The First Hole
The 1st: Par 4, White 455 Yds, Yellow 429 Yds, Red 369 Yds. Probably one of the most difficult opening holes in Sussex. Especially demanding with a strong south-westerly wind, and considerably easier with a following Easterly. The yellow tee makes the hole much easier as the green lies straight ahead. The new yellow tee opened in 2000, is a great success, good and level, the copper beech hedgerow adds greatly to the general appearance as one first arrives on the course.

The fairway has a history of being wet during winter, however, the new ditch on the right and cross drainage is helping greatly. Moss still forms in places and in summer, lies can be extremely tight.

A good drive is necessary here to have any chance of reaching the green in two. The second shot is usually long and fraught with danger, from the copse on the left, out of bounds on the right, and the five fairway bunkers in the middle. If you drive right, it's prudent to play a provisional, for landing in the ditch is one thing, but carrying the ditch into the bushes means, firstly, finding the ball and secondly, being able to drop within two club lengths legally.

The green is flat and putts well. The three bunkers are well sited and the right one being most successful in catching wayward shots. This is probably the easiest green on the course to putt. When played well this is a most satisfying par 4, most players content with a five.

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