West Sussex (Pulborough)

West Sussex (Pulborough) | NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Courses

Rankings

2nd

26th

36th

66th

West Sussex Golf Club is nestled within the South Downs, approximately 50 miles south of London, and boasts some of the most captivating panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.

The West Sussex Golf Club was officially opened in 1931, having been designed by three outstanding golf architects, Hutchison, Campbell & Hotchkin. They are acknowledged to have created one of the most natural and aesthetically pleasing heathland courses in England.

Play on the NCG Top 100s Tour!

Book your spot to play at West Sussex on the NCG Top 100s Tour in 2026 here.

You can also play at West Sussex as part of our Sussex Swing.

Visit West Sussex's website here.
Go back to the NCG Top 100s Homepage.

A Brief History of West Sussex (Pulborough) Golf Club

The history of West Sussex Golf Club in Pulborough is rich and steeped in tradition. It all began when Commander George Hilluyard recognized the potential of an area of marshland overlooking the beautiful landscape. This location, with its commanding views and natural beauty, seemed perfect for a scenic golf course.

In 1930, this vision became a reality when the course was designed and constructed by the skilled hands of Campbell and Hutchinson. The course was officially completed and opened for play in that same year.

Over the years, West Sussex has remained true to its original design, changing very little. However, nature had its own plans. The course saw the gradual growth of numerous trees, primarily pines and birches, which were thoughtfully planted in the 1930s. These trees transformed the landscape from a more open setting into a lush and picturesque golfing environment.

To keep up with the evolving demands of the game, there have been some modifications to the course over time. Holes were lengthened to challenge golfers, and perhaps one of the most notable changes was the transformation of the 6th hole. Originally a dog-leg par 4, it was altered to a straight par 3, adding variety and intrigue to the round.

It continues to offer golfers a blend of history, natural beauty, and challenging play, making it a beloved destination for golf enthusiasts seeking a timeless golfing experience in the heart of Pulborough.

West Sussex (Pulborough) Review | NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Courses

At under 6,400 yards from the back markers West Sussex is the apotheosis of a traditional, heathland course. This “little sandy jewel set in the Sussex clay”, as Bernard Darwin put it, is among the best-loved inland courses in the British Isles. But while Pulborough, as it is known to the locals, is a simply delightful place to play at any time of the year, do not make the mistake of expecting a pushover. Rather, the modest yardage is a consequence of the longest hole, the 1st, being only 484 yards. The first-time visitor will inevitably wander on to the 2nd tee with his guard very much down.

With a bit of luck, this gentle opening hole will have yielded a comfortable five, or maybe even a birdie, and all will seem well in the world. Unfortunately, the only par 5 on the course has been and gone and lying in wait ahead are no fewer than six par 4s in excess of 410 yards while two of the quintet of short holes come in at over 220.

In other words, it is real and serious golf from this point onwards. The par is a measly 68 and a glance at the standard scratch of 70 will tell you all you need to know. This is no Surrey sand belt and the area is not renowned for its courses. Yet, somehow, it is all the better for that. In style, it is a layout where thoughtful driving is rewarded and the springy, fast fairways mean that an accurate shot is well rewarded by a generous couple of bounces forward.

The short holes are outstanding. Perhaps the pick are the two longest, the 6th and 12th. The former looks like a par 4 in miniature – and that is exactly what it is. From an elevated tee, it curves around a pond to a green protected on the left by a bank of heather. It calls for a draw with a long club and playing short and right is often a good idea if a four is the limit of your ambitions.

The 12th is beautifully framed by heather and does what all good holes of this type should – namely offer a generous, flat target considering the distance but demand a well-struck shot if a par is to be recorded. This hole marks the beginning of Pulborough’s outstanding closing stretch.

The 13th is honest and uphill while the next sweeps down and to the right to a sunken green. The shortest hole on the course follows, where a wickedly sloping green is defence enough, before arguably the best two-shotter, which is high praise indeed.

Here, you must play uphill to an unseen plateau and the quality of the drive has a huge impact on the second shot, played over a valley of heather to the green beyond. From the right place, you will have a flat lie, a good view and a short iron in hand. Otherwise, the approach is treacherous. The green slopes steeply from back to front, and a four here is a particularly good score despite the modest yardage.

If this is tricky, the last two holes are quite simply tough. Both are well over 400 yards and in total, four of anyone’s best shots are required to find the greens in regulation. At which point, you may be wondering what happened to your relaxed air as you left the 1st green looking forward to a profitable round ahead.

Our Panellists Notes for 2025

Dan Murphy: Some recent conditioning issues have held Pulborough back but we expect it to recover quickly and rise back up this list.

Michael Verity: Wonderful, bold bunkering connecting with greens reminiscent of the Melbourne sandbelt

Joss Powick: Incredible attention to detail. Good design and great variety

Read more about our panellists here.

FAQs about West Sussex (Pulborough)

Where is West Sussex (Pulborough) located?

The West Sussex Golf Club is nestled within the South Downs National Park, in the south of England. The town of Worthing, and the southern coastline of the country, are both around ten miles from West Sussex Golf Club, while the city of Crawley is 20 miles to the northeast. The centre of England’s capital city is some 50 miles to the north. The A24 and the A272 both run close by the venue.

West Sussex is around 30 miles from London Gatwick Airport. That makes it within easy reach of international visitors. London Heathrow Airport, the busiest in the United Kingdom, is located 50 miles to the north of West Sussex. Pulborough, a mile from the venue, is the nearest train station, with services running between Bognor Regis and London Victoria.

Are there any other NCG Top 100s: England venues nearby?

Thanks to its location in the south of the country, there are plenty of high-quality courses close to West Sussex. The likes of Liphook, Hindhead, Blackmoor and Hankley Common are within 25 miles to the northwest, while Hayling is around 35 miles to the southwest, situated on the very southern tip of the country.

What golf facilities does West Sussex (Pulborough) offer?

Along with the glorious golf course, the West Sussex Golf Club is also home to a full-length driving range which sits just to the south of the 1st tee. There is also a short game area with two greens and two bunkers, while the putting green sits next to the clubhouse.

What are the green fees at West Sussex (Pulborough)?

The price of a green fee at West Sussex (Pulborough) changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.

For more information on current green fees at West Sussex, visit their website here.

Play on the NCG Top 100s Tour!

Book your spot to play at West Sussex on the NCG Top 100s Tour in 2026 here.

You can also play at West Sussex as part of our Sussex Swing.

Visit West Sussex's website here.
Go back to the NCG's Top 100s Homepage.

Website

http://www.westsussexgolf.co.uk/

secretary@westsussexgolf.co.uk

Phone

+44 (0) 1798 872563

Address

Golf Club Ln, Wiggonholt, Storrington, Pulborough RH20 2EN