Course Character
Set within the rolling parkland of the Goodwood Estate near Chichester, the Park Course is a scenic, tree-lined layout that offers a friendly but polished round. Designed by Donald Steel in 1989, it’s known for smooth greens, clever bunkering, and gentle elevation changes.
Where the neighbouring Downs Course can be a serious physical test, the Park is more forgiving and accessible—especially for juniors, families, and newer golfers. You still get that Goodwood attention to detail and immaculate conditioning, but in a relaxed, calm setting that lets everyone enjoy the game.
Just beside the Park Course, The Copse is one of the best short-game practice zones in the county. It’s beautifully landscaped with real greens, bunkers, and varying lies that mimic on-course conditions perfectly. Whether you’re working on soft chips, bump-and-runs or bunker recovery, it’s an incredible space for juniors to build touch and confidence. The relaxed, open setup means younger players can practise freely without pressure — and it’s so well maintained that it feels like an extension of the course itself.
The following review is based on competition play with the Sussex Junior Development Tour, playing the front 9 off academy tees.
The Copse – © Mike Caldwell 2024
Holes That Stand Out
1st – A Straight Forwards Start
A long par 4 that opens up in front of you. The fairway is generous and perfect for a confident tee shot to settle the nerves. One lone bunker to the front left of the green is the only hazard to tackle, but otherwise simple and straight
2nd – A Classic Par 3
Framed beautifully by trees, this hole is ideal for judging distance control and accuracy. A large bunker protects the right side, but there’s plenty of space short and left.
5th – A Birdie Chance
Reachable par 5 for many juniors playing from the academy tees (Billy played as a par 4). A strong drive with a longer approach helps to land the green in 2 — a great hole to plan course management.
7th – Strategy Over Power
A medium-length par 4 where driver isn’t always necessary and a lengthy out of bounds area to the left of the fairway encourage players to lay up. Laying up to the right angle can offer a better approach — perfect lesson in course management.
9th – Picture-Perfect Finish to the Front Nine
Slightly downhill with the clubhouse in view and a tree-lined fairway to the right. Stay left to have a comfortable approach shot. Whilst there is a noticeable drop off the green to the back, the green itself is deep and can handle a confident approach shot.
Only the first 9 holes were reviewed due to the nature of the competition, playing off the academy tees.
Course Ratings, Yardages & Slope Index
| Tee | Yardage | Par | Slope | Course Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 6,650 yds | 72 | 132 | 72.0 |
| Yellow | 6,200 yds | 72 | 129 | 70.1 |
| Red | 5,600 yds | 72 | 124 | 72.7 |
(Approximate values based on Goodwood Golf Club data.)
There’s a clear range of tee options to suit all ages. Juniors and beginners can move forward to academy tees to make the course more enjoyable and achieve realistic pars.
Playing the Course
The Park Course rewards thoughtful play rather than raw distance. It’s a great environment for juniors learning how to plot their way around a full 18-hole course.
- The front nine is forgiving, with short par 4s and open fairways.
- The middle stretch (holes 5–9) is packed with scoring opportunities.
The greens are smooth, fast and fair—ideal for young golfers to learn pace and break. It’s also a walkable course, meaning juniors can complete it comfortably with a light carry bag or trolley.
Course Condition
Conditioning is one of Goodwood’s biggest strengths. The greens are pristine, rolling beautifully despite wet weather. The fairways stay firm, and even after rain, drainage keeps the surfaces playable.
Rough is thick enough to encourage accuracy but never unfair. Bunkers are clean and consistent.
For families this makes the Park Course a great teaching ground—players get to experience true golfing surfaces without battling poor maintenance.
How It Compares to Other Sussex Courses
Against other local courses like Slinfold, Mannings Heath and Chartham Park, the Goodwood Park Course stands out for its setting and consistency.
- It’s more relaxed and walkable than Mannings Heath or the Downs Course.
- It offers better-maintained greens than most parkland layouts in the area.
- It’s less punishing off the tee than Chartham Park, yet more refined in presentation.
- The Goodwood Estate atmosphere makes the experience feel premium—without being exclusive.
For junior golfers working toward competitions, the Park Course sits in a sweet spot between learning and proper tournament-ready golf.
Player Feedback & Ratings
Recent reviews put Goodwood Park around 4.4 / 5 overall, which feels fair for its quality and presentation. Golfshake users rate it roughly 4.3 / 5, while Hole19 and GolfPass reviews hover between 4.2 – 4.5 / 5, with particularly high scores for greens and general condition.
The feedback is consistent: immaculate greens, friendly staff, and a relaxed, premium atmosphere without the stiffness you sometimes find at larger estate clubs. Players praise the reliable year-round condition and enjoyable, walkable layout that suits juniors, families, and mid-handicappers alike.
In short — it’s seen as one of the most welcoming and well-kept parkland courses in Sussex, delivering great value for the experience.
Who Will Enjoy It Most
| Golfer Type | Why It’s Ideal |
|---|---|
| Junior Golfers (7–17) | Perfect progression course—walkable, fair, and rewarding. |
| Beginners / Learners | Encouraging layout with friendly rough and fair greens. |
| Mid-Handicappers | Strategic test that rewards accuracy and good putting. |
| Families | Calm, inclusive atmosphere and excellent facilities. |
| Low-Handicappers | Quality surfaces and shaping, though not overly tough. |
Final Thoughts
The Goodwood Park Course is one of the most enjoyable and inclusive courses in Sussex. It’s well-designed, beautifully presented, and welcoming to juniors, families, and players of all skill levels.
Where some courses focus on length or difficulty, Goodwood Park focuses on enjoyment and experience. It’s golf at its friendliest, yet still polished enough to feel like a proper test.
If you’re a parent introducing your child to 18-hole golf—or a young player looking for a course that feels both achievable and inspiring—Goodwood Park should be on your list.