Littlehampton Golf Club

Littlehampton Golf Club, established in 1889, is the only Links golf course in West Sussex. The 18-hole par 70 course offers variable play conditions due to the changing wind, affecting each hole differently in each round.

Notably, the golf course provides views of the sea and South Downs, and has been ranked the 12th Best Course in Sussex, indicating an objective measure of its standing in the region. Littlehampton Golf Club has received the SafeGolf club accreditation from England Golf, which affirms its commitment to safeguarding within the sport.

The course begins with a challenging opening hole, where wind factors can extend the play length significantly, and accurate approach is required to navigate two deep bunkers and a sloping green. The second hole’s layout runs parallel to the shoreline, requiring judgment in the approach, especially when affected by a crosswind.

Hole 3 is recognized for its difficulty, with greenside bunkers that penalize any miss-hit, while Hole 4, as the longest, necessitates an accurate third shot to a shallow green. Hole 5 returns southwards, introducing a gentle dog-leg and potential birdie opportunity for long hitters, despite a sloping green.

The sixth hole, being one of five par threes at Littlehampton, challenges players with distance control and the potential for a raised green or downhill chip or putt. Observing the surroundings, the seventh hole allows players to enjoy views across Clymping beach and the South Downs after avoiding a prominent fairway bunker.

The eighth hole stands out as the longest par three on the course, with a particularly tricky green for putting. Transitioning to the ninth hole, players must contend with beach winds and strategic bunkering to secure a comfortable approach to another well-defended green.

Hole 10 nears the furthest point from the clubhouse and has out-of-bounds stakes along the left, while Hole 11’s short par three can lead to a difficult recovery from bunkers or hollows. Hole 12 begins the homeward stretch with a call for a precise drive to avoid a right-side bunker.

On Hole 13, a good drive leaves an optimal approach route, while Hole 14 demands accuracy to overcome fairway bunkering and reach a long green. Hole 15 offers both a scoring opportunity and risk, with potential derailment from bunkers or water hazards for errant shots.

The sixteenth hole features five bunkers and proximity to the Rife, adding water hazard considerations, while Hole 17 can vary from a birdie chance to a formidable challenge depending on wind conditions. Finally, Hole 18 concludes the course with a critical respect for right-side fairway bunkers and a need for an accurate final approach to the longest green.