Worthing Golf Club: the Colt and Vardon Courses

The courses and their history

Golf at Worthing began in 1905 with a temporary nine-hole course. Harry Vardon then designed an 18-hole course and an extra nine, opened on 23 October 1906 with a 36-hole exhibition match between Vardon and James Braid, the reigning Open champion. In 1920 the club bought the Warren Estate, and Harry Colt was commissioned to design two new 18-hole courses, which opened in 1923. The Colt Course, the championship layout, measures 6,557 yards from the white tees with a par of 71 and is known for dramatic slopes, strategic bunkering and fast, sloping greens. The second course is named the Vardon. Both drain well and play all year.

Booking and visitor practicalities

Visitor tee times can be booked up to six days in advance by phoning the pro shop on 01903 260801 (option 1). On the Colt, visitors play from 10am on weekdays and from 11am on Sundays. On the Vardon, visitors play from 10am on weekdays and 11am at weekends. All visitors must provide a CDH number and a recognised handicap. Juniors under 18 receive half-price green fees. The club asks visitors to read its Experience page for dress code, buggy and etiquette guidance before arriving.

Getting there

The club is on Links Road on the northern edge of Worthing, along the coast west of Brighton. The clubhouse is the former Warren Farmhouse, refurbished in 2023.

Highlights

• Two 18-hole courses by Harry Colt, opened in 1923
• Colt Course: par 71, 6,557 yards from the whites
• Set beneath Cissbury Ring in the South Downs
• Original 1906 course opened with a Vardon v Braid exhibition

Good to know

• A CDH number and recognised handicap are required
• Book up to six days ahead through the pro shop
• Colt visitors: weekdays from 10am, Sundays from 11am
• Under-18s pay half price

Frequently asked questions