Location and overview.
East Sussex National is located near Uckfield in East Sussex, England. It’s a resort-style golf club with two full 18-hole championship courses (designed by Robert E Cupp), excellent practice facilities, and full clubhouse amenities.
The Courses.
There are two 18-hole championship courses: the East Course and the West Course. Each delivers a different challenge, character, and experience.
Facilities and amenities.
Practice: Includes a driving range, short game practice areas, putting greens.
Pro Shop & Clubhouse: Fully equipped pro shop, changing facilities, food & drink. The clubhouse offers standard refreshments, after-round dining etc.
Accomodation and resort feel.
It’s more than just golf — the club is part of a resort. There’s on-site 104 bedroom hotel accommodation, spa or health-club facilities, etc.
What makes it stand out?
The East Course has hosted the European Open twice, 1993 & 1994. The courses remain unchanged. That history matters: it means many holes, tee placements, and overall design reflect what tests professional players.
Diversity of challenge.
With two very different courses, you get variety, no two holes are the same. If you play both, you’ll face both the open, bold challenges and tighter, strategic holes.
Visual beauty.
Oak trees, water hazards, ponds/streams, well-kept landscaping, views — all contribute to the sensory experience. It doesn’t feel like just “another golf course.”
Good practice amenities: The supporting facilities (practice greens, short game areas) help prepare you for a good round, warm up properly, or work on specific parts of your game.
What to watch out for.
Weather sensitivity and course condition: Given the South East clay soil and typical UK weather, dryness or wetness can significantly affect playability. After rain, some areas might be soft and muddy; in dry spells, hard surfaces and fast fairways come into play.
The Club has built 18 winter tees on the East Course to enable play during the wet winter months , this can be played directly from the cart paths, course layout can be found on the club’s website.
East Sussex National is a premium golf venue. If you’re looking for courses that combine scale, challenge, scenery and strong infrastructure, it absolutely delivers.
It paticularly suits:
Players who enjoy variety in course layout and don’t want every hole to feel the same.
Golfers who appreciate tournament-style features: length, water, strategic bunkering, undulating greens.
Resorts or golf breaks: with the hotel and spa amenities, it works well as a destination.
Visitor tips.
Try to play during off-peak times (weekday, non-summer) for better value and less crowding. Buggies need to be booked in advance.
Warm up at the practice range & short game areas – some tough greens punish poor approach/putting.
Bring the long clubs – if playing from the back tees, there are long par-5s and lengthy par-4s that demand distance.
Check tee times so you’re not caught by early closure of halfway houses or services. Bring snacks/water if needed.
Use buggy paths/buggies if needed; also bring waterproof gear depending on weather.
Discover more:
To find out more, follow this link to the East Sussex website.
