Hill Barn Golf Club

Hill Barn Golf Course in Worthing was established on July 10th, 1935, at a cost of £16,000 to the ratepayers of the town, setting an early standard for municipal golf courses. Its inception was under the stewardship of Arthur Harrison, who managed the course from 1935 until 1972 and was known for his putter and iron craftsmanship.

During World War II, the course saw a drop in activity with the absence of many men due to enlistment in the army, leaving predominantly retired individuals to play. Post-war developments led to the integration of Hill Barn recreation and rotary ground, forming the full extent of the current course, further enhanced by the removal of wartime defenses and the introduction of a 25p all-day ticket in the 1950s.

In 1969, the course hosted the Penfold golf tournament, bolstering its reputation, which continued to grow through the 1970s, including hosting the tournament twice more and receiving accolades as the friendliest golf club in Sussex. However, the proposal for an indoor driving range and additional course expansion was not realized, in part due to plans for the A27 bypass.

The course suffered significant damage during the hurricane on October 16th, 1987, with the loss of 95% of trees on certain fairways and 80% of the practice ground's trees. Despite recovery efforts, which included the planting of new trees in the late '90s, the course experienced a drop in membership and a period of rebuilding.

Major revitalization began in 2003 after Sally and Richard Haygarth approached the council with plans to restore the course to its former prestige, leading to investments like new irrigation systems, facilities, and equipment. By 2018, a new greenkeeping compound was built, and the bar was refurbished, signifying the ongoing commitment to course improvement.

Designed by Fred Hawtree, Hill Barn Golf Course presents challenges with over 100 bunkers and subtle green breaks that test all levels of golf play. It benefits from a location in the South Downs national park on chalk-based soil, offering excellent drainage and year-round playability.

The club is characterized by its welcoming atmosphere and is a family business owned by the Haygarths. It is known for holding professional tournaments and has been visited by distinguished players like Peter Alliss and Tony Jacklin, adding to the historical prestige of the course.