Herbert Fowler himself was originally a county cricketer, playing for Essex, Somerset and the MCC before turning to golf at the age of 35. Fowler though, once bitten by the bug, quickly excelled at the sport and became a scratch player competing against the top players of the day. As he began to play better he became disenchanted with the style of courses being built inland which he felt were repetitive and mechanical and, following his love of St Andrews, developed a passion for links golf.
In 1902 he was given the opportunity of designing Walton Heath and its reputation was enhanced by the champion James Braid becoming the resident professional for the rest of his life. Walton Heath is now considered to be one of the most admired of inland courses and Fowler later went on to include Saunton, West Surrey, Westward Ho ! and the red and blue courses at The Berkshire as well as many others in his portfolio.
Cooden itself as a course is whatever you want it to be. It is in essence a good test of golf for players of all abilities, combining the fun of links-style golf with constantly changing battles with the wind blowing in from Beachey Head. Age too is no barrier as the springy turf is always pleasant to walk on and the undulations are gentle enough for the most mature of players.
Whilst the longer holes present good driving challenges, accommodating fairways allow some latitude, though the wind is always lurking to punish the wayward shot. The complicated system of dykes that proliferate the course serve to focus the attention on many holes while cleverly sited bunkers additionally ensure that the concentration does not waver. The wind though remains the key and becomes either a friend or an enemy each time the course is played.
The Clubhouse is well appointed having been recently carefully and sensitively refurbished within the fabric of the original traditional structure. Housed within are fully licensed lounge areas open throughout the day where food and drink are available, together with the superb Dining Room on the first floor which has a panoramic view of the course from the verandah seating area.
In the event of inclement weather, the Clubhouse also sports two full-sized snooker tables and a card room for indoor entertainment whilst the main lounge has two televisions which carry satellite facilities.
Cooden Beach Golf Club is an ideal location for a short golfing break or an even longer holiday where, bearing in mind its proximity to the beach and the sea, is not only a refuge for the ardent golfer but also a place where the whole family can be accommodated.
