Highwoods (Bexhill) Golf Club

After reading Roger A.'s review "Wow condition", I put this golf course on my list of "To Play Courses", knowing that Roger's choice of courses & reviews always meet my expectation (you have a "groupie", so now you know.....).

So, when I planned a short stay in Sussex during September, I made sure I played the course & I was not disappointed, don't know why I waited so long to write my short review!!!!

Highwoods is located on the outskirts of Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex (will mention the Art Deco seafront building, totally restored to its former glory, so well worth a visit too).

The golf club/course is nearly 90 years old, a fine design by 2 famous names: JH Taylor & HK Hawtree, so it is well established, lots of tree lined fairways, a stream that comes into play on six holes of this extremely well maintained parkland golf course. Lots of elevated greens with tiers, slopes etc. all in superb condition, true, fast, and as Roger wrote, not a mark on the greens...well what a delight. Interesting doglegs (some double), some with blind drives over a hill, a real "bomb hole" adding spice to the game.

The weather was superb, the game very enjoyable, both my golfing partner (Mr L. in his lovely holiday mode/mood) & I played well, we also appreciated the wonderful & spectacular scenery. I did post quite a few pictures earlier on.

Will only describe one hole as a favourite as it is such a long time since I played the course (2.9.2013) & I did no make many notes , I was on holiday, wasnt'I ?:

Hole 11th, Par 5, 497 yards; a tricky double dogleg, a water hazard running across the fairway, a hidden hollow sloping down to a stream, and a raised green, tricky too.

A friendly reception in a wonderfully stocked Proshop (yes, lots of stylish Ladies golf clothing, could have spend hours trying, etc., and also spend lots of £ sterling. We were given a special rate, my own County card was applied to Pierre (Mr L.) as well. So, on the day it was real value for money.

Clubhouse & Bar: several bars, a dining room & a card room. It has the feel of "an old style" clubhouse, the place was rather empty when we finished our pleasant round, but there was a Lady bar attendant and this is where "the strange question" mentioned in the healdline, came in: " are you Members ? are you Green fee visitors" ? Not sure if outsiders can come in and have a drink.... But none the less, we were served with a smile & enjoyed our drinks on the outside terrace overlooking the 18th green with lovely views of one side of the golf course & the setting sun. It was too late to sample the food, great shame as the menu looked appetising.

Ladies changing rooms, surprise,surprise, were located on the ground floor (have seen so many places where Ladies rooms are up-the-stairs) pleasant & well provided.

Large car park - Practice facilities, an open driving range next to hole 4 or 5, cannot remember exactly.

Highwoods is a truly enjoyable place to play golf, a first class golf course and I would not hesitate to play there again when in East Sussex, I highly recommend that you try when nearby. A special thanks to Roger for taking me into temptation....



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