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Welcome to UK-GolfGuide's page which contains feedback from site users who have played at Tilgate Forest Golf Centre.

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.

Robert James (England) 26/09/07

I understand why people say it's a tricky course to review!

As a venue for a round it's pretty good. The course is in reasonable shape, I can't comment on the drainage problems that blight the course; it was fine today.

But what did annoy me (and has been mentioned by others) is the lack of etiquette on the course from the other golfers. I played alone, something which by all accounts isn't 'allowed' normally, and was held up by a two ball for four holes. They in turn were held up by a four ball, so they gave up after 9 holes. I caught the four ball up in one hole and followed them for 6 holes before giving up and walking off after over four and half hours.

Course marshall? Nowhere to be seen. If you've plenty of time give it a go, if you're after a 'quick' round it's one to avoid.

Ratings

Value for Money	7
Challenge	6
Off Course	8

Mark Flynn (England) 12/09/07

Mmm, tricky one. The course in itself I like. I have played here on numerous occasions through summer and a very cold winter. The course looks lovely, the pro shop is very well equiped and the staff are friendly enough. The course can be tricky if you are not on form as the woodland goes fairly deep in and is not very forgiving. Fairways can be narrow and the groung can be marshy in places as the drainage leaves a little to be desired. (We were up to out ankles in water on the 1st after a drive which landed in the centre of the fairway). However, Tilgate does offer a certain charm. Mist rising through the trees, deer in the woods, a very picturesque setting. The holes are very much secluded from each other too so you really feel you are on your own out there which is nice. I would say it is one to play as it is the only course I have played with such character and the green fees are pretty good too.

Ratings

Value for Money	8
Challenge	7
Off Course	7

Rob A (England) 12/06/07

Played here on the 10/6/07. I was told by the guys i was playing with that this is a fun and testing course. On the way to the course, it felt like we were on our way to a trading estate. Built up, council houses etc. It then opened up into a nice little secluded course.

Although not very long and a par 72, the holes are tight and i think i only used my driver on about 3 or 4 holes. Although i had a superb front 9 at only 1 over par, the wheels came off a little on the back nine.

If you're playing well and hitting straight you will do well as you don't need to be long. If you are not hitting straight, it will be a hard round.

The condition was not bad, about as good as you could expect for a busy public course. As for the time it took, we were pretty lucky to zip through and this was on a sunday afternoon?!?!

Defo worth a game there..

Ratings

Value for Money	7
Challenge	8
Off Course	9

Colin Tonkin (England) 15/02/07

I play at this very frequently, every Saturday at least, and as I am still at school, when we have time off, I am normally down the golf course playing a round or using the other facilities. The course in the winter is not the best in thoughts of the surface water and mud dependant on the rain, but this has dramatically improved. New drainage has been brought in and this is evident when you compare the state of the course in the middle of winter compared to three to four years ago. Some areas of the course are not boggy at all, and there are areas that drain faster than others. The condition of the course in the summer is fabulous. The fairways roll for miles and the greens are unbelievably true. I am a 16 handicapper, and often struggle to navigate my way around the several doglegs on the course, 10 overall. The fairways are very tight, protected by both heavy rough and trees. Bad shots equals extra shots and lost balls usually. One of the best public courses in the United Kingdom, and because of this, purchased a one year junior membership at £150. Otherwises, £10 a round, £12 at weekends. For adults, a membership is £600, but is very good for its price, costing £18 a round, £22 at weekends. The facilities are not the best but they are adequate. A refurbished bar and restuarant provides a relaxing finish to your round. Other facilities include a practice green, a floodlit driving range, a fully equipped pro shop and a 9 nine hole par 3 course, good for short game practice with a few long holes as well, namely the third at 200 yards and the 5th at 186. Defintely a course worth playing.

Ratings

Value for Money	10
Challenge	10
Off Course	9

Daniel Lucking (England) 17/01/07

Thank you for your comments regarding the course, We do appreciate the course suffers during wet winters and the subject of increased drainage needs to be addressed, the course is built on sussex clay so its drainage properties are poor. We try to keep the course open as much as possible so people who wish to play can. In 2000, we had over £50,000 worth of drainage done on the course which has helped, but since September 06 we have had over 500mm of rain fall, therefore this year is much wetter than most. Having said that, the recovery properties of Tilgate are impressive and the course will be back to its best as soon as we have a dry period - Work can then be done to get the course to the high standards people expect.

Kevin B. (England) 09/01/07

Played here midweek January 07 (£8.50 using a 2 FORE 1 voucher).

This course has a major drainage problem.There was surface water & boggy patches all over the place .Probably the worst i've ever seen on a course .I thought it was dangerous (my partner slipped over twice)& unplayable (my chip to the 1st green landed just short & stopped in the mud).Walking to your ball on the fairway you had to carefully plot a route or walk up the tree line.If you're going to play here in the next few months leave your golf shoes at home & take some wellies.

As i was travelling from some distance i checked about the course condition beforehand & was told there were a couple of temporary tees .However ,the reality was 18 mats (we played off the grass tees anyway) & no mention of the swamp-like conditions.

The greens were the slowest i've putted on all winter.

Despite all this ,if this was a private club & had some TLC & better bunker positioning this could get close to some of the top Surrey courses.It's got a great tree-lined setting & there are loads of good holes(inparticular, holes 2, 5-7 ,10-14 & 17).

Also, off the backs this is a tough course.

Would i play here in the Summer - possibly. In the Winter - definitely not.

Kevin B.

Ratings

Value for Money	5
Challenge	8
Off Course	0

jake imrie (England) 14/10/06

Well i'm back at tilgate and still loving it the irrigation has got much better and from 1st of november i believe that the slowness will be sorted out as alll 2balls will be made into 4 balls i am not the greatest golfer playing of 5 official but this course puts all the private courses i play. i was there today and thought to myself this course has improved so much i have even booked a tee time for tomorow i believe that any golfers that want a challenge then play here evn i struggled to break 80 which is unusual as my average is about 75 please go and play its fantastic

Ratings

Value for Money	7
Challenge	10
Off Course	10

George Rowell (England) 03/04/06

This is a fairly young course hacked out of a pre-existing pine forest. As such, it is a very pleasant setting, save for the two or three holes that run alongside the M23.

Unfortunately, the drainage is the worst I have ever encountered. When I played (on 2 April 2006), it had rained the night before and most of the course was waterlogged. The fairways were virtually unplayable, save for a few on slopes steep enough to ensure proper drainage. The bunkers had become ponds. Admittedly, the greens weren't too bad - once you eventually reached them! I gave up on scoring after the fifth hole; and a playing partner who usually shoots in the 90s shot 114!

Another issue is that nearly every hole longer than a par 3 is a dog-leg. Some people didn't mind that, though personally I prefer to see the pin I'm aiming for!

Having said all this, I'd certainly recommend Tilgate Forest - but only if it hasn't rained in the last few days!

Ratings

Value for Money	6
Challenge	5
Off Course	6

Jake Imrie (England) 30/03/06

I play this course regularly and i have never been held apart from today when there was a society playing 3 ball texas scramble which i thought was quicker it took me 4 hours to do front nine then they all stopped for food which was good i completed the back nine in 2 hours but still a long day but apart from that i love the course i can't w8 to play agen i wud recommend to all sorts of golfers but gd if u can drive straght

Ratings

Value for Money	10
Challenge	8
Off Course	8

Graham Martin (England) 29/04/05

I have played here regularly for the last six months and am always impressed with the layout of the course. The majority of the holes are tree-lined and the par fives are excellent. However, the course is massively let down by the quality of the greens and fairways, and poor course management. Given a little investment, and some lengthening of the par threes this course could be as good as anything in the area. However, for the green fee it is still an excellent course, just don't be disappointed if you miss a few putts.

Gordy Shrosbree-kenmuir (England) 07/06/04

The course is still up to it's excellent previous best, with fine care being taken of the fairways and the greens in very good condition. This trip, a Sunday afternoon, was more than a little disappointing from a course management perspective.

It took over 3 hours to get round the first 9, largely due to a very slow 4 two or three in front, and a very slow 2, both of whom took over four shots per 100yds. This resulted in a queue at every tee of approx 8 people (from three groups). There was no sign of the course rangers who apparently are there to manage this sort of thing.

The second 9 took a further two hours, largely helped by the retirement of the group of three members in front of us, who must be very annoyed this morning.

The other major disappoinment was the lack of planning for the weather on the part of the course management. There were no drinks or food in the pro shop, no starters cart or halway house, and although we did briefly see it driving round on one hole in the distance, it was never available to us, and to top it all off they do not allow spikes in the bar to get a drink, even clean soft ones! There really is no excuse for running out of drinks, cold drinks I can undertsand as keeping the fridge stocked must be tricky, but the sell by date on most soft drinks should enable a substantial stock to be maintained.

There must have been some very dehydrated and hungry golfers out there, not exactly responsible in the 25 degree heat we were enjoying.

Still a great course, and obviously has a good groundsman, perhaps just needs a little better facilities management.

Gordy Shrosbree-kenmuir (England) 17/05/04

I played this course on Saturday just gone. I know I probably don't have much to compare it with, but it is a fabulous course, in my opinion.

The weather was glorious which probably helped with some peoples opinions of the irrigation.

Make sure you can tee off straight or take a whole bunch of balls!

At only £20.40 (a bizarre price) for a weekend tee, it is great value. The greens were in superb condition, particularly impressive was the lack of bobbles and pitch marks you so often get on "cheap" courses.

Go play, defintely go, oh and by the way...go!

Mark A (UK) 24/07/03

This course was my regular course for over 2 years and I've only stopped playing it cos I moved up north. Been back last week and it's a fantastic course, if you're accurate!!! If not, leave the Pro V1's at home and bring out the Donnay's! The trees will eat you up if you aren't careful but I can honestly say that it's by far the best coourse I've played, and it puts to shame many of the private clubs around. The only problems I've known there are the bad irrigation (being sorted so I hear!) and the slow play/people who don't know the etiqueete of the game. The latter means it can be quite a drawn out round but in the summer it's a fantastic place. I particularly reccomend a twilight round there in the summer, less people, more wildlife (had a few deers in my path on occasion) and the greens tend to soften up when it gets a little damp in the evening. Second hole's a corker and the 12th can be a killer! Can't beat 17 though.

Graham Hill (UK) 18/07/03

I hadn't played Tilgate for a few years so forgot just how good it is. Both in layout and condition Tilgate puts a lot of private courses to shame, especially as it is only £15 on a weekday.

Even with the weather as good as it had been, the condition was exceptional considering the amount of play that takes place on the course.

If you haven't been, play it tomorrow. If you have been - go back!

jo norman (uk) 03/06/03

played today, greens superb, i haven't played on better this year. play it, you'll luv it.

alex greenaway (uk) 10/03/03

Played on Sunday 9th March 2003 in a three ball

Enjoyable tree lined course which requires accurate but not long driving. The condition of the course was not great- very waterlogged fairways, fringes and greens. Had some really good looking holes especially the last four, although the par 3s were a bit diasppointing.

The most annoying thing was the length of time it took to go round.- 5 hours!!!

The driving range is a superb asset and perfect to get warmed up with just before you hit the first tee.

I'll be back in the summers to play when the fairways have dried up.

bazza (uk) 27/02/03

best public course in the country i suspect. i played it when it was raining but i really enjoyed it. one of the toughest courses i have ever played. the tree lined fairways meant that the dog legs played long and if u dont hit round the corner u can find yourself hitting 6 iron through to 3 wood

clubhouse is a bit of a shed but hey nothing is perfect. the only other criticism is the condition of the course is not ideal but are u going to get that on a pay and play.

play this course b4 u die.

Young P (England) 12/11/02

Probably one of the best public courses in the country.

If you like woodland golf – and don’t want to pay premium prices - then make sure you visit Tilgate.

Virtually all the holes are completely enclosed within the forest, meaning there is minimal margin for error if you go off-line.

The best holes on the course are the mid-range Par 4s at six, thirteen, fourteen and eighteen which will generally demand at least a solid, accurate mid-iron for your second shot after you’ve negotiated the varying degrees of dogleg.

The picturesque, tight, doglegging Par 5s at twelve and seventeen also stand out; although not hugely long, the arcing bends mean the prospect of reaching these in two is very unlikely.

Unfortunately, the Par 3s are by and large too short and weak and rather let the side down.

As already observed, the time taken to get round (we had a group of absolute muppets in front of us who obviously weren’t familiar with the protocol of calling through) is a drawback, as is the soggy condition of the course during the winter months. In addition, the noise of the adjacent M23 around hole seven in particular doesn’t exactly help the ambience.

However, many private courses would kill for the sylvan surroundings here and, as far as public courses go, Tilgate surely takes some beating!

6.5/10

Young P

Mr Williams (uk) 23/07/02

I Played the course today, my compliments must go to the greenstaff as the the course was in superb condition, shame my game wasn't.

Nev (UK) 04/06/02

I read all the reports and was quite looking forward to playing this course. However, possibly though over expectation I was a little bit disappointed. With the fairways almost all tree lined, I found the holes all to be a little too similar to each other, certainly to look at, if not to play. The condition of the fairways or the greens couldn't be faulted though. I was also suprised with the bar afterwards. There was a society dinner going on and we had nowhere to sit, which probably hasn't helped improve my opinion of the course. Overall Tilgate was okay, but I won't be rushing back there soon.

paul (uk) 25/04/02

Superb. For a ridiculous green fee of £14.40 (midweek) it puts many so called up-market courses in the area to shame. All the fairways are, for the most part, tree-lined and the whole layout is fantastic. I would imagine because of the trees and the shade produced, it will be wet and boggy in the winter months, but having played in on a glorious April day I had nothing to complain about. Not many bunkers, but anything wayward is gobbled up by the forest. Greens in good nick. I cant wait to go back.

Robert Smith (united kingdom) 19/01/02

A group of friends and I often visit Tilgate Park and have never experienced any hold ups whatsoever!! (maybe we have just been lucky). I always enjoy my visits here because the course has always been in wonderful condition and to play a days golf, have a meal afterwards with a pint for around thirty quid? Wheres the gripe? Best time to play is May onwards and believe me the course is a lot nicer than many private courses in the area. We will be back there again this year.

Mark (West Sussex) 23/10/01

A very, very good public course. The fairways are well maintained, as are the greens. I reckon it could do with an irrigation overhaul though as it does retain water too much for my liking. The woods are very testing as if you hit your ball anywhere other than the fairway you have a job finding it!! could do with emphasis put on course etiquette as the guys (& gals) that don't know much about etiquette tend not to let smaller/fater groups through. Good course for the weekend though.

Mat Frost (Surrey, England) 26/06/01

I played this course today, which was probably the hottest day of the year!!!!. Arrived at the Pro Shop at 9:45 with no Tee time booked. They were very helpful and I paid my Green Fee and proceeded to the starters hut and asked him if there were any Two Balls I could join. There were two players ready to tee off so I could join them. Bit of a rush to get going but the two gentlemen were OK. Luckily one of them was a member and plays the course every Weekday, so lots of tips were given to me. Not a ver ylong course but some testing holes. The greens were in superb condition for a public course, and the fairways were very well kept. Some well placed bunkers made for some tough shots to the greens. A couple fo the hoels were real testers. Overall an Excellent day out and the roudn was very fluid, with no hold ups at all. If you are ever in the area definatly worth a trip. And if there is a wait for a Tee Time, take the wait.

ENJOY.

Barry () 03/01/00

This has to be one of the top public courses in the South East. Not long but testing and good value. I have to echo other sentiments concerning the time taken to play. Last time I played this course it took 4 hours to get to number 13 and I gave up. Being a public course it's difficult to regulate the playing standards but many are clearly beginners with no concept of golfing etiquette and who should be restricted to the good par 3 course. A dilligent course ranger could improve the timings and make people happier about returning.

Andrew Johnson () 08/11/99

Testing for golfers at all levels, This is a short course, but made difficult by the sloping greens and well position bunkers. The fairways are tight with no rough so you role straight in to the woods which line all fairways. The par 3's are short and not very testing, but with two great par fives which can be reached with two good hits, there is plenty to keep you interested. The club house is well stoked with all the latest equipment. but as the other gentlemen explained this is a long walking course and a good round takes 4.30 to 5 hours.

frankH () 03/11/99

lovely track,shame about the condition and the time taken to get round(it has taken me almost 5hours for 11 holes!)

Paul () 26/05/99

Great forest course with interesting + difficult greens.\r\nTop tip - leave your woods at home!

Matt () 23/03/98

Green fee's are œ16:75 at weekends.