Golf Breaks In Kent
There are over 80 golf courses in Kent comprising links, heathland and parkland designs. The County is known as the ‘Garden of England’ and from its coastline with the White Cliffs of Dover across rolling countryside to the suburbs of London it offers a variety of challenging golf courses. There are three courses that have hosted the Open Championship, Royal St. Georges, Royal Cinque Ports and Princes. The last time it was in the County was when Darren Clark won in 2011 at Royal St. Georges and it will return there in 2020.
Golf Courses In Kent
Obviously the three Open venues take pride of place in the rankings of Kent Golf courses and Royal St. Georges probably tops the list. It opened in 1887 and held the Open 13 times since then. It’s a very naturalistic course that winds through sand dunes covered in wild flowers and grasses and it has a timeless quality. There are great views of the Channel and the White Cliffs and it is situated about a mile from the town of Sandwich. One of the reasons its so memorable is that every hole seems different in character to each other. The Clubhouse has that old fashioned charm that so many modern Clubs cant emulate but still offers all the modern golfer requires for an excellent days golf.
Royal Cinque Ports near to Deal is another Championship links course which opened in 1892. It is one of the toughest tests of golf you will find anywhere. The last seven holes are generally played into a headwind that challenges even the very best golfers. Its about as traditional a links course as you will find and if it had better infrastructure it would probably still be on the Open rota.
Next door to St.Georges is the 27 hole Princes Golf Club. Considering that the army requisitioned the course in both world wars and virtually obliterated it its amazing how it has been redesigned and how well it has recovered. Another naturalistic course running alongside the sea the ribbons of green fairways wind through sand dunes and deep rough. With some bunkers that are so deep you cant see over the top of them it’s a course where hitting the fairway is vital.
The two other links courses on this piece of coast are Littlestone which is near to New Romney and North Foreland which is to the north. Both give the true links experience and in addition offer spectacular views.
Coming inland towards the Capital are the two Jack Nicklaus designed courses ,the Heritage and the International that make up the London Golf Club. Very much geared to the Corporate golf market the courses have made their name by hosting several professional tournaments and whilst the Heritage is a members only course the International is probably just as good. Typical Nicklaus designs with wide fairways , elevated greens and large bunkers and water featuring on several holes it’s a complete contrast to the links courses on the coast.
Speaking of large bunkers if you are a fan of them then a visit to Chart Hills should be on your radar. Designed by Nick Faldo he has made the most of the landscape and produced a very challenging golf course. The short 17th is probably the signature hole as it’s a par three played to an island green.
Both Hever Castle and Leeds Castle have golf courses that have as their name suggests have a castle as a backdrop and courses that feature well manicured conditions. Hever Castle offers 27 holes set in 250 acres of rolling countryside and the combination that makes up the Championship course can stretch to 7000 yards from the back tees but there are enough different teeing grounds to make it user friendly. Leeds castle has a nine hole course in the grounds.
Where To Stay In Kent
There are a number of great golf hotels in Kent to take advantage of the coastal links courses would be to stay at the Lodge at Princes Golf Club. The 38 bedrooms have been designed with the golfer in mind and the two suites offer exceptional quality and spectacular views.
For those looking for a cheap stay and play deal or a Sunday Driver offer, then Tudor Park Marriott Hotel And Country Club is an excellent venue. Alternatively try Dale Hill which has an excellent Spa and restaurant on-site.
Book Your Cheap Golf Break To Kent
Call 01904 406550 for expert advice on golfing trips in the UK, whether it’s the North, South, the Midlands, Scotland, Wales, or anywhere else, we can help you organise the perfect experience and get you a great golf deal in Kent.
