The summer always brings with it a sharp rise in tourism in Brighton and East Sussex. It’s not hard to understand why holidaymakers from around the United Kingdom make a beeline for this part of the country over the summer months given the reliable sunshine, natural beauty, and glistening English Channel. Unquestionably, East Sussex provides a cheaper and closer alternative to some of Europe’s more celebrated holiday destinations. For golfers in particular this is true as East Sussex is home to some of the most picturesque courses in the UK.
East Sussex’s secret
Ordinarily, most people assume that the best golf courses in the UK are located in northern England and Scotland given that this is the region where The Open Championship organisers have chosen to stage their tournament over the last 150 years. In fact, out of the ten courses that The Open is split between, only one is in southern England – Royal St George’s in Sandwich, Kent. This year, for instance, The Open will be staged 270 miles away from Brighton at Royal Liverpool Golf Club with the golf latest betting odds predicting that Rory Mcllroy will be the eventual winner at a price of just 15/2.
The Open at Royal Liverpool can’t come soon enough. 🍿
Rickie Fowler finished runner-up to Rory McIlroy the last time The Open was held there in 2014. pic.twitter.com/XRYvY1z4d4
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) July 3, 2023
Whether the Northern Irishman goes all the way on a course he has previously won The Open on remains to be seen. The wider point, however, is that the South of England is not traditionally associated with the UK’s top courses.
A cheaper alternative to the Algarve
Whereas the truth is that East Sussex is a golfer’s paradise and can even be compared to the Algarve in Portugal as the cliffs that the courses are built on dramatically fall into the sea. Take Seaford Head Golf Course for example which is located just 13 miles from Brighton, almost every shot that a golfer will play during the round has the iconic Seven Sisters white cliffs in the background. It is a spine-tingling setting and will have anyone whistling the hymn Jerusalem by the end of their round.
Further east and 20 miles from Brighton lies Royal Eastbourne Golf Club, which again, showcases the very best of East Sussex. This time, the 18-hole journey will take a golfer through the lush Sussex countryside during a steady climb that culminates with a spectacular view of the Channel and Beachy Head. On a clear day, golfers will be able to see as far east as Hastings.
Closer to home, residents from Brighton don’t have to go far to enjoy East Brighton Golf Course, which provides a stern test of a golfer’s abilities. While the course may require a golfer to be on their very best form, the location makes any on-course struggles worth it as visitors are treated to some of the most breathtaking vistas of Brighton to be found anywhere.
— East Brighton Golf Club (@EastBrightonGC) May 26, 2023
East Brighton Golf Course is, without doubt, one of the best courses in England and another stunning example of what golfers will find when they tee it up in the south.
Discover the gems on your doorstep
Instead of hopping on a redeye flight to the Algarve for a golfing getaway where your checked luggage bill amounts to a deposit on a house, simply pack your clubs into the car and head down the A23 to East Sussex. The weather will be just as good and the golf courses every bit as unique.
