Old Course

Dale Hill’s Old Course is the founding layout of the golf complex at Ticehurst in East Sussex. Opened in 1973 on the land of a former dairy farm, it occupies roughly 130 acres of High Weald hills and woodland. Shorter than the neighbouring Ian Woosnam Course, it remains a genuine test through tree-lined fairways, small greens and repeated changes of elevation.

Dale Hill began as a golf club with the opening of this course in 1973. The existing rural landscape gradually matured into established golf terrain. When the Ian Woosnam Course was constructed from 1995, parts of the Old Course had to be altered: the ninth and seventeenth holes were redesigned to allow both eighteens to coexist. Despite these changes, the Old Course remains clearly identifiable as the historic foundation of the property and has a more traditional feel than its modern neighbour.

The course measures just over 5,800 yards. It plays to par 69 for men and par 70 for women. Its modest length does not remove the challenge created by small putting surfaces and tree-lined corridors. Fairways are often framed tightly by woodland and good position is important to preserve a clear angle into the greens. The maturity of the landscape gives the Old Course a more intimate character than the Ian Woosnam layout.

The Old Course has evolved considerably since 1973 without losing its original role. The redesigned ninth and seventeenth holes are the most obvious changes associated with construction of the second course. The present layout relies on existing slopes and historic woodland rather than extensive artificial shaping. That relative simplicity, combined with smaller greens, allows Dale Hill to offer two clearly differentiated golfing experiences within one estate.

The estate lies in the High Weald within the historic “1066 country” landscape. The Old Course provides broad views across Sussex hills and valleys but is more wooded than those panoramas might suggest. Holes move between woodland edges, slopes and clearings, with naturally undulating ground producing repeated uphill and downhill shots. Effective distance therefore changes frequently even though the overall course is relatively compact.

The resort now combines the Old Course and Ian Woosnam Course with a driving range, two putting greens, practice bunker, large buggy fleet, hotel, restaurants, swimming pool, fitness facilities and event spaces. The Old Course is especially attractive to golfers who prefer a more compact, walkable and tree-lined round. Rates, winter wheel rules, buggy access and tee conditions are operational details that change through the year.