Seaford Head golf course, one of England’s oldest links courses, faces significant changes as ongoing coastal erosion threatens the stability of its cliffside holes. Located in East Sussex and established in 1887, the 139-year-old municipal club plans to relocate its 18th hole tee and 17th hole green following a series of recent cliff collapses sparked by extreme weather.
The 18th tee is situated approximately 300 feet above sea level, overlooking the iconic Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, making it one of the most photographed spots in golf. However, sections of the chalk cliffs have recently given way, with hundreds of tonnes falling onto the beach below. This erosion poses safety risks not only to golfers but also to visitors using the adjacent King Charles III England Coast Path, which opened recently.
Simon Lambert, course manager for the past 26 years, emphasized the ongoing challenge of coastal erosion at Seaford Head. He noted the need for a proactive approach in managing what he described as an “unstoppable issue.” The planned relocation is aimed primarily at safeguarding users of the course and surrounding paths.
The 17th green’s location presents additional concerns as it sits within an Iron Age hill fort, a designated site of special scientific interest that has withstood some 2,500 years. This historic fort experienced a significant collapse in 2021, leading Historic England to include it on the Heritage at Risk register. Such heritage considerations add complexity to the club’s redevelopment plans.
Jonathan Beech, a golfer familiar with the course, acknowledged the difficulty of relocating parts of this iconic venue, which is integral to Britain’s golfing heritage. He stressed the importance of protecting Seaford Head and other links courses across the country but acknowledged that such efforts would require substantial funding.
Seaford Head has a storied history, having remained operational despite military requisitioning during the Second World War and undergoing restoration in 1946. The club unveiled a new clubhouse in 2019, designed by Miller Bourne Architects, which offers panoramic sea views and is part of what makes the course notably dramatic.
The club intends to present its proposed relocation plans to members and consult with relevant bodies, including South Downs National Park Authority, Natural England, and Historic England. Following feedback and recommendations, the club aims to seek planning permission to proceed with the adjustments necessary to safeguard the course’s future against ongoing coastal erosion.