A Brief History of Cuckfield Golf Club: Development, Change and Renewal

Cuckfield Golf Club—now known as Cuckfield Golf Centre—has a history shaped by ambition, disruption, and reinvention. The original club was founded in 1906, during a period when golf was rapidly expanding across England. Designed by renowned golf architect Willie Park Jr., the course featured 18 holes laid over natural pasture, ravines and hedgerows, providing a challenging inland layout typical of Park’s style. Early membership was strong, with regular competitions and a growing social scene that made the club an important part of village life.

Cuckfield Golf Links Club House c 1910

However, the club’s progress was halted by the First World War. In 1918 the land was requisitioned for food production, and the course was ploughed up. With its grounds destroyed and its equipment sold, the club effectively ceased to exist. For much of the 20th century, Cuckfield had no local golf facility despite golf’s rising national popularity.

The sport eventually returned to the village with the creation of Cuckfield Golf Centre in the early 21st century. Rather than recreating the original 18-hole layout, the new development introduced a 9-hole course with 18 separate tees, allowing golfers to play a full round while making efficient use of the available land. This modern approach reflected a broader shift in British golf toward accessibility and flexible play. The centre built a welcoming identity focused on beginners, families and casual golfers as well as experienced players.

A major turning point came in 2018, when ownership moved to Paul, Hazel and Niki Smyth. Their vision emphasised facility upgrades, community involvement, and long-term sustainability. Clubhouse improvements, practice facilities and a stronger social offering have since helped the centre thrive.

Today, Cuckfield Golf Centre stands as a modern and inclusive venue that honours the village’s historic golfing roots while continuing to evolve for future generations.

Aspect	Then (≈1906–1910s)	Now (2020s)
Course layout	18 holes over rough pasture & natural hazards (cuckfieldconnections)	9-hole course with 18 tees to simulate 18-hole play (Cuckfield Golf Club)
Purpose & membership	Gentleman + lady members; competitions, monthly medals (cuckfieldconnections)	Open to all, flexible memberships, pay & play, social events (Cuckfield Golf Club)
Clubhouse & facilities	Early 1900s clubhouse, modest amenities	Modern clubhouse, bar/restaurant, practice facilities, community events (Cuckfield Golf Club)
Continuity	Interrupted by WWI; club dissolved	Revived as Cuckfield Golf Centre, active today