Best golf courses in Kent

The Open returned to the fantastic Kent links in 2021 to host the tournament in its 149th year. A mastery of shot shaping perfected Darren Clarke’s triumph the last time it was held here and the fast true greens will prove a challenge for amateurs and professionals alike. Some unique features scatter the Royal St George's course; be careful to not get plugged in the UK’s tallest and deepest bunker on the 4th.

This tough links style course provides fluctuating elevation and a number of water hazards and bunkers throughout. Host to the 2014 Volvo World Match Play won by Miko Ilonen, Ron Kirby describes the Nicklaus design par 5 4th as the ‘best he has ever created’ with an abundance of shot options, and a risk and reward hole for big hitters. Spectacular views of the lakes and landscape make London Golf Club's International Course a true delight to play.

Sir Nick Faldo’s first European design sits in the rural heart of the Garden of England. The audacious architecture uses the twisting and undulating contours of the natural landscape to offer a first class golfing experience. The flamboyant bunkering includes the huge 200-yard ‘Anaconda’ on the par five 5th and water hazards make an extensive appearance throughout. Regardless of what the scorecard says, it’s safe to say you will leave Chart Hills with a smile on your face.

‘Deal’ as it is more commonly known is what can only be described as a brute of a links course. The relentless south westerly coastal wind makes it all the more difficult to stay on the tight fairways and can make the low handicappers look seriously below average. The course at Royal Cinque Ports deserves its place in the best golf courses in Kent for its sheer level of difficulty and prowess.

The course at North Foreland towers over the English Channel and will instil a sense of calmness and relaxation out on the tee. A number of fair holes make up this course with forgiving fairways, but do not be complacent as hitting the green in regulation can be deceptively tricky. This is particularly relevant when playing out from one of the strategically placed bunkers. The scenic views and coastal air provide the perfect golf setting.

Flying under the radar, the East Course at Sundridge park ooze’s character and has a number of top quality holes culminating in a strong 18-hole track. The final hole here will be one to remember, the challenging elevated tee shot has a beautiful lake to contend with on the right and an uphill approach to the green finishes the hole off nicely. Easily accessible when in the London area, this course should not be overlooked and has stamped its place amongst the best golf courses in Kent.

Making up the Prince's championship course, the ‘Dunes’ and ‘Shore’ loops of 9 pair up to create the immaculate 18 holes at Sandwich Bay. Incredibly, 17 of the 27 original greens were salvaged after the Second World War and a classic links style demeanour was created with rippled fairways and that all so important links rough. The clockwise circular layout follows the channel where you find yourself on the 18th, one of the original post war greens where Gene Sarazen won The Open.

Playing here will exceed the expectations of any golfer. The experience as a whole will encompass the rich history and tales of yester-year that form the oldest club in the country. Interestingly, with traffic becoming more present on the original 7-hole course in 1923, it became too dangerous to drive tee shots over the road, an unfathomable thought in today’s golfing era. From the clubhouse to the museum, step into this haven of golfing history while in Kent.

Located on the edge of the Romney Marshes, Littlestone is a fantastic track and should not be overshadowed by its famous neighbouring courses. Don’t be fooled by the relatively flat topography as the bunkers will swallow you up and spit you out leaving your score card less than desirable. Granted you can stick to the fairways, you will be presented with generous lies and more importantly an opportunity to score well. If you’re feeling brave enough, visitors can play from the back tees.