The Top 10 Golf Courses in Kent

View Wildernesse Golf Club ↗︎

Nestled in the lush landscapes of Kent, Wildernesse Golf Club claims its rightful place in our top 10 list. Established in 1890, this prestigious club offers a fusion of historical elegance and contemporary golfing excellence. The course, renowned for its immaculate condition and classic design, winds through the ancient woodlands of Kent, presenting a serene yet challenging experience for golfers of all levels.

The essence of Wildernesse lies in its harmonious blend of nature and golfing finesse. The meticulously maintained fairways and greens, set against the backdrop of Kent's natural beauty, create a visually stunning and strategic golf course. The club prides itself on its commitment to preserving the natural environment, ensuring a sustainable and enjoyable golfing experience.

Beyond the greens, the Wildernesse Golf Club extends a warm welcome in its charming clubhouse. It's a place where tradition meets modern luxury, offering a relaxing retreat with all the amenities needed for a perfect golfing day. Members and guests alike cherish the friendly atmosphere and the exceptional service that epitomize the Wildernesse experience.

At Wildernesse Golf Club, every round is more than just a game; it's an immersion in golfing heritage, set within one of Kent's most picturesque landscapes. This club doesn't just offer a game of golf; it offers an escape into the heart of Kent's golfing paradise.

View Walmer & Kingsdown Golf Club ↗︎

Nestled atop the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, Walmer & Kingsdown Golf Club, also known as "The Club on the Cliffs," is not just a golf course but a historical and scenic marvel. Celebrating its centenary in 2009, this club is more than a century old and is recognized for its warm, welcoming atmosphere that resonates with both its members and visitors.

Designed by the renowned James Braid, the course is set high on the cliffs, offering panoramic views that span from the English Channel to the French coast on clear days. This remarkable setting is not only visually stunning but also enhances the golfing experience, with sea views from every hole. The course is known for its challenging layout, characterized by the natural undulations of the landscape, making flat lies a rarity. It spans 6,471 yards, incorporating the natural chalk ridges and valleys of the area. The unique chalk-based terrain ensures rapid drainage, making the course playable all year round, even during the wetter months.

The clubhouse, originally a wartime billet for soldiers, now serves as a comfortable and inviting space for golfers and visitors. It is well-regarded for its excellent food and is a popular spot not only for golfers but also non-golfers, thanks to its stunning cliff-top location offering beautiful views.

Walmer & Kingsdown Golf Club has a rich history of inclusivity and community spirit, established with the aim of encouraging more families and women to take up golf. This ethos continues to this day, creating a friendly and family-like environment. The club has hosted notable events like the Fightmaster Cup, showcasing its commitment to making golf accessible to all, including those with disabilities. This inclusive spirit has earned the club high praise and a sense of pride among its members.

View Chart Hills Golf Club ↗︎

Nestled in the picturesque heart of Kent, Chart Hills Golf Club, established in 1993, is a remarkable gem designed by the golfing legend Sir Nick Faldo and renowned architect Steve Smyers. Known as the first Faldo signature course in Europe, Chart Hills stands out as a premier golfing destination, set amidst 200 acres of oak woodland and tranquil lakes. This championship course offers a diverse and strategic layout, blending beautifully with the natural landscape of the ‘Garden of England’.

Chart Hills underwent a significant multimillion-pound renovation, which has reinvigorated its character and playability. This renovation has honed the course’s features, including its well-known strategic bunkering, and made substantial improvements to its fairways and greens. It’s a course that offers varied yardages, ranging from 5,503 yards from the red tees to an impressive 7,132 yards from the back tees, catering to golfers of all levels.

A highlight of the course is the variety of challenges it presents, from the sweeping dogleg of the first hole to the intriguing par-3 17th with its island green. The course’s design utilizes the terrain effectively, offering golfers a visually pleasing and strategically engaging round.

The clubhouse complements the outstanding golfing experience, providing a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Chart Hills is not only a golf club but also a hub of community and leisure, promising an enjoyable and memorable visit for members and guests alike.

View Knole Park Golf Club ↗︎

Knole Park Golf Club, set amidst the stunning 1000-acre Knole estate in Sevenoaks, Kent, is a course that beautifully blends golf with nature. Recognized as Kent’s No.1 inland course and regularly named among the Top 100 courses in England, it offers a tranquil and natural golfing landscape that is both entertaining and engaging from start to finish.

Designed by J.F. Abercromby, a bold architect known for making dramatic use of undulating golfing ground, Knole Park’s course is renowned for its creative use of the natural slopes and hills, presenting a captivating challenge to golfers. The course stretches across 6,669 yards from the black tees, with a par of 70, and is known for its excellent condition throughout the year. Its design is characterized by six short holes that require thoughtful clubbing and shot selection.

The club’s history dates back to 1924 when Lord Sackville drove from the first tee of the newly completed course. Over the years, the club has seen significant events and developments, including hosting major golfing events like the British Senior Amateur and the Tillman Trophy.

Knole Park is not just about golf; it’s about the experience. Golfers can enjoy the presence of deer on the course and the magnificent backdrop of Knole House, a 15th-century country house, adding to the unique vibe of the course.

View North Foreland Golf Club ↗︎

North Foreland Golf Club, with its rich history dating back to 1903, is a prestigious golfing destination in East Kent. Originally a playground for the wealthy, it has transformed into a renowned golf course, loved for its scenic views and challenging layout. Situated atop the white cliffs of the southeast coast of Kent, near Broadstairs, it is part of the Isle of Thanet and offers stunning vistas of the sea, Joss Bay, and the North Foreland lighthouse.

The main course at North Foreland, designed by Lord Avebury and William Capel Slaughter, features a mix of par 3, par 4, and par 5 holes. The course is known for its broad fairways, which give a sense of ease, yet strategically placed bunkers and tricky greens add to the challenge. The course’s unique features include its proximity to the cliff edge and a distinctive tee box on the 6th hole, marked by a castle-like structure. The 18th hole, the longest par 3 on the course, is noted for its demand for both length and accuracy, especially when the wind is strong.

North Foreland is more than just a golf course; it’s a full-fledged facility offering a driving range, practice nets, two tennis courts, and excellent catering services. The Lighthouse Brasserie and Bar at the club are popular for their dining options, including a Sunday carvery. The club’s proximity to other top-quality golf courses in the area, like Princes and Royal St. George’s, adds to its appeal.

View Littlestone Golf Club ↗︎

Littlestone Golf Club, a renowned links course in Kent, is celebrated for its superb greens and challenging layout. The course, largely flat but with subtle contours, swales, and ditches, offers a distinctive golfing challenge. Known for its excellent maintenance, the greens at Littlestone are particularly praised for their quality. The course includes a mix of par 3, 4, and 5 holes, each presenting unique challenges to golfers. The club’s history is enriched with notable figures, adding to its charm and prestige. Visitors to Littlestone Golf Club are made to feel welcome, with the club’s ethos of treating visitors as members for the day enhancing the golfing experience.

View London Golf Club ↗︎

View Prince's Golf Club ↗︎

Prince’s Golf Club, situated on the stunning coastline of Sandwich, Kent, offers a 27-hole Championship Golf Course that runs along the scenic South East coastline. The course is composed of three 9-hole loops - Shore, Dunes, and Himalayas - each offering a unique golfing experience with varying challenges and landscapes.

The club has a rich history in the sport, known for hosting prestigious tournaments including the Open Championship in 1932, won by Gene Sarazen. It has also been the venue for Final Qualifying for The Open Championship and the prestigious 2023 Women’s Amateur Championship. This shows the club’s commitment to both men’s and women’s golf at the highest levels.

The course, renowned for its quality, has undergone significant redevelopment since 2017 under the ownership of the McGuirk family. This has enhanced its standing as a top links course alongside its illustrious neighbors. The course redesign was led by Martin Ebert, who ensured that the historical essence of the course was maintained while updating its features to meet modern golfing standards.

In addition to the golf course, Prince’s Golf Club provides excellent on-site accommodation at The Lodge, which offers stunning views across Sandwich Bay and Royal St. George’s. The club also features a 2AA Rosette dining experience at The Brasserie On The Bay, further enhancing the overall experience at Prince’s Golf Club.

View Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club ↗︎

Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club in Kent, established in 1892, is a testament to traditional links golf. Renowned for its challenging layout that incorporates large sand dunes and a prevailing south-westerly wind, it offers a true test of golf. The course, featuring over 66 strategically placed bunkers and exemplary greens, ranks highly in the UK and Ireland's Top 100 Golf Courses. Hosting The Open Championship twice, it has welcomed the world's best golfers, leaving an indelible mark on golf history.

This seaside course, extending towards Sandwich Bay, shares its magnificent turf with Royal St George's, forming a splendid tour for seaside golf enthusiasts. Its distinctive design includes a front nine typically played into the wind and a back nine with a following breeze, making it a game of two halves. The par-72 course, challenging even at a Standard Scratch Score (SSS) of 76 from the Championship tees, has seen legends like Jack Nicklaus triumph here.

The golfing journey at Royal Cinque Ports is marked by its rugged and charming character, shaped by the monumental dunes. The course layout offers two contrasting loops of nine holes, with the initial nine often playing into the wind. The closing holes, including three demanding par 4s around 450 yards, and the challenging par-3 14th, have been the undoing of many scorecards.

Known for its tough rough during summer and legendary fast greens, successful navigation of this course requires strategic play and precision. The clubhouse, with its two well-stocked bars, lounges, and elegant dining room, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for relaxation after a round. Here, golfers can reflect on their game, enjoy the company of fellow enthusiasts, and immerse themselves in the club's storied history.

Royal Cinque Ports is not just a golf course; it's a journey through the annals of golf, offering a unique and memorable experience that combines historical richness, natural beauty, and golfing challenge. With its long-standing acclaim and recognition in global golf rankings, it stands as a jewel in the crown of British golf, captivating players with its unique character and demanding layout.

View Royal St George's Golf Club ↗︎

Royal St. George’s Golf Club, founded in 1887, holds a prestigious place in golf history. It’s known for being the first golf club outside Scotland to host The Open Championship, beginning in 1894. The club has hosted this major championship 15 times, a record for courses outside Scotland. The course itself, located in Sandwich, Kent, is highly regarded and consistently ranks among the world’s top golf courses. The most recent Open Championship was held here in 2021 with Collin Morikawa becoming Champion Golfer of the Year.

Royal St George’s Golf Club, one of the premier golf courses in England, is steeped in history and prestige. Located in the beautiful setting of Sandwich Bay in Kent, this legendary links course is renowned not only for its challenging and superbly designed layout but also for its extensive practice facilities. These include an open-air driving range, pitching area, practice nets, and putting greens complemented with bunkers, catering to all aspects of the game.

The club’s pro shop is well-equipped to meet all golfing needs. After a round, players can unwind in the charming clubhouse, which retains its historical allure, offering a cozy space for relaxation and reflection on the day’s play. The clubhouse provides a unique atmosphere, ideal for enjoying a delicious lunch, with options to dine by a cozy fire in winter or on the picturesque sheltered patio in summer.

The golf course itself is a par 70, measuring 6,340 yards from the weekday tees. Known for its undulating fairways, fast greens, and spectacular coastal views, Royal St George’s poses a formidable challenge to even the most experienced golfers. The layout of the course is distinctively circular, resembling a loose figure of eight, blending naturally with its surroundings.

The course features numerous hazards, including the UK’s tallest and deepest bunker on the 4th hole, along with other hidden challenges. These elements make Royal St George’s not only a popular destination but also a memorable golfing experience. The course’s design through the dunes of Sandwich Bay is a masterpiece, offering one of the most majestic sights in golf.

Royal St George’s, granted royal status by King Edward VII, has hosted The Open Championship numerous times, witnessing some of the greatest players in golf history. Collin Morikawa’s victory in The 2021 Open Championship at Royal St George’s, including a stunning final round, added to the course’s illustrious history.

Located conveniently close to Dover and within reach of Central London, Royal St George’s is a must-play course for any golfer looking for an unforgettable links golf experience. Its proximity to other notable courses like Prince’s Golf Club and Royal Cinque Ports enhances its appeal as a golfing destination.

Signature holes like the 4th and the 14th, along with the challenging par-3 16th, are notable highlights of the course. The back nine, especially the closing stretch, is renowned for its difficulty, ensuring that a round at St. George’s is both challenging and rewarding.