Highwoods Golf Club is one of Sussex’s finest parkland courses. A little gem only two miles from the sea.
Women & Golf was recently invited to the Lady Captain's Centenary Invitation Day at Highwoods Golf Club. A picturesque golf course in the leafy East Sussex countryside. It is only two miles to the sea as the crow flies so there's always a chance your backswing might be interrupted by the seagulls squawking.
History
Located just outside Bexhill-on-Sea, this well-established parkland course is a treat for any level of golfer. Built in 1924 under the supervision of J H Taylor (5-time Open Champion) and K G Hawtree. The then farmland was transformed into a golf course and is a far cry from the roofed cow lodge that once stood on the site of the first clubhouse.
Course
The 18-hole course provides something for every golfer. There are a mix of generous fairways, natural challenges and rolling undulations. The greens were in excellent condition, the bunkers tricky and the water hazards definitely required some course management.
Holes to watch
There are some lovely holes at Highwoods. It is a really serene place to play golf among the trees although being only a few miles from the coast there is always a seagull squawking at some point during the round.
Memorable holes for me:
I liked the dog leg holes on 4th, 11th, 15th, and 18th. Normally Par 3s are my nemesis but I was only caught out on the 10th by the dreaded bunker - I blame the super spread at the halfway house for slightly derailing my game.
11th - Par 5 (SI 5) - 428 yds. Double dogleg. Definitely two shots to the stream with a good tee shot. Need a careful second as there's a hidden hollow short of the stream.
14th - Par 4 (SI 9) - 322 yds. A difficult driving hole as there is a bunker on the left of the fairway. If you keep central it's a shot over the stream to the elevated green with bunkers either side.
[NB. 14th is the signature hole - two new bridges have been built over the stream to celebrate the Centenary. In honour of the Swilcan Bridge at St Andrews.]
17th - Par 5 (SI 3) - 445 yds. The longest hole on the course. Tee shot should be played down the left side of the fairway. Second shot is a dilemma - do you lay up - avoiding the lateral ditch on the left and the water hazard which crosses the fairway - or got for it. Third shot is uphill into a plateau green - don't be short.
The Clubhouse
The 19th at Highwoods Golf Club has panoramic views on offer and a lovely terrace overlooking the 18th.
The buffet lunch on the day was extremely good and there is a wide range of dining options, including a Breakfast and Lunch Menu, as well as an extensive Snack Menu and Daily Specials.
You get a warm welcome with friendly service in a casual atmosphere. A perfect venue for post-round refreshments.
Course Feedback
And what did we think of the course?
Jane: "Highwoods is one of those courses that are hidden away in the countryside but not so far from civilisation. I've been to Bexhill many, many times and never knew there was such a lovely course so close.
I really liked the mature tree lined course and especially liked the dogleg and blind holes - it always makes you want to come back and try again.
The course was in superb condition - tees, fairways and greens. It may look straightforward but does require some course management. There are elevated greens, two-tiered greens, water hazards and bunkers.
Would definitely go back. In fact, if I lived nearer, I'd probably join!
Course Information
The 18-hole Championship course measures 5,440 yards off the red tees with four par-five holes. The course is parkland, although the sea is only two miles away. The 10 par-four holes are very different and there are hazardous bunkers and a number of ditches so an element of course management is required. There course is full of beautiful and established trees and each hole is a hole in itself.
Club hire | Buggy Hire | Pro shop | Changing rooms | Clubhouse Bar & Food | Handicap required
Tee Time Information & Prices
Green fees are available on the club website and vary depending on the season, day of the week or time of day.
Visitor Information
Visitors are welcome to play the course all the year round. Click here for latest prices and Open competitions.
Contact Information
Address: Ellerslie Lane, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN39 4LJ [click here for map]
Tel: +44 (0)1424 212 625
Website: highwoodsgolfclub.co.uk
Email: Use the Contact Us form on the website
Check out what's on via their facebook page - click here.
Fascinating Fact: Highwoods celebrates its centenary year in 2024. It was established in 1924 under the supervision of famous golfer J H Taylor, first English golf professional to win the Open.
Many thanks to Rita Griffiths for the invitation to her Lady Captain's Centenary Invitation & the lovely company of our playing partners Ann & Jilly.
Jane was a guest of Rita at Highwoods Lady Captain's Centenary Invitation Day, part of a host of events the Club are running as part of their Centenary celebrations.
Jane spoke with Rita during her round to find out how Highwoods is working to encourage women and girls to take up this great sport...
"Highwoods has been building our academy program since 2020, after a tough start thanks to covid we have seen some great results. We have over 20 academy members each year. For the last 2 years, the program has seen at least 5 academy players graduate to become full golfing members. Our Pro Shop Team is led by Mike Andrews, and we have 2 more academy coaches Matt and Elliott. Our professional team is brilliantly supported by our new lady member liaison, Tessa. Tessa runs weekly roll-ups, heads a whatsapp group for players to arrange games and ensures our new members are invited to club functions like our fashion, spring meeting and cup lunches. Several of our established lady members play in the roll up each week to help our new players. This program is working to grow our membership and the game of golf. “
