Parts of Seaford Head Golf Course in East Sussex may have to be moved as the course faces the ongoing challenge of coastal erosion.
Seaford Town Council, which manages the course, reported at a recent meeting that it plans to make alterations to the layout’s two closing holes, outlining plans to relocate the 17th green and the 18th tee, both of which are closest to the cliff edge.
A spokesperson from the Town Council said: “The proposals seek to secure the long-term future of two of the course’s most iconic holes by relocating them further inland, while carefully considering the area’s environmental, heritage and landscape significance.
“Coastal erosion at Seaford Head is an ongoing challenge and, as custodians of both the golf course and this nationally recognised landscape, we have a responsibility to plan ahead. Following a number of years of investigation, design development and specialist assessment, this project has now reached its final design and public consultation stage.”
The council said has been working with specialist golf course architect Gareth Williams of GWD Design over a number of years to develop proposals to relocate the 17th green and 18th tees.
The message said: “The aim is to secure the long-term future of the course while retaining the character, challenge and playing experience of these iconic holes.”
The council is asking for views from golf club members, residents, visitors and interested stakeholders before the design is finalised and taken forward for pre-application planning discussions.
Seaford Head Golf Club was founded in 1887 and holds the distinction of being the oldest golf club in Sussex and was among the first 40 golf clubs established outside of Scotland. Its management was taken over by Seaford Town Council in 1928.