DAYSOUT
AN EXCITING COMBINATION OF GOLF , GOOD FOOD AND WINE AT MANNINGS HEATH
Mannings Heath – or , to give it its full title , Mannings Heath Golf Club and Wine Estate – has all the trappings of perfection . It is situated in an enviable location in Horsham with beautiful countryside all around , it has two fantastically playable courses to choose from , and it has a pretty impressive restaurant too , as well as its own winemaker . All in all , a day out at Mannings Health is something to be savoured for as long as possible . BY LISAMARIE LAMB
Playing golf at Mannings Heath is pure joy . There are two award-winning courses here , and whichever one you choose you ’ ll certainly enjoy your game . The 18-hole Waterfall Course was created back in 1905 , and it is a stunner still to this day . At 6,683 yards and par 72 , and with the holes set among streams and woodland , it hardly matters whether you score a birdie or a bogey – the freedom of simply being out in the open air , plus a welcome hit of vitamin D when the sun is shining is what really hits the spot .
If you are looking for a shorter game , the Kingfisher Course is a great 9-hole option . It was built in 1996 , so is much newer than its well known older sister , but for a relatively young course it has bedded in nicely both in the area itself , and in the minds of keen players . With wild deer roaming as you play , this is another example of exactly why it ’ s good to get out and about amongst nature , one of life ’ s pleasures that golf courses such as this can often offer unrivalled closeness to .
Mannings Heath boasts an excellent pro shop too , with everything you might need to boost your enjoyment of the game . This , combined with two putting greens and plenty of on-hand expert tutoring makes Mannings Heath the perfect place to play for both beginners looking to take their first swing , and experts who want to brush up their skills .
Although golf is the main pastime here , we must not – and cannot – forget the food , and Mannings Heath offers a great choice according to the level of formality you fancy . Will you opt for the beautiful Benguela Brasserie ? Or perhaps a snack in the lounge bar would suit you better ? With afternoon teas and Sunday lunches a specialty , you can bring the family or a special someone to enjoy the treats at Mannings whatever your group size or celebration .
The food here is an eclectic mix of traditional , high-end cuisine – think hand-picked Cornish crab , pan-roasted rump of lamb , foie gras , smoked salmon and guinea fowl – and modern dishes such as courgette stuffed with buckwheat couscous , slow-braised ox cheek , or roasted butternut squash . If you ’ re feeling like some comfort food , you can also opt for home-cooked favourites like fish and chips ; ham , egg and chicken ; or a big old 10oz steak served with chips .
If you like a good glass of plonk , the wine tasting events at Mannings Heath are a must . Soon , 45 acres of the Kingfisher Course will be home to vines ; just one of the exciting ventures that the owners of this wonderful , multifunctional golf course have in the pipeline .
Mannings Heath Golf Club Hammerpond Rd Mannings Heath Horsham RH13 6PG
01403 210228 www . manningsheath . com
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