Worthing Golf Club

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.

Worthing Golf Club

The Lower Course of Worthing Golf Club extends up a dry valley in the South Downs
Club information
Coordinates	50.8423°N 0.3878°W / 50.8423; -0.3878
Location	Worthing, West Sussex, England
Established	1905; 120 years ago (1905)
Type	Private
Total holes	36
Website	worthinggolf.com
Lower Course
Designed by	Harry Colt
Par	71
Length	6,505 yards Longest hole is No. 6
Upper course
Designed by	Harry Vardon
Par	66
Length	5,211 yards Longest hole is No. 11

The club features two 18-hole downland courses and a comprehensive range of practice facilities. Its clubhouse, originally the 19th-century Warren farmhouse,^[1] was refurbished in 2023^[2] 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.^[3]

After World War I, renowned course architect Harry Colt^[4] was commissioned to redesign the layout. In 1923, he introduced two distinct 18-hole courses:^[5]

• Lower (Colt) Course:^[6] Situated primarily in a valley, known for its strategic bunkering and varied topography.
• Upper (Vardon) Course:^[7] 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.^[4]

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 covered driving range, short-game practice areas, and multiple putting greens.

The clubhouse, housed in the former Warren farmhouse, was extensively modernised in 2023.^[2] It now features a contemporary terrace, bar and dining areas, snooker room and private event space.^[8] An in-house kitchen team provides freshly prepared, locally sourced meals daily from 8 am.

Membership and Community

With over 1500 members, Worthing Golf Club caters to golfers of all ages and abilities.^[9] The Golf Academy^[10] offers comprehensive coaching programmes for juniors, beginners and seasoned players, delivered by PGA-qualified professionals.

The on-site Rampion Golf Pro shop has received recognition^[11] 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^[12] for the local homelessness charity Turning Tides.^[13]