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Mannings Heath (Waterfall), England

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England  England
Mannings Heath Golf Club
Hammerspond Road
Mannings Heath
Horsham
West Sussex
RH13 6PG
England
ArchitectHarry Colt
Head Professional/Director of GolfSteve Slinger
Telephone+44 (0) 1403 210228
Location3 miles SE of Horsham
Websites Golf Club Website
VisitorsMembers and their guests and South Lodge Hotel residents only
 

Mannings Heath Golf Club is set in 500 acres of rolling Sussex downs and the Waterfall is one of England’s best but least well known inland courses. There are 36 holes to enjoy at Mannings Heath, but the Waterfall is the original course and it’s widely considered to be the best (the second course is called the Kingfisher). The Waterfall course dates back to 1905, we don’t know for certain who originally designed it, but we are led to believe that Harry Colt was an influence. We’d love to hear from anyone who knows more.   

The 1st tee is set in the shadow of gorgeous 17th century clubhouse and it’s a spectacular and daunting prospect. From the elevated tee, a long and accurate drive over a wooded valley is the order of the day. The 2nd is a very short par four, but this comes too early in the round for most of us to take too much advantage. The 5th is one of the most dramatic one-shot holes in Sussex with an elevated tee shot to a green set in a most unusual punchbowl. It heralds the beginning of a fine run of holes.  

Measuring 6,683 yards from the tips, the Waterfall course is not the longest layout in the land but many of the holes are supremely testing and demand accuracy from the tee. There is a lovely feeling of seclusion, created by the mature trees and the dramatic undulating terrain. The up and down nature of the land presents a tough walk in places and many people opt to take a buggy, especially if 36 holes are on the agenda. 

It’s hard to categorise the Waterfall course, it’s a bit of a hybrid, a mix of heathland, downland and parkland. But this is an exciting, amusing and entertaining course which holds the interest all the way round. Mannings Heath is well worth a visit.  

Mannings Heath Golf Club is part of the Exclusive Hotels group who also own The Manor House Golf Club, which makes it the only golf group with two properties in the Top 100 Golf Courses of England.

 Visit Golfbreaks.com to book a golf weekend at South Lodge 

 
If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here
In the section below, headed “Your Reviews”, are golf course reviews posted by visitors to the Top 100 website. There are no specific rules for reviewing a golf course except you MUST have played the golf course first. Merits of each course are left entirely to your discretion. Important factors, such as course location, condition (or presentation), course difficulty and historical importance are all left for you to judge and we have developed a simple rating system where you can allocate one score to each course.

Average Reviewers Score:    
Really disapointed with the condition of the Waterfall course. Having played it several times but not since 2005 i was looking forward to a game with 3 friends for a round we brought in an auction at our local club. They have obviously struggled with some disease on the greens and were doing some maintenance to try and recover the problem but the rest of the course was really poor. The tees were bare and fairways long, and other areas looked like they haven't been maintained for years. Shame because it used to be a real quality golf course.
26 August 2010 Reply

Response:
Steve Slinger31 August 2010
The extremely dry conditions experienced over May, June and July following the cold winter has meant a challenging time. Delighted to report that we are currently rebuilding 13 sets of tees ready for the Spring which will ensure the Waterfall looks sensational for 2011. (General Manager)
A friend of mine arranged a two day break for us at this magnificient club set deep in the Sussex countryside. On arrival we found the staff and members warm and welcoming. We played the Kingfisher on the first day, a challenging course testing both long and short game. After a overnight stay at the excellent South Lodge hotel we came back to tackle the Waterfall course. From start to finish we were challenged, from the daunting first tee shot over the valley through to the elevated shot into the green on the 18th the course kepting us thinking thoughout. I have never tackled such a physically demanding course due to the no buggy rule (too soft underfoot) but i will definetly be coming back to test myself again!
23 March 2010 Reply
Played the Waterfall again last week as couldn't get enough. The greens have now really come into their own. The course is a real picture and according to clubhouse fliers the new cottage on site allows golfers the opportunity of staying and playing this fantastic course. Totally recommended.
13 July 2009 Reply
Had never heard of the club before I visited, what a little gem indeed. Real strategy course, demands every shot in your bag, no hole the same and reall felt like it was my own golf course. Sat on the gorgeous terrace after my round looking over the stunning golf course with a beer in my hand and the 17th century clubhouse behind. Definatley reccomend to anyone!
24 March 2009 Reply
Played both the Waterfall course and Kingfisher course recently on simply the most fabulous golf break ever. From the welcome in the golf shop, to the condition of both courses, the ambience in the most beautiful club house and the wonderful South Lodge Hotel - this is truely difficult to beat. I will definitely be going back and recommend a golf break stay as you can access the Waterfall course aswell as the Kingfisher.
14 October 2008 Reply
Some very good holes all the way round this course, with stunning views and steep climbs. When I played here it was very boggy and doesn't appear to drain well, and the greens were awful. Would like to play it when its in good nick and hope the members will be a bit more welcoming next time.
03 June 2008 Reply

Response:
Thomo17 August 2009
I played last week when it was wet and miserable. Seemed to be draining fine when I played and we had a great time. The guy in the pro shop did mention that they had a team of turf experts fix up the course in the spring.
Steve Slinger17 August 2009
Thank you for your feedback. We have indeed employed the survices of the Sports Turf Research Institute to compliment our greens department and help in caring for our 100 year old greens. The initial response has been excellent with significant improvement showing. We are very excited about how good the greens will be over the coming months and years. Steve Slinger (General Manager)
I have just returned from a golf breaks trip and played the Waterfall course on two consecutive days. The golf course is visually stunning. There are fabulous views and some of the drives on the par 4's and 5's are excellent, you can really open your shoulders. The par 3's are all very challenging with well guarded pins. All in all I couldn't fault the course from tee to green. However, the greens really let it down. Some have bald patches and even holes in the putting surface so it is a lottery where the ball will go after you hit it. Would I play the course again? probably not I enjoyed the 2 rounds there but I wouldn't pay the green fee for such poor greens
20 May 2008 Reply
Great Course! I played the Waterfall course this weekend and had a great time. Staff were friendly, facilities were exceptional and the course played great. I love the feature holes and the feel of being in the middle of nowhere even though we were so close to the M25! I enjoyed it so much im thinking about having a corporate membership there. Definatley worth a trip.
20 May 2008 Reply
When I played it the condition wasn't great, the greens were patchy and so were the fairways. Some nice holes but some bad ones too. Very overated
11 July 2007 Reply
We played the Waterfall course in early April '07 and unfortunately found the greens unplayable as they were in very poor condition. They're pock marked with large patches of dirt instead of grass. The bunkers contained very little sand and the overall feeling is of a very nice course that has been neglected. It needs a large dose of TLC. On a lighter note, the clubhouse is lovely and the staff very helpful.
10 April 2007 Reply
In my opinion a vastly overrated golf course, I played it in late January and I thought the conditions were terrible. The tees were in a mess and the greens were so waterlogged that putting became a lottery. So it might play a lot better in the summer than it does in the winter, I'll accept that but what I don't get is the number of dull holes on this course. Don't get me wrong it has some beautiful holes, the 11th especially but it all doesn't seem to flow right, you'll play one hole through the forest and the next one in what is no more than a farmers field. This course is also a serious hard walk. After reading all of the reviews and hype I came away very disappointed with the course, it is only a summer course and has too many dull to average holes to justify its' premium green fees (in my opinion).
03 April 2007 Reply
played the course in late Jan when most courses in the uk are at thier worst. If thats the case roll on summer this is a class act from the clubhouse on. Some holes do not reach top status but the signature hole and the 18th are amongst the best in England. A really good course for all abilities.
28 January 2007 Reply
Have played here twice; once in the winter and once in the summer. Like most courses, Mannings Heath looks a picture in the summer by comparison. Right now the fairways are immaculately shaped and with two cuts of semi before the main rough – the hole definition is really good. Variety of holes is a feature and although you cannot see the bottom of the pin for your approach on the first four holes, not too much of a problem. The run of three holes from 9 to 11 is fantastic (just for a moment on the 11th had a feeling of being at Augusta). The par 3’s (5th, 10th and 14th) are very strong and memorable holes. The Waterfall course is not an easy walk and there are a few steep climbs but all in all this course can be classed as very good and the 18th is a brilliant finishing hole.
02 June 2006 Reply
Played the Waterfall in January and it is as good as the previous reviews suggest. The overall condition was good and it’s an interesting and memorable test. A bit hilly in parts but that adds to the drama and variation. Located in a quiet spot… there’s no traffic noise here. Well worth playing.
14 March 2006 Reply
Played the Waterfall course only a few days ago and it was in excellent condition with slick and receptive greens. First of all, I'd like to say that I think that the three par 3s are quite exceptional and would not be out of place on any Top 100 course. There are a number of ups and downs and many of the distances can be hard to judge. The course starts off gently with a couple of OK holes and then things really get going at the excellent 5th. Don't forget to place your order at the 10th tee for your bacon sandwiches and coffees (quirky little walkie talkie) and then focus on the super tee shot for the Waterfall signature hole. The 11th is a cracking par four and for me, the best hole on the course. "Blaster" the 14th is a great one-shot hole and then things go off the boil a bit until you reach the 18th and this is one of the finest closing holes around... take plenty of club for your approach shot across the chasm to the elevated green. All in all Mannings Heath is a nice course. Don't go there expecting to play a sandy heathland course, otherwise you'll be disappointed... that said the course drains well and it has many memorable holes. Well worth playing.
16 December 2005 Reply
I’ve played both courses at Mannings Heath on a number of occasions, it’s a great society venue, but the Waterfall is certainly the best. The par 3 “Punchbowl” is as good a par3 as you could find or perhaps the trademark par 3 10th called “Waterfall” is even better, only you can decide. With holes named Sodom and Gomorrah you know you are in for a treat. The condition is stunning with fairways like crushed velvet and immaculate fast greens. The thing I liked most about the place was the warm and friendly welcome, this treatment is usually left for the Irish, friendliness in England… what’s going on! A word of warning, there are a few blind shots and this course is tough, especially for the higher handicapper. The walk is also quite gruelling in places but it’s certainly worth the effort.
24 October 2005 Reply

 
 
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