On average around 50,000 rounds are played every year at Tilgate Forest.

This far-sighted municipal enterprise set in more than 200 acres of Crawley's Tilgate Park owes its origins to the construction of the M23.

What sets it apart from the Identikit pay-and-play courses that followed the building of the great orbital sweep around London is not only the outstanding location in an area of natural beauty but the excellence of the design.

The signatures of Brian Huggett and Neil Coles are writ large on Tilgate and it is easily one of the most popular courses for miles around. It makes money, lots of money, and that is due in no small measure to a competitively driven leisure services department backed by a council not afraid to make hard-nosed commercial decisions.

Tilgate gives fine value for money and that is one in the eye for those critics who tried to strangle it at birth. The impetus given by the council in the late 1970s had to be forced through against opposition from those who contended a golf course would be a waste of money.

Indeed, a minority group urged that the scheme be dropped and the estimated cost of £770,000 would be better used keeping down the rates.

When the way was clear to shaping 18 holes out of thick shrubland it was obvious that a fine course would attract not only locals but out-of-towners using the motorway.

The Forestry Commission played a significant part by offering the council land that had been severed from the Commission's main holding by the M23. This had been economic forest plantation but suffered from fire damage and neglect over the years.

The council did not need to look a gift horse in the mouth and made the purchase in 1975. Tilgate opened in April 1982 and has been a source of recreation, profit and pleasure ever since.

It is emphatically not a course for beginners. At least ten holes are dog-legs with varying degrees of severity. Bunkers are at a minimum to aid brisk play with something over a dozen on the fairways and no more than 30 as part of the greens complex.

On the subject of greens, it is worth noting that more than 9,500 square metres of putting surface forms the really difficult part of the game at Tilgate.

The greens are built of peat and sand only which helps drainage and rapid grass reinstatement. These are fast and even all year round and call for a cunning eye and sure touch.

Around 5,200 square metres of tees were laid down and, from day one 19 years ago, there has hardly been a quiet time. The exception was the recent six weeks closure due to foot and mouth disease preventative measures as the course is next to a nature reserve. It was probably a welcome breather for the green staff to work unhindered on the 18 holes where user demand is intense.

Poll tax payers in Crawley are entitled to a Passport to Leisure card giving them discounts on green fees and, importantly, preferential booking times.

There are attractive deals on offer such as over-60s paying only £5.50 a round on week days. Juniors are also favourably treated. Mike O'Mahony, of the leisure department, confirmed that the annual target of 50,000 rounds is reached to the satisfaction of all concerned. And, to cater for the needs of an expanding golfing public, facilities at Tilgate have kept pace with demand.

Sean Trussell, who has been Tilgate's pro for nine years, said: "It is a great test of golf for players of all standards and that includes professionals."

He selects the par five 17th (513 yards) as the best hole, where the drive has to be tight to avoid the beech and oaks lining the fairway. The last hole, where the tee shot is blind, is not long at just under 400 yards, but any trace of a hook as the ball disappears over the small rise of an undulating fairway and it will vanish into jungle.

The green is well guarded by sweet chestnut trees and rhododendrons and there are usually more fives and sixes than pars for those not greatly familiar with the hole.

There are any number of choice holes. The sixth is particularly attractive when playing to an elevated green above a stream and pools decorated by a series of small cascades.

Again, there is a little brook in front of the hillside green at the long 12th. Almost all the courses built in the last 20 years or so have water hazards and Tilgate is no exception. The fourth, for instance, calls for an approach over a stream to a stepped green set among trees.

As the name suggests, the main emphasis is on woodland and the way back to the clubhouse from the ninth is via an avenue of Red Oaks. My advice is to take plenty of balls.

A pleasing Swiss-style chalet building backed by silver birches is where golfers gather for refreshments and chat. Cooked breakfasts are a speciality and not only for golfers. Residents of the nearby estate like to pop in as well. Good news, especially about food, travels fast.

Catering is franchised and the weekend special, before noon, is as much as you can tuck away for £1.99. Sunday carvery is strictly bookable in advance.

There is always something on offer at Tilgate. Unlimited golf in a day during the week may be had for £20. That is as many rounds as you can pack in before the legs give out. But you must tee-off before 9am on the 18-hole course and so qualify for a free bucket of range balls and also get a 25 per cent discount on a main course meal in the restaurant.

The spacious pro shop provides a huge range of gear, and although the course is popular, there is always a heavy demand on the jumbo-sized driving range.

When Huggett and Coles surveyed their handiwork, Brian ventured that Tilgate Forest would become one of the best municipal courses in the country. That was at the inception of the project. Now it has matured and Brian was right. To build it now would cost millions and the council must be congratulated for having the wit to set it all up for a snip.