfectly maintained bunkers and fairways tick all of the boxes in terms of the course’s conditioning.

The real challenge on the East Course comes in the form of the approach shot thanks to well protected greens which feature huge undulations and steps in places, making precise approach play an important facet of the game. Get out of position around the greens and saving par will certainly not be a walk in the park.

Be sure to conserve some energy too, for the East Course boasts one of the best and certainly most demanding closing stretches of holes in the country. 

Signature Hole – No. 17: Par 4, 450 yards (Gold Tees)

Picturesque yet perilous, the 17th on the East Course is a cracker of a par 4, measuring no less than 450 yards from the tips. Water runs up the left then cuts across the fairway, meaning the golfer must lay back far enough from the tee so not to risk their ball ending up in a watery grave. Once in the fairway, it is perhaps best to take an extra club when hitting your approach as the green is slightly elevated and is protected by a steep run off at the front. This leads down to the creek which has made it way over to the right of the hole.

The West Course was once the private playground for club members but thankfully it's now open for play to all comers. Often regarded as the more scenic and intimate of the two courses, the West is just as tough a nut to crack as its better known sibling. Tighter from the tee and more undulating, the West has bundles of character and although being surprisingly longer than the East Course, is doesn't really play as such and, as on the East, there are tees to suit varying standards of golfer.

The West Course at East Sussex National is ranked as one of the best courses in London and the South East

Signature Hole – No. 12: Par 5, 542 yards (Gold Tees)

It's no easy task to pick the signature hole on the West Course at East Sussex National. The 1st, with a green below the level of the fairway gets you off to a flyer and the par 4 10th boasts a daunting yet spectacular approach. The par 5 12th however, is probably the most memorable. Horsted Creek runs along the entire length of the hole and comes more and more into play the closer you get to the green.

The longest of hitters may choose to go for the green in two but laying up is the prudent play, with huge American style mounds to the left of the green and water lurking front and right. You can't switch off for a minute on this technical long hole, with birdie and double-bogey being an equally likely score, subject to the quality of your shots!

The Academy, at East Sussex National Golf Resort & Spa, boasts excellent practice facilities. The driving range boasts both artificial and real turf hitting areas which allow for practice throughout the year and there is ample space to practice your short game. Pitching and chipping areas, three putting greens and a championship standard three-hole academy course complete the package and allow for exhaustive practice should the need to sharpen your game arise.

At The Clubhouse

The East Sussex National Clubhouse boasts both indoor and outdoor seating and is a great place to enjoy a bite to eat or indeed a few well deserved drinks before or after your game.

Live sports are shown on screens around the bar and in the changing facilities there are ample lockers, power showers and even a sauna; perfect for loosening up any sore muscles after a long day on the course. A locker room attendant will supply you with fresh towels.

The east Sussex National pro shop is supremely well stocked and will service all of your golfing needs, with friendly and professional staff members on hand to offer any advice you may need.

Other Information

Both golf courses at East Sussex National are a tough walk so a buggy comes recommended. Throughout most of the year, the club employs a "90 Degree Rule", where players are asked to keep to the cart paths until reaching their ball where they can then move onto the course on the buggy, minimising the damage caused by the vehicles while allowing golfers to complete their rounds easily and in good time.

Halfway houses allow golfers to stock up on drinks and food at the midway point in their rounds so there's no need to overload before teeing off. The club also employs a bag drop service which allows golfers to leave their clubs at the clubhouse entrance before checking in for their tee time. Your clubs will then be brought down to the course level, ready and waiting for you to warm up or tee off, whether your on a buggy or not. After your round, you can then simply leave your clubs with the caddy masters, who will have them ready for your tee time the following day.

A complimentary club cleaning service also ensures you will leave East Sussex National with your clubs looking as good as new.