Why you should visit East Sussex National on your next golf trip

East Sussex National should be high up on your golfing itinerary, with two 18-hole championship pedigree courses in a sprawling parkland layout, offering scenic yet testing rounds.

Easily accessible from London, the countryside estate in the south of England attracts thousands of visitors each year, drawn by their luxurious facilities, quality hospitality and challenging course design.

The two courses were brought to life by renowned golf architect Robert E. Cupp, who frequently collaborated with Jack Nicklaus to design championship level courses across the world.

Cupp was a strong advocate for creating championship standard courses through strategic golf design, rewarding thoughtful play rather than brute strength, and East Sussex National is a reflection of this. 

It is by no coincidence that East Sussex National twice hosted the European Open, with major winners such as Sir Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Vijay Singh and Ernie Els walking the fairways.

Here is why you should follow in their footsteps by booking a stay at East Sussex National.

The Golf Courses

(Image Credit: Kevin Murray Golf)

The East Course hosted back-to-back European Tour events in 1993 and 1994, and it is clear to see why.

The 7,081-yard par 72 requires precision, with a number of holes presenting risk and reward opportunities, including par-5 doglegs, carefully placed water hazards, and tiered undulating greens.

The final stretch at the East Course can make or break a round. The par 3 16th requires a precise shot over water, where club selection is paramount to avoiding the hazard. The 17th, often considered the signature hole, has water alongside the fairway and green requiring accuracy both off the tee and in the approach, while the long par 4 18th involves a treacherous approach with bunkers surrounding a three-tiered putting surface.

This finishing sequence epitomises Cupp’s intent to design golf courses with high jeopardy that require creative shot making and meticulous course management. 

The West Course also provides a compelling test of golf, with narrow fairways meandering through ancient oak trees, delivering an intimate and tranquil parkland experience.

The par 4 14th hole is a formidable challenge with little margin for error. The tree line closes in at driving distance and a slight dogleg makes finding the optimal position for your approach testing. Players are commonly left with a long iron on approach, so escaping with par is bound to put a spring in the step.

Visitors also have access to a driving range to warm up before rounds, and a pro shop for playing essentials and memorabilia. 

The Hotel

Set against the backdrop of the South Downs, the hotel boasts 104 comfortable bedrooms with modern amenities and superb views across the golf courses and surrounding area. 

The acclaimed Health Club and Horsted Spa complete the experience, offering the ideal setting to relax with a treatment or a refreshing swim after golf.

East Sussex National boasts superb evening dining, from the open-plan Hunnington Restaurant and Carvery, ideal for taking in the setting, to the Pavilion Restaurant, which offers a more refined experience as a proud holder of two AA Rosettes.

For golfers who are strong advocates of the 19-hole format, East Sussex has you covered with The Lounge and Ryder Bar offering a wide selection of drinks and light meals for post-round indulgence.

Accessibility & Local Attractions

East Sussex National is less than a two-hour drive from most areas in London and just 40 minutes from Gatwick Airport.

While driving is the best option for travel, the grounds are also accessible via train to Uckfield Station, reachable from London and Brighton, followed by a short taxi on the other end.

There is ample on-site parking, free for hotel guests and visitors using the resort facilities, along with electrical vehicle charging points.

For visitors wanting to explore the local area there are a number of possible day trips easily accessible from the grounds, with coastal attractions such as Brighton, Camber Sands and Hastings only a short drive away.

You Should Book East Sussex National Today

With championship pedigree courses, leisure facilities and top-quality hospitality, East Sussex National is the perfect relaxing countryside break for a golf enthusiast. Featuring as a Highly Recommended destination on Golfshake, it is worth visiting for any golfer relishing a challenge, but if things do not go to plan on the course, a spa treatment and some fine dining will help soften the blow.

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