Worthing Golf Club
{{Short description|Golf club in West Sussex, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox golf facility
|golf_facility_name = Worthing Golf Club
|image = Worthing golf course - geograph.org.uk - 1326802.jpg
|caption=The Lower Course of Worthing Golf Club extends up a dry valley in the South Downs
|location = Worthing, West Sussex, England
|coordinates = {{coord|50.8423|-0.3878|dim:2000_region:GB|display=inline,title}}
|establishment = {{Start date and age|1905}}
|type = Private
|owner =
|operator =
|holes = 36
|tournaments =
|website = [https://www.worthinggolf.com/ worthinggolf.com]
|course1 = Lower Course
|designer1 = Harry Colt
|par1 = 71
|length1 = 6,505 yards
Longest hole is #6
|rating1 =
|record1 =
|course2 = Upper course
|designer2 = Harry Vardon
|par2 = 66
|length2 = 5,211 yards
Longest hole is #11
|rating2 =
|record2 =
|course3 =
|designer3 =
|par3 =
|length3 =
|rating3 =
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}}
Worthing Golf Club is a historic private members' golf club located in Worthing, West Sussex, within the South Downs National Park in Southern England. Established in 1905, the club is situated near the Iron Age hill fort of Cissbury Ring, offering panoramic views of both the South Downs and the English Channel.
The club features two 18-hole downland courses and a comprehensive range of practice facilities. Its clubhouse, originally the 19th-century Warren farmhouse,{{Cite book |last=Baynes |first=Ken |title=Worthing Golf Club: The First One Hundred Years |publisher=Worthing Golf Club |year=2005 |location=Worthing |publication-date=2005}} was refurbished in 2023{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UktdPhBeWA0 |title=WGC Refurb Update 14/03/23 |date=2023-03-14 |last=Worthing Golf Club |access-date=2025-06-18 |via=YouTube}} and serves as the social and hospitality hub of the club. Worthing Golf Club has a long-standing presence in Sussex golf and regularly hosts county-level competitions.
History
Worthing Golf Club's original 18-hole course was designed by six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon and officially opened in 1906 with an exhibition match between Vardon and five-time Open Champion James Braid.{{Cite book |last=Elleray |first=Robert |title=A Millennium Encyclopaedia of Worthing History |date=1998 |publisher=Optimus Books |isbn=0-9533132-0-4}}
After World War I, renowned course architect Harry Colt {{Cite book |last=Pugh |first=Peter |title=Creating Classics: The Golf Courses of Harry Colt |publisher=Icon Books |year=2005 |isbn=9781848310254}} was commissioned to redesign the layout. In 1923, he introduced two distinct 18-hole courses:{{Cite web |last=Jasper |date=2020-05-28 |title=Harry Colt Golf Courses |url=https://evalu18.com/harry-colt-golf-courses/ |access-date=2025-06-18 |website=Evalu18 |language=en-GB}}
- Lower (Colt) Course:{{Cite web |title=Colt Course :: WORTHING GOLF CLUB, with its two 18 hole courses, occupies a commanding position on the slopes of the South Downs |url=https://www.worthinggolf.com/colt_course |access-date=2025-06-18 |website=www.worthinggolf.com}} Situated primarily in a valley, known for its strategic bunkering and varied topography.
- Upper (Vardon) Course:{{Cite web |title=Vardon Course :: WORTHING GOLF CLUB, with its two 18 hole courses, occupies a commanding position on the slopes of the South Downs |url=https://www.worthinggolf.com/vardon_course |access-date=2025-06-18 |website=www.worthinggolf.com}} Routed along the ridges, offering panoramic views across Southern England, from Beachy Head to the Isle of Wight.
These developments marked a shift in course design at the time, blending traditional downland features with Colt's innovative design philosophy.
Courses and Facilities
Worthing Golf Club offers two well-draining 18-hole downland courses:
- Colt Course - Par 71, measuring 6521 yards
- Vardon Course - Par 66, measuring 5206 yards
Additional golfing facilities include a six-hole academy course, a floodlit driving range, short-game practice areas, and multiple putting greens.
The clubhouse, housed in the former Warren farmhouse, was extensively modernised in 2023. It now features a contemporary terrace, bar and dining areas, snooker room and private event space.{{Cite web |title=Worthing Golf Club - England Golf |url=https://www.englandgolf.org/club-detail?clubId=101972 |access-date=2025-06-18 |website=www.englandgolf.org}} An in-house kitchen team provides freshly prepared, locally sourced meals daily from 8am.
Membership and Community
With over 1500 members, Worthing Golf Club caters to golfers of all ages and abilities.{{Cite web |title=Membership information :: WORTHING GOLF CLUB, with its two 18 hole courses, occupies a commanding position on the slopes of the South Downs |url=https://www.worthinggolf.com/membership_information |access-date=2025-06-18 |website=www.worthinggolf.com}} The Golf Academy{{Cite web |date=2025-05-07 |title=I tried a golf lesson at Worthing Golf Club – it was different to what I was expecting |url=https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/people/i-tried-a-golf-lesson-at-worthing-golf-club-it-was-different-to-what-i-was-expecting-5117634 |access-date=2025-06-18 |website=SussexWorld |language=en}} offers comprehensive coaching programmes for juniors, beginners and seasoned players, delivered by PGA-qualified professionals.
The on-site [https://www.rampiongolf.co.uk Rampion Golf] Pro Shop has received recognition{{Cite web |title=Rampion Golf's Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DIipvvTIOnn/?img_index=1 |access-date=2025-06-18 |website=www.instagram.com}} within the golf retail industry for its service and range of equipment.
The club also has a strong community and charitable focus. Each year, the Club Captain and Lady Captain select a charity for dedicated fundraising efforts. In 2024, members raised over £28,000{{Cite web |title=Inside Worthing, Issue 56, May 2025 |url=https://issuu.com/insidecommunity/docs/inside_worthing_issue_56_may_2025 |access-date=2025-06-18 |website=issuu |language=en}} for the local homelessness charity Turning Tides.{{Cite web |title=Turning Tides |url=https://www.turning-tides.org.uk/ |access-date=2025-06-18 |website=Turning Tides |language=en-GB}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.worthinggolf.com/ Official site]
- [https://www.rampiongolf.co.uk Rampion Golf website]
{{Worthing}}
Category:Golf clubs and courses in West Sussex
Category:Buildings and structures in Worthing
Category:Golf clubs and courses designed by Harry Vardon
Category:1905 establishments in England
Category:Sports venues completed in 1905
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