Golf at Goodwood – Downs Course

Goodwood is a top sporting venue. Famous for its motor and horse racing circuits, it’s also the home of a glorious downland course that has just got considerably better following a major £1m refurbishment. Despite all the changes, the course retains all its old charm and character as well as providing superb views, particularly form the elevated par 4 6th tee where you can spot Chichester Cathedral, the Solent and the Isle of Wight. 

RELATED: Golf World’s Top 100 Resorts in the UK and Ireland

Goodwood offers two superb golf courses - the Downs Course and the Park Course. 

The Downs Course was laid out in 1914 by legendary golf architect, designer of Gleneagles and Carnoustie and five times winner of the Masters Championship, James Braid, The Downs Course features tricky doglegs and long sweeping greens which are both a treat and a challenge to true golf fans.

The Downs was cleverly renovated in 2006 to retain the essential character of Braid’s concept while providing a challenge for the modern game for both amateurs and professionals alike. Over the years, the club has seen many famous golfers and society faces including the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII), the Duke of York (later King George VI), and, particularly during Goodwood’s famous Glorious Goodwood Festival, many well-known jockeys and racehorse owners. Top TV golf commentator Ewen Murray has described Goodwood as "the finest downland golf course in Britain".

*Top course architect Tom Mackenzie who has collaborated on seven Open Championship venues has been commissioned to supervise a refurbishment programme at Goodwood with the prospect of hosting a future professional event.

Chichester based MacKenzie & Ebert will start Phase One of the bunker refurbishment programme on the award winning 7,104 yard Downs Course later this month (Sept) with Phase Two expected to get underway in the Autumn of 2015.

Tom who has more than 25 years experience in the industry and is a member of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects has researched and studied James Braid’s design and intends to retain the essential character of the original concept whilst enhancing the challenge for the modern game.

Stuart Gillett, General Manager of Golf At Goodwood, said: “MacKenzie & Ebert have an outstanding reputation in the golf industry, their appointment reaffirms our long term commitment to take our golf business to the next level. The plan is to relocate some bunkers and in other areas increase their visibility and make them strong and distinctive features of the course”.

MacKenzie & Ebert Tom have advised on 27 of Golf World Magazine’s Top 50 courses and Tom recently commented:"Anyone who knows The Goodwood Estate know that they do everything well. We are honoured to be part of the next phase of the development of the Downs Course in the estate's continued quest for improvement of their golf facilities. I know the Downs Course really well and look forward to working sympathetically to build on the success that it has already achieved. I can't wait to get started."

In 2013 the Downs Course was ranked by Golf World magazine as one of England’s Top 100 Courses 

Click here to visit the Park Course. 

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course has: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course does not have: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course has: Handicap

• 5 out of 5 Stunning setting 02 July 2014

  By Johno21

  I played Golf At Goodwood for the first time last week, and it was one of the best experiences that i've had to date. The staff are extremely welcoming and personal, and jump to help you in any shape or form. The course plays beautifully, and the refurbishment has probably made this my top golf resort in the UK. A must for any golfer! Little tip, don't go right on the third, you'll see what i mean...

• 5 out of 5 Best Course I've played... 23 June 2014

  By Boydie333

  Having lived in Chichester for the past 20 years, i am lucky enough to have this hidden little gem on my back door step. It's so well maintained by the greenkeepers, and they have the likes of Justin Rose and Ian Poulter frequently visit... It is, without a doubt, my number 1 golf course and i'd recommend it to anyone in the area! Fantastic course...

• 4.5 out of 5 Can't fault it! 28 May 2007

  By wdowczyk

  I was lucky enough to play as a guest and was blown away. I've played a few of the big name courses in this country but this is better. Great condition and the course gives you the 'wow factor' rather than the history.

• 5 out of 5 Golf at Goodwood is the best!!! 26 April 2007

  By Jambez

  I absolutely love the old course with the views and perfect playing conditions!!! Having recently purchase the old Marriott Park Course, this enables us members having the luxury of two courses to choose from. All the staff are very friendly and the club house and changing rooms certainly give you the wow factor that you get with the old course!