Cowdray Golf Club Course Review

Established well over a century ago, Cowdray Golf Club is situated in the South of England, with spectacular views of the Sussex Downs and the vast Cowdray estate.

The course itself sits opposite the historic old Cowdray House which burnt down in 1793, but is remembered by its remains which stand alongside the estates stunning polo fields which are regarded as the "Home of British polo".

Cowdray Golf Club has recently undergone major investment, which has seen updates made to the Championship 18 hole course, as well as the opening of a five hole par-three layout. 

The redevelopment of Cowdray was overseen by William Swan of Swan Golf Designs, with the main changes to the championship course, including all of the bunkers on the course having been reconstructed, reshaped and integrated into the downland landscape through the use of native grass borders.

New EcoPath recycled rubber pathways have also been introduced, and Cowdray's famed double green for holes seven and 14 was also restored. 

We were fortunate enough to play Cowdray on a stunning July's day, and with the sun on our backs we first sampled the excellent par-3 course before getting stuck into the championship 18-holer.

In our opinion, there are few things better than a well thought out short course, and that's exactly what the five hole layout at Cowdray delivers. 

All that was needed was a wedge and a putter, and we were set for a perfect appetiser before the main event. 

The course itself is short but still challenging, with all of the greens being USGA specification and mirroring the layouts of specific greens on the main course. 

The five hole loop took no more than 25 minutes to play, but it was an excellent sharpener that elevates the venue for both members and visitors. 

We've got a bit of a soft spot for short courses not only because they are quick and fun but they also provide a perfect proving ground for young golfers to learn the game and hone their skills. 

A new short game area has also been developed by the clubhouse, adding another string to the Club's already stellar bow. 

We were lucky enough to meet some of the courses friendly members and gladly received some valuable tips before heading to the 1st tee. 

Cowdray's championship course is as true a test of golf as we have played this year and the par 70 layout measuring 6,325 yards requires thought and discipline at every turn. 

The opening stretch from the 1st to the 5th demands accuracy, with the 2nd hole in particular providing both stunning visual appeal and excellent tactical design. 

The 3rd, a relatively short par-3 will once again test the accuracy of your iron play, with the undulating green offering few bail out options for any wayward tee shots. 

The 5th hole, a winding par-5 provides beautiful elevated views of the surrounding estate, and it provides plenty of room off the tee, allowing you to swing hard with the driver to give yourself a shot of making the green in two. 

Once we had managed to navigate the first five holes, we reflected on the condition of the course, and we have to tip our hats to the team of greenskeepers at Cowdray. 

The greens and tee boxes in particular were superb, and the overall condition of the course is as good as you will find anywhere in the country. 

The addition of the new EcoPath recycled rubber pathways also elevates the playing experience, with the brown, black and white colourway, blending seamlessly into the surroundings.

The paths are great in the summer, but we believe they will truly come into their own during winter months, when pathways typically become slick from mud in high traffic areas.  

Moving through the front nine, the 7th and 8th holes which sandwich the half way house, both have shared greens, with the 8th in particular boasting one of the most fascinating greens we've played in recent memory, with a number of levels and slopes demanding pin point accuracy with your approach if you're to avoid a dreaded three-putt. 

The start of the back nine offers some excellent scoring opportunities, with the short par-3 11th and reachable par-4 12th offering up valuable chances to get a score going as you head for home. 

The 13th is another short par-4 that only requires an iron off the tee if you're playing for position, and if you can avoid the bunker short right of the green, another good opportunity for birdie awaits. 

Heading for home, a selection of shortish par-4s will guide you back to the clubhouse, with the surrounding woodland providing an idyllic back drop for the lush fairways which wind throughout the gently undulating landscape. 

While the back nine at Cowdray is by no means the longest nine holes in golf, it will undoubtedly test any golfers shot making. Throw in the expertly crafted green complexes that possess bags of subtle break, and the final product is a layout that is challenging but very playable. 

When reflecting on courses we've played, a good marker if how many holes you can vividly remember and whether or not you believe you could play a course everyday without getting bored. 

We're pleased to confirm that Cowdray ticks both boxes. 

The course possesses bags of character, while also making you think on almost every tee. It's by no means a smashers course, and will test every aspect of your game in order to be overcome. 

As we walked up the 18th fairway, we were sadly left looking in the long grass for our second shot, but that didn't stop us from reflecting on what was an excellent days golf played in beautiful surroundings. 

The phrase hidden gem is thrown around a little too often for our liking these days, but Cowdray is just that. 

It may not possess the prestige of some courses in the neighbouring county of Surrey, but that doesn't make it any less special. 

From the warm welcome, to the picturesque surroundings and beautifully maintained course, Cowdray is a course that should be on any golfers list and it's absolutely worth visiting if you are in the area. 

Throw into the mix the fact that the club now offers the aforementioned short course, luxury cottages for stay and play, and an excellent farm shop full to the brim with local produce and you have a winning formula. 

Verdict

We absolutely loved our day at Cowdray, and the team behind the scenes have clearly left no stone unturned in order to turn it into an excellent venue for members and visitors alike. 

The course is tough but fair, and the surrounding scenery makes it one of the most enjoyable walks we've had in recent times.

We would highly recommend paying the course a visit, and we can guarantee you won't leave disappointed. 

To find out more about Cowdray Golf Club visit https://www.cowdray.co.uk/sport/golf/