West Hove is the sort of club where the welcome mat never wears out and the friendly atmosphere is infectious.

That was certainly the reputation it had before the enforced location change to the present address at Church Farm where the tenth anniversary of the new West Hove will be celebrated in three months' time.

The transition from old to new has been successfully accomplished but not without a few heart-stopping moments on the way to becoming a club owned entirely by the members.

They all have a share and, in all categories, that figure is now past the 650 mark. The running of the club is vested in a board of directors.

Such is the loyalty of the membership that the rank and file had no qualms about sticky patches.

Indeed, the stalwarts showed no lack of appetite for the fight to keep the flag flying while a business plan was worked out to ensure a secure and bright future.

The course is the home of the Sussex Professional Champion-ship for the next five years and that says something not only about the quality of the par 71 test but also the sponsorship back-up that has been forthcoming to attract the event.

When in 1987 the route of the Brighton bypass revealed a link road would slice the old course in two, plus the lease with owners Wimpeys was shortly to expire, West Hove's members were compelled to build another home.

The old course, created shortly before the Great War and tucked into the lower folds of the Downs and the handsome double-storeyed clubhouse, passed into history with not a few damp eyes at the end of an era.

The move was made to some 300 metres north of the bypass and only made possible through the generosity of past club president Frank Shannon, who bought 147 acres of agricultural land and leased it back to the club.

But for Shannon's intervention it is very probable that a grand old club would have died there and then.

The new course, designed by Hawtree & Son soon settled and when all the saplings are fully grown, the landscape will be much improved.

West Hove offers Downland golf, not as steep as its immediate neighbour, Brighton & Hove, or on such a great panoramic scale as Worthing or Seaford, but there are sufficient climbs and drags to remind you at the end of 18 holes that it is time the feet were put up and the inner man refreshed.

There are any number of good holes over the 6,216 yards and Darren Cook, the professional, selects the par five fifth as his favourite, for the simple reason that it is the only hole with any trees.

But that was Cook speaking as a professional. For the handicap golfer it may appear at first viewing there are not too many obvious hazards. But, if it's trouble you are looking for, then West Hove is capable of ruining many a good-looking card. Call it bland at your peril.

Much depends on correct placing and this is particularly true at the par four 16th. Not only must the drive be accurate, but the second shot should not deviate from the line otherwise you will find yourself signing for more than the regulation number of strokes.

West Hove's sting is assuredly in the tail. The short 17th may not strike terror into the heart on the tee, but a par is welcome by the tiger just as much as the rabbit. Then it is time to turn into the wind and take a long, hard look down an 18th fairway measuring 610 yards from the back tee.

It is the longest hole in Sussex as near as makes no odds, and by no means straightforward.

There seems to be lots of space until you veer a touch too far right where the rough is unforgiving. Go for a big drive and let the right hand take over and a hook will mean a reload. The out-of-bounds is sneaky and a visit can mean a double-figure entry for the last hole.

The answer? Keep on hitting long and straight and, who knows, three shots right off the sweet spot might find the green, depending on the wind. I guess somebody has eagled this monster. A plaque should be displayed in the clubhouse for those signing for a three.

This brings me to the 19th. This is in the new style, nothing mock Gothic or neo-Georgian but, nevertheless, proclaiming West Hove's intention of staying put. The catering is well up to old West Hove's standards which is saying a lot. A speciality of the house are scrumptious bacon butties, but the full menu is there if you want it.

West Hove members have much to be proud of. Duncan Haste was recently named Greenkeeper of the Year by the Sussex PGU. West Hove has a reputation for not closing even in the foulest weather and main greens and tees are used all year round. The 15-bay driving range is the only one open to the public in the Brighton and Hove area and just recently the club waived a joining fee for a limited period and a few vacancies exist for five-day members, while couples are always welcome.

A club is only as good as its members. Years ago at the old West Hove the movers and shakers of the time made for lively company. Those same young bucks are now glad of their power kaddies and may not be so frisky, but at heart they are the spirit of this remarkable club who never said die.