Teeing off towards the racecourse
Course manager Bill Payne talks about managing two vastly different courses, one an historic downland course and the other a modern ‘pay and play’ facility
Payne’s world T
he 18-hole Downs and Park golf courses offer something for everyone, set within a 12,000-acre stunning rural setting that stretches out over the landscape of the Sussex Downs. On a clear day, you really can see
forever, whether across the south coast to the English Channel, or inland gazing over the panoramic countryside from on high.
Over the years Goodwood has played host to many famous golfing and society faces, among them The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) and The Duke of York (later King George VI). The reason why so many high profile guests and golf lovers continue to flock to the Sussex countryside to enjoy their rounds is, in no small measure, down to a regime of meticulous maintenance by Bill Payne, the man leading Goodwood’s team of committed greenkeepers, and Course Manager for thirteen years. In 2006, Goodwood launched a new
programme - ‘Golf at Goodwood’ - that introduced an innovative, highly successful, credit membership scheme to both the world of golf and to the Downs course, designed in 1914 by James Braid, and currently rated in Golf World’s top 100 courses throughout Great Britain
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and Ireland. The Park course, designed by Donald Steel, the eminent architect and player, was taken back into the Goodwood estate from the Marriott Hotel some six years ago to become, what is now, an increasingly popular pay and play destination.
Whichever course he discusses, Bill displays a burning passion about his mission here. No stranger to the chalky downland of Sussex, having served at Brighton and Hove Golf Club, along the coast to the east, before coming to Goodwood, he sees his purpose with the clarity of a seasoned professional. “My primary duty here is to present the two courses as well as I possibly can, ensuring they are always in top condition,” says Bill, speaking on the terrace of The Kennels, a magnificent period flint-clad pile, typical of the region, that serves as both the clubhouse and a meeting place for those visiting the estate.” “The true test of my abilities though is what the members say about the course. If they are pleased and enjoy the golf, then I know I’m doing my job right.” And it seems they are, judging by their popularity.”
“The two courses are totally different, catering for every type of golfer,” explains Bill. The Downs is set up as pure fescue. It’s long and demanding on the golfer - ideal for the more skilled player. The Park course is quite the opposite - extremely open, soft and perfect for the average golfer: a fine example of a course of its type, tuned to the golfer who just wants a good game.” Given the rural emphasis, it’s to be
expected that wildlife management will be part and parcel of his job - a task that Bill also feels passionately about. “We have to deal with a number of wildlife issues here, including deer and badger control measures,” he states. “Badgers can be a problem on the courses in dry conditions as they go searching for water, and this can mean that our irrigation systems fall victim to their persistence. To help both parties, we make sure we put enough water out for them.” “Deer are a common concern on estates of this size but they are managed centrally by a team that covers the whole Goodwood estate. Wildlife management is a very sensitive issue and has to be managed with a sensible programme.” Bill has a particular interest in the
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