A golfer’s paradise in the ‘Garden of England’...
Kent, the oldest county of England, has a rich history and longstanding tradition of the game of golf that dates back to over a century ago.
There are over 80 golf courses in Kent, which boast magnificent views of the county’s picturesque, rolling landscape and orchards whilst its coastal courses offer dramatic, panoramic seascapes over the English Channel and the celebrated white chalk cliffs of Kent.
Thanks to Kent’s varied terrain, it offers a range of golf breaks featuring premier championship links as well as a number of inland layouts, both downland and parkland tracks, set in lush, tranquil settings. Several of the golf courses in Kent were designed by revered golf course architects such as James Braid and Harry Colt whilst a host of delightful hidden gems add an element of surprise to Kent’s array of courses.
Not sure what golf courses Kent offers? See the descriptions below.
Kent is probably best known for its east coast trail comprising some of the UK’s top championship links. Royal St George’s, Royal Cinque Ports and Prince’s, located in Sandwich and Deal, and Littlestone in the Romney March are recognised as leading links. Together with the links of North Foreland, a cliff top gem in Broadstairs, these five courses can claim to be one of the finest golf tours in England.
However, the 27 hole Championship course and unique Clubhouse at Hever Castle reside in a truly inspirational setting, bordering the counties of Kent, Surrrey and Sussex, within 250 acres of the historic Hever Castle Estate. Golf and Hospitality have been an integral part of the Estate's history and today's Club preserves the traditions and aims to deliver memorable experiences to all who visit.
Testament to the quality of its championship links, Kent has over the years hosted The Open Championship on an impressive 17 occasions. The first time was back in 1894 when Royal St George’s hosted the tournament, marking the first time that the Major had been played outside Scotland.
One of golf’s most prestigious events in world golf, The Open Championship has since returned to Royal St George’s an incredible 13 times, most recently in 2011 when Northern Irishman, Darren Clarke, secured the coveted Claret Jug and will be returning again this year.
The nearby course of Royal Cinque Ports in Deal staged the global event in 1909 and 1920 whilst Prince’s Golf Club, founded in 1906, has hosted it on one occasion in 1932.
Further inland, Kent boasts some fine downland courses that include two courses at the London Golf Club, just 20 miles from London, set in 700 acres of idyllic countryside. The easily-accessed International Course has quick, undulating fairways that force a links-style approach and is a tough test for the most talented of golfers. The 2014 Volvo World Match Play Championship, Regional Open Qualifying and the European Tour Qualifying School have all been staged here.
Kent’s parkland golf courses are stunning, yet challenging tracks with bold and impactful designs. Leeds Castle is an historical parkland nine hole, par 34, 2843 yard course built on the 500 acre Leeds Castle Estate in 1931 by Sir Guy Campbell.