Hayling
Established in 1883 and reshaped by the great architect Tom Simpson in 1933, Hayling is genuine links golf on the sandy ground of Hayling Island. A par 71 of roughly 6,500 yards open to the wind off the Solent, it is rated among the finest seaside courses in the south of England and one of the best links in the country.
Photo: Hayling Golf Club via Google.
The verdict
Hayling is the south coast's great links secret, a course that golfers who know it talk about in the same breath as far more famous names. Founded in 1883, it bears the hallmark of Tom Simpson, one of the finest English architects of the 1920s and 1930s, who was brought in to redesign it in 1933 so that the holes ran mostly along the valleys between the dunes rather than fighting up and over them.
That single decision is why Hayling plays so beautifully. The ground is firm and sandy, the turf runs fast, and the wind off the water is the chief defense. There is room to drive but a premium on the right line, and the greens reward the low, controlled shot of true links golf. It is consistently rated among the top links courses in Britain and Ireland, and a round here feels like the real thing from the opening tee.
Hayling at a glance
- Founded
- 1883
- Design
- Tom Simpson
- Type
- Links
- Par
- 71
- Yardage
- ~6,500 yds
- Green fee
- Visitor rate
Founding year, design history and par verified June 2026 from Hayling Golf Club and leading course databases. Hayling was established in 1883 and redesigned by Tom Simpson in 1933, a links of par 71 over roughly 6,500 yards. Hayling welcomes visiting golfers; green fees vary by season and day (indicative, 2026), so always confirm the current rate directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Hayling builds patiently. The opening holes ease you into the round across more open ground before the course works out toward the western tip of the island, where the best links holes wait among the dunes and the sea fills the horizon. Simpson's routing keeps the tee shots honest and the green sites natural, so that the ground game and the wind decide far more than raw power.
The closing run back toward the clubhouse is the part golfers remember, a stretch of firm, rumpled fairways and cleverly defended greens where a good score has to be protected against a freshening breeze. Bunkers are placed to catch the shot that drifts off the safe line, and the greens are quick and subtly contoured.
It is a course of genuine character and a wonderful contrast to the heathland inland, so a visiting group can pair the dunes of Hayling with the pines and heather of north Hampshire and Surrey for a varied few days of classic English golf.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Members' club that welcomes visiting golfers and societies on selected days; advance booking through the club is essential, especially in summer |
| Green fee | Indicative visitor green fees in the region of 80 to 135 pounds depending on season and day (2026); always confirm directly before booking |
| Booking | Reserve ahead through the Hayling office; the links pairs well with the Hampshire heathland for a coast and country trip |
| On the day | Smart golf dress on course and in the clubhouse; firm links turf walks easily; the wind off the Solent can be strong, so pack for it |
| Getting there | At the western tip of Hayling Island in Hampshire, near Portsmouth, about 90 minutes from London by road |
| Best months | Links plays firm and fast from late spring through autumn; settled, breezy days show the course at its best |
Access and fee details verified June 2026; rates change by season and day, so always confirm directly with the club or your trip planner before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Hayling sits just off the Hampshire coast near Portsmouth and Chichester, an easy base for a trip that mixes seaside links with the heathland inland.
Most visitors stay around Chichester or Portsmouth and build a varied itinerary, pairing the dunes of Hayling with the heathland of North Hants to the north, so a group plays both faces of classic English golf in a few days.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Hayling Island.
Build a Hampshire golf trip
We arrange tee times at Hayling, pair the links with the best of the Hampshire heath, and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Hayling questions
When was Hayling Golf Club founded and who designed it?
Hayling was established in 1883. After early work by Tom Dunn and J.H. Taylor, the course was given its lasting character by Tom Simpson, who redesigned it in 1933 so that the holes run mostly along the valleys rather than over the dunes.
What is the par and length of Hayling?
Hayling is a links of par 71 over roughly 6,500 yards, an exposed seaside course where the wind is the chief defense and the firm turf runs fast.
Can visitors play Hayling Golf Club?
Yes. Hayling welcomes visiting golfers and societies on selected days; book in advance through the club and confirm the current rate before you travel.
Is Hayling a true links course?
Yes. Hayling is genuine links golf on the sandy ground of Hayling Island, rated among the top links courses in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with dunes, fast running fairways and sea views.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Tee time windows, course access changes and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Founding year, design history and par verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.