That is all I probably want to remember about Seaford Head from my 1st visit.
I did not enjoy the upheaval due the to present construction of a new Clubhouse everything is squeezed, squashed and one can feel the pressure on the staff who seem to have a forced smile but were polite. All the facilities are cramped in Portacabins. the outside seating area is in the Car Park !!!!! mind you it was a nice and sunny spot for after round drinks & presentation.
Proshop: limited stock & no course planner.
Parking very congested and on road leading to golf course.
Due to the construction work, one has to starts at the 5th, which is a very nice downhill, over bushes , slight dog leg Par 5, with a flat green and a few bunkers.
There are no course diagrams by Tee boxes, so not having a course planner, it is a bit of guess work as to where hazards are, etc.
I cannot remember many directional arrows to next Tee either.
Bunkers: the worst I have ever encountered, why called them "sand bunkers" when there only 1 mm of sand on a compacted surface ? I wonder if they come under the "Trade description Act" and has anyone ever challenged a golf club.....
Fairways seem a little neglected.
Greens: rather flat and uninteresting apart from 1 or 2, but cannot remember which ones.
1st cut: quite thick and the rough is as intended and hides many golf balls, most likely to be unplayable. Always take provisional, should your Tee shot have the slightest deviation from the fairways of first cut, will save a lot of time.
Some crissed cross holes, so that will add time to your round, for safety reasons.
Walkers have some rights of way. Quite a few people taking their dog out too. Fresh sea air is very energising.
Seaford Head is a links type, set in a beautiful part of the South coast, with wonderful of the sea, South Downs, Seven Sisters. It has all the right, natural elements, the ups and downs of the land, the vegetation etc. but clearly the course shows signs of neglect. There are challenges and some very interesting holes, specially so the ones where you climb up quite steeply, and the final descent on the 18th, Par 5, but you will find far better local courses to enjoy a round of golf. I was made aware of the disruption but did not expect such upheaval.
Despite all my less that complimentary review, I want to return and play the course when the new Clubhouse is up and running. It should offer wonderful facilities and a stunning view of the coastline, the beach and Seaford Head town.
My highlight was meeting the Lady Captain who gave me a few tips for the day, we were too late for the Pimms (it was Captain's Day), but the tent was still there.
Today (Sat 28 June 2014), it was an SES/Essex Bandits competition with a big turn out. The shiny "little" trophy went to David Holmes who came in with a magnificent Stableford score of 40 points (apparently his golf lessons are paying off...). So, the Trophy remains South side of the River. The weather was excellent, some wind as expected on a links course but the sun was at its warmest and most pleasant when we were relaxing at the 19th hole.
The above are my very own, personal views of my 1st experience at Seaford Head & account of the day. But don't be put off, try for yourself.
THE END........
Date Thursday, 03, July 2014