Swing Like a Pro – A Guide to Golf in Kent
As the oldest county in the country, it stands to reason that Kent would also boast a rich history and longstanding affinity with golf; a legacy dating back over 100 years.
With over 80 golf courses spread across England’s garden county, Kent boasts courses with magnificent views across picturesque, rolling countryside and glorious orchards, as well as a host of coastal courses that encompass everything from the white chalk cliffs and the English Channel to panoramic seascapes.
Kent’s rolling countryside, areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and rugged coast affords the county a varied terrain perfect for golf. From premier championship links, inland layouts, downland and parkland tracks, several of the county’s premier courses have been designed by leading course architects including James Braid and Harry Colt, and feature in some of the world’s most prestigious competitions including The Open, which was held at St Georges in Sandwich just last year.
Ready to swing like a pro? Discover some of our county’s very best courses, and the host of post-golf entertainment, dining and more available in Kent…
London Golf Club
A European Tour destination and part of the IMG Prestige network, London Golf Club, an oasis of golfing tranquillity set in 700 acres of idyllic countryside in Ash near Brands Hatch, is located just 20 miles from the capital. The heritage course is a Jack Nicklaus Signature design that bears all the hallmarks of the 18-time major champion. Host to the 2008 and 2009 European Open and the 2021 Cazoo Classic, the course provides an exhilarating test for golfers of all abilities.
The International course is pure downland and the quick undulating fairways force a links-style approach. Home of the 2014 Volvo World Match Play Championship and the 2018 and 2019 Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, the course proves a tough test for the most talented of golfers while providing the opportunity to shoot some great scores with a number of risk-reward holes.
London Golf Club, Stansted Lane, Ash, Nr Brands Hatch, Kent, TN15 7EH
Prince’s Golf Club
Prince’s Golf Club boasts 27 holes of championship links in three 9-hole loops: The Shore, The Dunes and The Himalayas. Boasting unique characteristics, each loop has undergone a recent redevelopment and substantial investment. Golfers at Prince’s are able to enjoy an impressive array of 97 revetted bunkers, including the now-famous Sarazen Bunker and rolling greens, with seaside breezes making for challenging golf.
Prince’s Golf Club and The Lodge at Prince’s, Sandwich Bay, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9QB
Royal Cinque Ports
This members’ club is home to an 18-hole Championship Links course, regarded by many as one of the finest in the world. The club also has excellent practice facilities, including a driving range, putting green, chipping green and pitching greens, and has been the scene of many Championships, including two Open Championships in 1909 and 1920.
Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club – Golf Road, Deal, Kent CT14 6RF
Walmer & Kingsdown Golf Club
Created by renowned course architect James Braid, Walmer & Kingsdown Golf Club is perched on top of the world-famous White Cliffs of Dover. Boasting glorious sea views from every hole, the beautiful course delivers stunning views across the English Channel to the coast of France, while incorporating a sharp ridge and steep valley leading into the adjoining countryside. The superb terrain, condition and challenges of the course combined with the clubhouse facilities and stunning views deliver a memorable experience that ensures visitors return again and again.
Kingsdown Golf Club, Kingsdown, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 8BS
North Foreland Golf Club
Elevated above Kent’s White Cliffs with panoramic views of the Channel and countryside from every hole, North Foreland is steeped in history, dating back to its conception back in 1903. The course comprises broad fairways that disguise a tricky layout where strategically-placed bunkers lie in wait while the layout also demands accurate, solid second shots in order to hold the greens. Testament to the quality of its championship course, North Foreland was chosen as one of the final qualifying courses for The 2003 Open Championship.
North Foreland Golf Club, Convent Road, Broadstairs, CT10 3PU
Canterbury Golf Club
Elevated tees, raised greens, steep climbs, sharp descents, twisting fairways and sloping lies are the features of this wonderful tree-lined layout that was designed by the renowned Harry Colt. Dating back to 1927, and opened on 160 acres of land leased from the War Office, few inland courses are able to rival the variety and quality that Canterbury Golf Club offers.
Canterbury Golf Club, Scotland Hills, Littlebourne Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1TW
Littlestone Golf Club
www.littlestonegolfclub.org.uk
Founded in 1888 and a little further west from the trio of Prince’s, Royal St George’s and Royal Cinque Ports, Littlestone is a wonderful, traditional championship links course laid out on naturally undulating land with its own range of sand dunes. Originally laid out by Laidlaw Purves, the course has a long and distinguished history, has hosted many major championships, and was chosen as a final qualifying course for The 2011 Open Championship.
Littlestone Golf Club, St. Andrews Road, Littlestone, New Romney, Kent TN28 8RB
Hever Castle Golf Club
One of Kent’s most iconic attractions, Hever Castle is also home to a 7,002-yard, par 72 championship parkland course, comprising the Kings and Queens 9-hole courses, as well as the nine-hole Princes Course, all complemented by a fitting Tudor-style clubhouse. Testament to the quality of the championship course, the Kent Open and Kent PGA Championships have been staged at Hever in recent times, with the course also hosting a PGA EuroPro Tour event in 2010.
Hever Castle Golf Club, Hever Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7NP
Hever Castle Golf Club
Leeds Castle Golf Club
Set to the backdrop of England’s loveliest castle, Leeds Castle Golf Club is home to one of Kent’s most delightful nine holes of parkland golf. With stunning views of the 900-year old castle, the course, set within rolling Kent countryside and less than an hour from London, combines unrivalled views with challenging and spectacular holes from start to finish, providing an excellent test for golfers of all standards.
Leeds Castle Golf Club, Maidstone ME17 1PG
Chart Hills Golf Club
charthills.co.uk
Situated in the heart of Kent, with picturesque views across 200 acres of oak woodland and lakes, Chart Hills is the first Signature Sir Nick Faldo-designed golf course in Europe. Boasting dramatically undulating fairways, numerous water features and complex greens as well as several feature holes including the island 17th and The Anaconda on the 5th – one of the longest bunkers in Europe – the course presents a challenge to all levels of golfer, while each hole represents an entirely unique playing experience.
Chart Hills Golf Club, Weeks Lane, Biddenden, Kent, TN27 8JX
For more information on playing in the Garden of England, visit www.golfinkent.co.uk.
