The 18 hole, 6464 yard, par 71 course may not be the length that today’s course designers favour, but in the 1880s they knew how to create a challenge using the natural contours of a hilltop location. The course is full of variety and is laid out over fine golfing country. Springy downland turf over shallow soil and limestone ensures rapid draini The 18 hole, 6464 yard, par 71 course may not be the length that today’s course designers favour, but in the 1880s they knew how to create a challenge using the natural contours of a hilltop location. The course is full of variety and is laid out over fine golfing country. Springy downland turf over shallow soil and limestone ensures rapid draining and the course is usually in superb condition.