Chiddingfold is a mature parkland/wetlands (a Peter Allis design), so expect well placed/shaped bunkers & tantalising dog legs, some totally blind. Chiddingfold is now under the wings of nearby Cowdray Park (in Sussex), so after years of neglect, a re-birth is taking place. It is a little gem.
The old Clubhouse is now a magnificent private house overlooking the entire golf course with view of the Surrey Downs in the distance. The original 18th green is now part of its large garden.A temporary but friendly & welcoming clubhouse with small but very modern changing rooms, a lovely raised decking with nice plant display overlooks the new shorter 18th (the index has remained the same though).
The Car Park is well laid out, may be a bit tight in places if you drive a big car, there is an overflow down a steep lane, but be careful if you miss the entry gates on the right you will end up on the 1st Tee as I did! Nevertheless, I managed to get back up the lane after my investigation. No one will object if you change your shoes (or shorts as the case may be) in the Car Park.
The greens: 1st class on a course that is being given a new lease of life: true & fast, great condition apart from the new 18th still in its infancy, needs to mature. The fairways were somewhat dry, rough very rough but that is part of the design to make this short course challenging enough for any level of golfers. Water comes into play on 10 holes, the mature trees very often provide OOB boundaries, or provide back drop for the Par 3s. Some very steps descents/ascents, spectacular views across the Surrey Downs. Course is apparently well drained so playable all year round.
My two favourite holes:
The 14th, short Par 4, totally blind dog leg left, tee box overlooking a very narrow & deep valley, full of bushes, path on the left & a water hazard, trees as well, more tall mature trees on the right hand side that is OOB. The fairway is sloping left. The green is very well guarded by 3 well placed bunkers & some sloping ground as well. I am happy to say that I Par this hole (3 shots and a chip-in putt) !).
The 16th, Par 4, a very dangerous Par 4, sort of a dog leg left as well, with a steep slope going down to the green from 80 yards, OOB all along the right.
There are two holes quite similar where one has to stand on a watch tower to see where the ball goes, trees and water hazards to negotiate.
Others worth mentioning, Hole 7, short Par 4, has a natural spring in the middle of the fairway, the driver is useful on this hole as the carry is over 260 yards. The green is long & narrow.
Long hitters may choose not to use the driver very often as other clubs in the bag may provide better results.
Lovely halfway hut with wooden bench/seats/colourful parasols, well positioned by the 6th hole, so one can pass this spots several times during the round.Busy course, young and not so young players, visitors most welcome, even on a Sunday morning. Good value at the weekend, even better in the week. also excellent, all inclusive deals for 36 holes combining golfing at Chiddingfold & Cowdray Park.
A nice Four-ball on an early Sunday morning. Thanks Steve D. for organising this venue & discovering this pretty course situated just outside this very picturesque & typically English village that is Chiddingfold with lots of tempting Inns & Pubs & a cricket green in the heart of the village with very old houses. Chiddingfold is situated half way between Guildford and Petworth (Turner's country).
This little jewel is on my "return soon list", a very friendly & pretty place where you get a warm welcome & where work is actually in progress to restore thE course to its former glory.
THE END.......
Date Saturday, 31, August 2013