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Welcome to UK-GolfGuide's page which contains feedback from site users who have played at Hill Barn Golf Club.

Whilst UK-GolfGuide.com attempts to turf out the more unhelpful or just plain daft contributions, some may slip through. If you have played the course or hold a different opinion to those of the contributors, feel free to use the Add your Comments icon to provide a broader spread of views. If you have a gripe with the club then take it up with them directly - please don't use this facility for airing grievances!.

If you have played this course and would like to add your comments then feel free to Add a Report.

David Sainsbury (England) 07/06/06

Played here on 1st June 2006. What an excellent public course. Good fairways, keen and true greens and adequate tees. Most holes had plenty of space with light rough on one side of the fairway and no go zones on the other. Giving plenty of space on one side keeps players of all abilities in the game and means play keeps moving without too many lost balls. Our round was comfortably under four hours in steady traffic though I do know that play can be slower if unlucky. Some really good holes with plenty of undulations - well hills actually. Lovely views across the Sussex Downs and out to sea. Fully licensed club rooms were perhaps a bit on the "cafe" side, but nevertheless comfortable, with friendly and efficient service and a full choice of refreshments. This was excellent value for money and I would recommend a visit.

Ratings

Value for Money	10
Challenge	7
Off Course	9

alex till (England) 30/11/05

HILLBARN IS RUBBISH, terrible condition not even worth the tenner to play there

Ratings

Value for Money	1
Challenge	1
Off Course	1

alex smith (England) 25/11/05

hill barn a couple of years back was a pile of ribbish, but then restored to a good condition. but i played there in janruary and it was terrible greens FULL of ptch marks and tempory tess where terrible, wrong direction and hard as a rock. but i played there two weeks ago and it was FANTASTIC greens imaculate condition, didnt see a simgle pitch mark all day. WELL DONE HILL BARN!

Ratings

Value for Money	9
Challenge	9
Off Course	8

Matthew Lockwood (England) 13/07/05

Seeing as the most recent previous comment was 12 months since, I thought I'd add my up to date views. I try to play HB at least twice a month and in the last twelve months I have noticed a marked improvement in the state of the course. Extensive work has been made on the greens to get rid of bald patches and such. Currently they are looking the best I have seen them, gone is their unpredictability, whereby, one green is extremely fast, the next incredibly slow. the fairways are in top condition (Bear in mind this is a downlands course, the ground is hard in places)and compliments must go to the groundstaff. I would not hesitate to reccomend this course to anyone, be they novice or low handicapper. Factor in the low cost of a round then value for money wise, you'd sruggle to find much better in the area.

Ratings

Value for Money	10
Challenge	7
Off Course	7

Jane Musgrave (England) 09/06/04

Hill Barn is now showing a huge improvement ,on and off the course ,the greens although not quite returned to their orginal state they arent bad!! the rough is rough and so it should be ! the club house is so much better and we have a new ladies locker room it was much needed ,we now are looking for new lady members please contact the pro for further info .

Jim Mottau (England) 25/03/04

I played last week and will play again this Saturday, what a difference a few quid makes to a course. For those who remember how the course deteriorated through 2001/2/3 a pleasant surprise is in store, replacement tee mats and the course greens fully open make such a difference, well kept fairways and damaged areas adequately protected for summer golf, promotes optimism. not keen on the early morning queuing for a tee off though, definately preferred the booking system..but well done Chichester..just one last thing. Beware the bunkers, still far too many stones and chalk, that hasn't changed..don't let it put you off..Hill Barn is well worth a go.

Peter sowter (England) 20/08/03

Always one of my favourite courses, the run-down over the last 15-20 years brought it to it's knees.

The recent change in management and their keeness to improve it has got it back on it's feet, but there's still some way to go before it's as good as Chichester.

To echo Josie's comments, the greens are almost there, the fairways and bunkers still need attention, and someone who cares in the clubhouse is needed.

The potential will keep bringing me back.

Well done, so far.

Richard Longhurst (England) 29/05/03

I have Played Hill-Barn 4 times in the last couple of months and i can honestly say it is one of my favourite courses, it is about a 50 mile trip for me but well worth it. Some of the best Holes include the 8th and 12th both with elevated tees- certainly a kodak moment!, also look out for the Par 3 11th with 11 bunkers guarding the green. The fairways are in reasonable condition but there are too many stones in the bunkers. On the whole a spectacular course well the Green fee.

Josie Matthews (UK) 23/04/03

I have just played HB recently and the only question I have regarding the course is that are the fairways supposed to have long grass? I lost so many balls - being a high handicap player and a women my ball usually goes straight, so I do not spend time searching in the rough for it - but at Hill Barn I found it very difficult to see my ball amongst the uncut daisies and that was on the fiarway. Apart from that the course is in a reasonable condition.

On another matter, whilst the food was excellent, the state of the bar was dreadful, in that there were overflowing ashtrays, tables were not cleared away and also not even wiped clean, although the bar staff were not overworked. I see that the Club-house is undergoing some refurbishment work, and I would suggest they employ a professional builder and not the local DIY enthusiast.

Andy Howard (uk) 22/04/03

22/4/03 great weather, hill barn improved since last winter, greens fast due to the recent dry weather,greens which were bad last year a definite improvement enjoyable day

Max Ollerton (U K) 12/04/03

Well I have just played Hill Barn with my Son to day. It has been a long time since I last played the course. In many ways I was sadened by the the state of the Greens but with the new watering system and with the enthusiasm and devotion of Frasers Men it will I am sure be returned to its former glory. Some may remember when the PGA was played at Hill Barn some years back. Tony Jacklin and all that lot the course at that time could match any other in West Sussex and I hope this happens again. My Son and I feel confident for the future so we have joined Hill Barn and I would urge previous players to take a second look

Mick Sim (England) 10/06/02

What a change !!

Having been quick to point out the failings of this course, it's only proper to congratulate everybody concerned with the significant improvements that have been made over the last 2 months.

Yes there are a couple of greens that still need some work but it's obvious that a lot of effort has gone into restoring Hill Barn to it's former glory. Well done to all concerned.

Put this back on your lists everybody but be warned, whilst the fairways are still generous it's not as wide open as it used to be and makes this course much more demanding.

Fraser Morley (UK) 23/05/02

As the professional at Hillbarn we freely admit we have had problems with the course. Over the last 2 months the greenkeepers have worked wonders. I have been working closely with them and the council representative for the course and we are turning things round. The greens have inproved and would go as far as saying some are very good. The others are fast approaching that state. The bunkers we took out are starting to be turfed over and the refilling of the other is in progress. We understand all the 'useful' comments but rest assured I want to see the course back to its former glory and will try to do everything I can to achive this. If you have any questions I will be glad to try and answer them.

Jim Mottau (England) 09/04/02

With reference to my previous comments, I eat my words, I played the course this Easter and was amazed at the improvement. Bunkers have been removed which are no longer in play and the greens were excellent. The prices haven't changed, however with the course in good condition it's worth paying for. When this course is being looked after it really is a little gem.

MS (England) 12/03/02

A course to avoid.

Nobody likes using temporary tees but sometimes needs must. However these were a joke. They are not level, they don't point in the right direction and are in such a state that you can damage your club on them.

The same can be said of the temporary greens. The 2nd is in such a position (a steep slope) that it would be more appropriate to have a windmill and tunnel and pretend it's crazy golf.

When you get to the main greens i'm afraid there is little improvement. Bare patches - patches with weeds - patches with what appears to be broccoli or cabbage growing from them.

And God help you if you go in a bunker. More stones than sand (which I reckon is builders sand)

Clubhouse resembles a train station waiting room but the food was good.

Asking around it appears that this (council run) course is in decline through lack of investment and that it is about to be "sold off". I would suggest the sooner the better.

+ points - A good layout, got potential and er a good layout

Mick Sim (England) 06/03/02

A, once excellant, course that has deteriorated badly in the last 5 years due to a lack of investment by the local council.

The greens, in particular, are in an apalling state which is sad as they once had the reputation for being one of the best municipal greens in the country.

On the plus side it has good views across the Sussex Downs and friendly (if very disgruntled) club members.

Marc Elleker (England) 08/02/02

Hill Barn is a great course but i do agree about the tee off times,which lead to a big queue at the first tee(not something most of us like) There are great views of the south coast from the upper part of the course and one big climb!! I also feel the 11th needs more bunkers!!!A good course for high and low handicaps.

Jim Mottau (England) 07/01/02

Hillbarn used to be magnificent, however recently the standard of maintenence has deteriorated.

Many greens are badly scarred compared with other local courses.

From November,temporary greens are little more than mud patches with teeing off mats suspended on legs causing a trampoline effect when teeing.

Unfortunately there is no winter pricing rate for players required to play under these conditions.

Visitors rarely return.

DC Mitchell (England) 08/06/00

Huge epanses of fairway certainly help the less than average golfer and there is enough sand to start a beach (although I agree that there are too many stones). All in all a very well priced, enjoyable course to play.

Mark West (England) 09/05/00

Nice course shame about the tee off times are to close together and the stones in the bunkers.

(England) 22/01/00

Hill Barn is a good municiple downlands course with excellent views of the South Coast and the Isle of Wight - you will have plenty of opportunity to view them, when the average round takes 4 1/2 hours - tee off times seperated by only 5 mins if you can actually get through to the pro shop to book one. There is a small but established Club with competitions throughout the year - which is surprising bearing in mind the Worthing Borough Council provide only the absolute minimum concessions. No reserved Tee off times for club competitions!!

Darren (England) 25/08/99

Under new management and already improving greatly. Greens are in good condition although not as receptive as they could be. Fairly open so not much chance of losing your ball.

Look out for th 15th (Cardiac Hill) as the climb is quite a long one although views of the south coast from the 16th are well worth the green fee.