Hollingbury Park Golf Club

Hollingbury GC, just above Brighton started as a 9 holes in 1908 but 2 years later became a full 18 holes on a site 580 ft above sea level, on a Bronze age site. One can see remains of Hollingbury Fort near holes 8. 9 and 10. The course hosted a qualifying round for the Ryder after the 2nd WW, I think in 1949.

The course is build on chalk, so it drains well, views of the South Downs all around and a glimpse (depending on the weather) of a large Wind Farm off the Brighton Coast.

The course is what one calls downland with very open fairways, up and down, where natural sloping landscape provide the canvas. There are many trees and bushes which catch the winds off the sea. The bunkers are deep and always in strategic places. The conditions of the course were surprisingly good for December, the greens a little tricky.

The views are beautiful all around, this is a site where wildlife thrives: adonis blue, chalk hill blue butterflies can be seen. There are lots of dog walkers , so one needs to be extra aware. The layout is interesting and one needs to be fairly fit to do the 18 holes. I did not score very well but I enjoyed the challenge and I shall return in the Spring or Summer and will assure of a good score.

There was no course planner so I did not make many notes, but I understand the course is run by the Council, who do a great job, the welcome is very warm in the Proshop, Bar area. We had a fantastic deal of a Bacon sandwich and a round of golf for under £10., that was on Monday 18th December 2017. A beautiful warm and sunny day.

There is a large Car Park, that slopes, so must certainly check that the handbrake is on or a gear to avoid unexpected Cars sliding off......

A short review of a course well worth playing.


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