West Sussex
Guy Campbell and Cecil Hutchison opened West Sussex at Pulborough in 1930, a rare pocket of sandy heathland in the South Downs that has become one of England most admired inland courses. A par 68 of about 6,355 yards, it winds through heather, pine and silver birch, a subtle, strategic test that proves length is not everything.
Photo: West Sussex Golf Club via Google.
The verdict
West Sussex, often known simply as Pulborough, is one of the finest heathland courses in England. Sir Guy Campbell and Major C.K. Hutchison, with Stafford Hotchkin also credited, opened it in 1930 on a rare island of sandy heath among the clay of the South Downs. It is a par 68 of about 6,355 yards, modest in length but rich in strategy.
The holes wind through heather, pine and silver birch, with cunning bunkering and greens that demand the correct angle of approach. There is a famous run of short holes, and the course rewards thought and placement over raw power. Visitors are welcome on weekdays, and a round here is one of the great quiet pleasures of English golf, well worth building a Sussex or Surrey heathland trip around.
West Sussex at a glance
- Opened
- 1930
- Designer
- Campbell and Hutchison
- Type
- Heathland
- Par
- 68
- Yardage
- About 6,355 yds
- Green fee
- From about £130
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from West Sussex Golf Club and leading course databases. The course was designed by Sir Guy Campbell and Major C.K. Hutchison and opened in 1930, a par 68 of about 6,355 yards. Visitors are welcome on weekdays with indicative green fees of about £130 to £150 in high season. Always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
West Sussex is a masterclass in restraint. At about 6,355 yards it never overwhelms, but the heather, the trees and the clever bunkering make every shot a question of line and angle. Miss on the wrong side and par becomes hard work.
The collection of par 3s is celebrated, none more than the long short hole over heather to a well guarded green, a genuine card wrecker. The greens are subtle and firm, and reading the right approach is half the battle.
This is heathland golf to be savored rather than attacked, a course for the player who enjoys plotting a way around. Pair it with the heathland of Surrey and Sussex for one of the most rewarding inland golf trips in England.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Visitors welcome on weekdays; weekend play is more limited and should be arranged ahead |
| Green fee | Indicative about £130 weekday and £150 weekend in high season (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Contact the club in advance; a handicap certificate is required |
| Season | High season April to October; the heathland turf runs firm and fast in summer |
| On the day | Walking on classic heathland; a quiet, traditional club |
| Getting there | Between Pulborough and Storrington in West Sussex, about 90 minutes from London |
Green fees verified June 2026 and reported about £130 weekday and £150 weekend in high season; figures are indicative and change by season and year, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Most visiting golfers base in the South Downs market towns near Pulborough or use the wider Sussex and Surrey area, which is full of comfortable inns, hotels and some of the best heathland golf in England. London is close enough for a day in the city too.
For a golf focused stay, a Sussex or Surrey base puts West Sussex and the great Surrey heathland courses within an easy drive, ideal for a multi course inland trip. The heathland is at its best from late spring through early autumn.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near West Sussex.
Plan an England golf trip
We secure the West Sussex tee times where access allows, pair them with the best heathland of the region 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.
West Sussex questions
Who designed West Sussex Golf Club?
West Sussex, at Pulborough, was designed by Sir Guy Campbell and Major C.K. Hutchison, with Stafford Hotchkin also credited, and opened in 1930.
What is the par and length of West Sussex?
West Sussex is a par 68 of about 6,355 yards, a heathland course where strategy and placement matter far more than length.
Can visitors play West Sussex?
Yes. Visitors are welcome on weekdays, with more limited weekend availability. A handicap certificate is required and tee times should be booked in advance.
What makes West Sussex special?
West Sussex is prized as one of England finest heathland courses, a rare pocket of sandy heath in the South Downs with a celebrated set of par 3s and subtle, strategic design.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.