Cooden Beach Golf Club

Just back from a fantastic couple of days down on the East Sussex Coast where I had the pleasure of playing Cooden Beach Golf Club...

Prior to the trip I had been told that I would enjoy Cooden Beach Golf Club, and I am very pleased to report, this course does not disappoint!

From the moment you arrive, you find a relaxed atmosphere in the Clubhouse and the vistas from the patio seating area, give you a superb view of the 18th and first fairways and of what you can expect from the course, simply stunning.

However, before heading out, I indulged in a wicked Fish Finger sandwich which was supposed to be a light lunch, but was a complete meal in itself, again I was impressed.

Now, if you like links courses then Cooden Beach Golf Club is for you. However, technically the course is built on marshland, but it plays like a links course and whilst most holes are open, the course does boast some mature trees.

The fairways are spacious, but they are undulating.

The greens are tough, fast in certain directions, and the borrows are a real art to read.

As you get closer to the 'beach' from holes 8 onwards, although not viewable, you do get the 'seaside' feel when you notice the tops of the beach huts and the scenic railway that passes along the coastline, reminding me of my childhood.

Here, again the views are stunning, there are sea glimpses of the sea, and beachy head straddles the skyline but it's the overall landscape of the course that wins the day.

This is a challenging golf course, 6182 off yellows and 6518 off whites.

The Par threes are long, two of them around 180 yards, but reachable with the right club.

However, the Par 5's give you a chance, as they are fairly straight.

The long par fours are tough, some of them are 430 yards, so getting off the tee is crucial with a decent drive.

The stand-out holes for me were the Par four, 9th, and the Par five, 15th.

In short, I fell in love with Cooden Beach Golf Club. I found the course in beautifully kept condition, a great layout that keeps your attention (whilst also forgiving) but stay straight, and you'll have a great day; luckily, I found the fairway, more often than not.

The Clubhouse may be older and of the more traditional style but this is the charm of playing the more established clubs.

The Pro shop was also very friendly and helpful. However, if I had any criticism, it would be the cost of a buggy (at £30 each), a bit steep but very necessary on a hot day.

Obviously, it helps when you have some of your favourite golfing pals along to encourage you throughout the day and although rare, I always enjoy my rounds with Mr Mullins, Damian Benstead and Marky Mark I did have ideal playing partners...

Finally, the reception on arrival as a visitor is always telling, and I found everyone had a smile and everyone was friendly and chatty.

I hope to play Cooden Beach Golf Club again... its a Sussex star! 9/10

Cooden beach is a links type course with a bit of water well placed to catch the wayward drive, but on the whole, the fairways are reasonably wide and in great condition,
and the greens were excellent fast and true.

This is a very friendly club and was made to feel very welcome by the natives, food was very good served in a nice friendly clubhouse, all in all, well worth a visit.

Cooden is a great seaside course not your normal links course.

It is somewhere between a parkland course and a links course.

I played it again in the evening, when there was very little wind off the sea, which made it a real pleasure to play.

The cost at £23 for a twilight round was a bit expensive, but it's still a course that I will go back and play again and again.

The Clubhouse and pro shop were very helpful and friendly.