Hayling at Hayling Golf Club

Hayling Golf Club occupies a narrow strip of links land on the southern shore of Hayling Island, where the Solent meets the English Channel. The course was originally laid out in 1883, but Tom Simpson redesigned it in the 1920s, creating the routing that defines the modern layout. The land sits low and exposed, with prevailing winds from the southwest shaping play throughout the year. The terrain is relatively flat by links standards, though subtle undulations and the ever-present wind provide natural defense.

Simpson's design makes efficient use of the constrained site, with holes running primarily in two directions along the coastal strip. The outward nine plays eastward before turning back, creating a traditional out-and-back links routing. The course features classic Simpson touches: strategic bunkering that rewards precise placement, greens with deceptive contours, and an emphasis on ground game options. Several holes play directly along the shoreline, while others are framed by gorse and rough grasses typical of southern English links.

The club has a traditional membership and maintains a straightforward, unpretentious character common to older English seaside clubs. Hayling is less widely known than championship links venues but represents an authentic example of golden age links architecture on a compact, natural site. The course rewards local knowledge and creative shot-making, particularly in wind, and offers a genuine links experience within sight of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.