West Sussex

Pulborough, Sussex.
Par 68, 6,355 yards.

Designers: Campbell/Hutchenson.
Green fees: Mon-Fri £75 (£95 day); Sat-Sun £85 (£105).
Tel: 01798 872563.

A few of our panel visited Pulborough earlier this year and even on a mid-winter’s day with serious wind-chill factor, it was still an absolute delight. Indeed, we concluded Pulborough could quite easily be placed in the top 10 without any feeling it had risen too far. It is a magnificent heathland which blends aesthetically-pleasing holes with downright exacting ones.

The par-3s sum up this potent mixture; while the 5th and especially the 15th raise the spirits with their beauty, the 6th, 8th and 12th raise the heart beat with their necessity for powerful, straight hitting. Pulborough zig zags up and down, as well as back and across, an ocean of heather, sandy soil and mature trees. It is not long by any means – at 6,355 yards off the Tiger tees – but a par of 68 (with just one true par-5) ensures you are always asked to play well to score well.

Of course there are birdie chances; the 3rd, 4th and 9th will require nothing more than a short-iron approach if the drive is straight or if the heather is yet to get to its most wiry, the odd wayward shot can be rescued. West Sussex is fair and forgiving, but she must be treated with respect. Do so, and you will have an inland golf experience arguably as good as any in Britain and Ireland.