Golf Course
HRH Prince Albert Victor of Wales became our Club Patron and, on 27 October 1887, Queen Victoria agreed that the club could use the Royal prefix. It is believed that no other golf club obtained its Royal title so soon after it was founded. The 8th Duke of Devonshire accepted the Presidency which has stayed with the family ever since and his son, The Marquis of Hartington MP, became the first Club Captain.
In the late 1890s the land on which the course lay was needed for development and a new course was designed in the centre of the men’s course. In 1933, the main club opened a ladies section and the Ladies’ club eventually came to an end on 30 September 1937, creating a single Royal Eastbourne Golf Club.
The 100 year old Devonshire Course is named after The Duke of Devonshire and it provides an attractive combination of parkland and downland with outstanding views across Eastbourne and 18 different, but challenging holes.
Our flagship course, maintained to the highest standards and playable throughout the year due to its excellent drainage, offers a combination of open fairways and narrow doglegs, challenging bunkers, testing putts and requires some accurate tee shots.
The 10th hole is arguably The Royal’s signature hole. A stunning view across Eastbourne and the English Channel greets you as you step onto the elevated medal tee.
The Hartington Course, named after The Marquis of Hartington, is a challenging 9-hole course prepared to the same high standards as the Devonshire Course. Although not long, it has small greens that will test the best golfers whilst it is also an excellent course for beginners.
Our Devonshire Course members use this course to sharpen their skills or for a quick 9 holes when time is an issue. The Hartington Course is also the home to our highly regarding Golf Academy.
If you have not played it, you will be in for a real treat. The 3rd hole is arguably the hardest putt of any of the 27 holes at the Royal Eastbourne Golf Club. Congratulate yourself if you two putt the 3rd!