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For some golf clubs, fostering a reputation for illustrious tournaments, famous members and elitism is a JB Holmes drive from their top priority. Sometimes it's just about getting people playing golf.

And that's exactly the modus operandi at Rookwood Golf Club, a peaceful parkland retreat that weaves through the Warnham Nature Reserve in Sussex.

Rookwood is a municipal facility that offers a full 18-hole layout alongside an enjoyable pitch-and-putt course to cater for players of all ages and abilities.

The main track plays 6,261 yards to a par of 72 and provides a decent challenge, with plenty of water in play and lots of tight lines into the greens. This is a layout that puts accuracy at a premium and offers little reward to all you big bombers out there.

Your round starts with a fairly non-descript par five, but thereafter the 'should-I-shouldn't-I' part of your golfing brain will be fully engaged.

The second, Dawn Redwood, is a dog-legged par four of just 220 yards, but few players will have the nerve to take on the green with a thirsty lake ready to glug anything fat or thin. Go too far the other way and you might end up in the sand.

Rookwood comes into its own over the closing five holes. The par-four 14th slopes away to the left from tee to green, but with water all the way down the right you better be straight off the tee.

The 16th is a straightforward 163-yard par three, but the undulating green makes getting it close a difficult prospect.

The 17th and 18th holes are both relatively challenging par fours, with woodland and heavy rough looming large to make anything wayward a costly mistake.

Overall: An entertaining and enjoyable course that in patches seems a touch bland, but in its price range will take some beating.

Favourite hole: The 14th, Lebanese Cedar, a great matchplay hole with rewards for a good drive.

Value-for-money: Play before March 31 and you'll get a full 18 holes, a coffee and a bacon sandwich for £22.

Details: Rookwood Golf Club, Robin Hood Lane, Warnham, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 3RR

Tel: 01403 250168

Website: www.rookwoodgolfcourse.co.uk

Will Tidey / Eurosport