Feature: Mannings Heath Golf Club

Superbly located in 500 acres of rolling Sussex downland, Mannings Heath has two championship courses at the forefront of ‘must play’ golf hot-spots in the UK. The Waterfall Course Established in 1905 the Waterfall course, the jewel in the crown of Sussex golf, is set amongst acres of mature deciduous woodland and streams with patchwork fairways. The Kingfisher Course Opened in 1996, the beautiful par 70 Kingfisher Course is set in an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and offers breathtaking panoramic views over the tree tops and across the South Downs.

For golfers itching to get onto the Waterfall Course, the jewel in the crown of Sussex golf, this is the perfect opening to this Top 100 course which is reserved for members and their guests, corporate golf days and now, for residents of the Exclusive Cottages booked direct or through golfbreaks.com

Waterfall Course

Established in 1905 and measuring 6,683 yards from the tips, several of the holes are wonderfully testing, demanding accuracy from the tee.  The course is a hybrid, a mix of heathland, downland and parkland and provides golfers with an exciting and entertaining course which holds the interest all the way round. There is a lovely feeling of seclusion, created by the mature trees, the dramatic undulating terrain and streams which wind their way alongside 11 of the lush fairways. The par 72 course presents a fair test of golf to every caliber of golfer – a combination of nature’s work and the efforts of a professional and hard working green-keeping team.

The course is set in a valley and as a result it’s vital to play several shots from plateau greens together with some long carries from tee to fairway. In some cases the fairways demand accurate driving and good iron play. Although there are not hundreds of sand bunkers, those that do exist are well placed.

The 1st tee is set in the shadow of the gorgeous 17th century clubhouse and it’s a spectacular and daunting prospect. From the elevated tee, a long and accurate drive over a wooded valley is the order of the day.  The 5th is one of the most dramatic one-shot holes in Sussex with an elevated tee shot to a green set in a most unusual punchbowl.  The 173-yard 10th, ‘Waterfall’, from which the course gets its name, is another stunning short hole – players can often be seen holding their breath for a few seconds after they have launched their mid-iron into the air before it drops to the green below.

Kingfisher Course

The Kingfisher course has been built to provide an exemplary golfing experience to fit in with today’s varied lifestyles. No room for joining fees or subscriptions here, just golf in its purest form whenever you choose.

The Gtour amateur golf series recently visited this venue and all the competitors had a great day playing this challenging course and look to revisit for the 2010 series.

Playing and Staying

Exclusive Hotels, the luxury county house hotel group, has restored the 19th Century Fullers Cottage at Mannings Heath Golf Club, as well as the Bothy Cottage at the five-star South Lodge Hotel; both near Horsham, West Sussex to offer luxury golf breaks.

Fullers Cottage at Mannings Heath is situated just seconds from the 17th Century Clubhouse and offers accommodation brimming with character for up to 8 guests. Alternatively, golfers can choose to stay in The Bothy Cottage at South Lodge Hotel, just a five-minute drive away from the golf club.

Book direct or contact golfbreaks.com for information on both the South Lodge and Fullers Cottage .

Quotes

“Mannings Heath is a great venue tucked away in stunning surroundings.  I know those who visit, play either of the two great courses and sample all that the club has to offer, will come away as I do….looking forward to my next visit”
David Howell, Ryder Cup Player 2006

“The Waterfall Course is arguably one of England’s best, but least well-known, inland courses.”
Golf News, November 2007

“If I had to pick a course to play every day for the rest of my golfing life I would choose Mannings Heath.” Ewen Murray, Sky Sports Golf Commentator

Mannings Heath Reviews

Two excellent courses with the best club and services around you would struggle to find a better golfing experience

love it - great challenge - fair course

i was lucky enough to play the members only course and it was a great test of golf. true greens, lovely fairways and every hole different in every way. wonderful par 3's too. If you know a member get on here soon!!

Played the Waterfall and found it be a stunning Golf Course. A top of the range members woodland course, would definitely play this track if you have the chance. Very well kept and a good challenge.

To book tee times online to play the Kingfisher course visit teeofftimes.co.uk