ABOUT WILLINGDON GOLF CLUB
Over a century of golfing heritage
About Willingdon Golf Club
Willingdon Golf Club has been at the heart of Eastbourne’s golfing scene since 1898, when a group of passionate players, led by the Marquess of Willingdon, laid out a simple 9-hole course with a modest corrugated iron hut as its clubhouse.
As the game grew in popularity, so did Willingdon. In 1905, legendary golfer J.H. Taylor transformed the course into a classic 18-hole layout, paving the way for something truly special. Then, in 1925, the club turned to one of the greatest course designers of all time, Dr. Alister MacKenzie, to refine and elevate the course into what we play today.
His touch remains unmistakable, with signature two-tier greens on holes 8, 9, 12, and 18, adding challenge, character and strategy to every round.
Designed by a master: Alister MacKenzie
Known as “The Course Doctor”, Alister MacKenzie crafted some of the world’s most iconic courses, including:
Augusta National (USA)
Royal Melbourne (Australia)
Cypress Point (USA)
Moortown (England)
At Willingdon, his character shines through in the natural flow of the course, seamlessly integrating the rolling landscape into a layout that tests skill while remaining enjoyable for all.
With over a century of history, world-class design and a welcoming atmosphere, Willingdon Golf Club isn’t just a place to play, it’s a place to be part of golfing tradition.
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![A senior golffer taking an approach shot at Willingdon Golf Club]()
Since joining Willingdon, I’ve felt like part of something special. The other senior members are welcoming and supportive, the events are brilliant and there’s a real sense of belonging. It’s the highlight of my week.
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![Two golfers lining up a putt on the green at Willingdon Golf Club]()
Willingdon strikes that rare balance of tradition and progress. The course has history, the clubhouse has character, and the people have passion. You feel proud to call it your home club.
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![Two lady golfers posing for a photo with their golf clubs at Willingdon Golf Club]()
There’s a fantastic ladies’ section at Willingdon. From competitions, social events, to laughs in the clubhouse — it’s great to be part of. Whether you’re playing in a team or enjoying a mid-week roll-up, there’s a real buzz here.
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![A senior golfer holding his putter after finishing his round at Willingdon Golf Club]()
Thank you to Willingdon for helping make my Captain’s Away Day the success it was. I only heard words of praise from all of those who came with me and compliments for what a pretty course and in such great condition. Breakfast was excellent, and being able to have it just a little earlier did take the time pressure off my introductory words.
A club for every golfer
At Willingdon Golf Club, there’s a place for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned competitor, a casual weekend player or just getting started, one thing is for sure: you’ll be made to feel welcome. The club sections offer regular competitions, team matches and social events, so you’ll always have something to look forward to.
Men’s section
The Willingdon Men’s Section is active, competitive and always welcoming. With a packed calendar of competitions, league fixtures and knockout events, it’s a great way to challenge yourself and be part of a great group of golfers. Throughout the year, you can look forward to:
Weekly Stableford & Medal competitions
Knockout events in both summer and winter
Matches against local clubs, including the Birchwood County Handicap Knockout
Seven summer league matches, mixed competitions and a gala day
Ladies’ section
The Willingdon Ladies' Section is a fantastic community of golfers who enjoy a mix of competitive play and social golf. As current Division 1 champions and holders of the Trio Trophy in Sussex, we welcome golfers of all abilities, with handicaps ranging from 4 to 44. Here’s what you can get involved in:
Weekly competitions (Stableford & Medal) with 40+ players
Competitive County & National events, including the Wellesley County Scratch Knockout
Friendly matches against local clubs, midweek and on weekends
Mixed events, open to all members
Ladies’ Competition Days:
Tuesday (Traditional Ladies’ Day)
Sunday (Additional competitions)
Seniors' section (55+)
For golfers aged 55 and over, the Seniors’ Section provides a great balance of competition and camaraderie. You can expect to enjoy:
Weekly Thursday competitions
Joint events with the Ladies’ Section
Matches across Sussex and Kent, including the Cyril Blake County Foursomes
A thriving winter league with 14 matches and a gala day
An active social calendar to keep the fun going off the course
Junior golf at Willingdon
We’re passionate about growing the next generation of golfers! Under the expert guidance of Colton and his team, our junior programme provides a fun, structured environment for young players to develop their skills.
Seasonal taster sessions to introduce kids to the game
1-2-1 coaching tailored to individual progress
Weekly group coaching & school holiday camps
Junior membership with full course access and competitions
Willingdon Golf Club Scratch Team
Our Scratch Team at Willingdon Golf Club is home to plenty of single-figure golfers who enjoy testing themselves and playing quality golf in a friendly, social environment.
Why join our Scratch Team:
Strong mix of single-figure players plus handicap to 8
36-hole scratch events and scratch match play competitions
Compete in the county’s 8-man team knockout
Midweek roll-ups and plenty of weekend games
New players always welcome- you’ll be involved from day one
If you’re a competitive golfer looking for great matches and even better company, Willingdon Golf Club is the place to be.
Interested in becoing a member?
Respecting the game and each other
Our club values and guidelines
At Willingdon Golf Club, we take pride in offering a respectful, enjoyable and welcoming golfing experience for all. Whether you're out on the course or relaxing in the clubhouse, our etiquette and policies help ensure that everyone can enjoy the game in a friendly and inclusive environment.
On the course, we encourage you to:
Play at a good pace and practice ‘ready golf’
Allow faster groups to play through when necessary
Take care of the course by repairing divots, fixing pitch marks, and raking bunkers
In the clubhouse and dress code
At Willingdon, we balance tradition with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. We ask all members and guests to respect the following dress guidelines:
On the course: Smart, recognised golf attire with proper golf shoes
In the clubhouse: Smart casual attire with spikeless golf shoes allowed in designated areas
Please remove caps and hats when inside the clubhouse
Respect and inclusion
We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy the game of golf.
Our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy ensures golf is open to all, free from discrimination
We operate a safe and welcoming club for everyone, protecting and safeguarding children and adults at risk
We act with respect and courtesy at all times - whether on the course, in the clubhouse or on social media. We expect our members, guests and staff to treat each other with kindness and consideration
We are SafeGolf Accredited and proudly recognised by England Golf for our commitment to safety, inclusion and safeguarding.
To view all our policies, please see our policies page.