The East is a long course by any standards and the artificially moulded spectator mounds seem to exaggerate the length of each hole. Much will depend on what tee you play off however, so it does offer good value for the higher handicaps. If you are looking for an opportunity to open your shoulders and unleash the power of your swing with a reasonable margin for error, this could be the place.

East Sussex National is rolling and undulating without being hilly and it does afford good views of the South Downs. More importantly though, you will need to concentrate on your golf and make the most of the very impressive greens which were very true and beautifully manicured.

The 17th is the feature hole, a long par four influenced by an invading, meandering stream which seems to stretch from tee to green. If you avoid the creek from the tee, it stares you in the face for your second shot – a fairway wood or a long iron over a large span of water to the green.

The whole complex at East Sussex is enormous and the adjacent West course provides an equally tough challenge.