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.
Ready to get into the swing of golf in Kent? Read on to discover some of our county’s very best courses...
London Golf Club
As a European Tour Destination and part of the IMG Prestige network, London Golf Club provides an oasis of golfing tranquillity in 700 acres of idyllic Kent countryside, 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 & 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 & 2019 Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, this 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. Each loop has its own unique characteristics that have recently benefited from substantial investment and redevelopment. An impressive array of 97 revetted bunkers, including the now-famous Sarazen Bunker, rolling greens and seaside breezes make for challenging golf.
Prince’s also offers well-appointed apartment accommodation at The Lodge at Prince’s and a modern, contemporary restaurant, Brasserie on the Bay, offering stunning views over Sandwich Bay, surrounding golf courses and beyond.
Prince's Golf Club and The Lodge at Prince's, Sandwich Bay, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9QB
Royal Cinque Ports
The Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club is a Members' Club with an 18-hole Championship Links golf 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
Perched on top of the world-famous White Cliffs of Dover, with sea views from every hole, this beautiful course delivers stunning views across the English Channel to the coast of France and was created by renowned course designer James Braid. Incorporating a sharp ridge and steep valley leading into the adjoining countryside, the superb 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
Established in 1903 in Broadstairs, North Foreland is steeped in history. Its elevated location above Kent’s white cliffs ensures stunning panoramas of the English Channel and east Kent countryside from every hole. Broad fairways disguise a tricky layout where strategically-placed bunkers lie in wait whilst 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
Canterbury Golf Club opened in 1927 on 160 acres of land leased from the War Office. Designed by one of golf's greatest course architects, Harry Colt, few inland courses are able to match the variety and quality that Canterbury offers. Elevated tees, raised greens, steep climbs, sharp descents, twisting fairways and sloping lies are the features of this wonderful tree-lined layout.
Canterbury Golf Club, Scotland Hills, Littlebourne Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1TW
Littlestone Golf Club
Founded in 1888 and a little further west from the trio of Prince’s, Royal St George’s and Royal Cinque Ports, Littlestone is another 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
Hever Castle is not only one of Kent’s most iconic attractions, it is 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 that are complemented by a 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
Leeds Castle Golf Club
Set within rolling Kent countryside and less than an hour from London, Leeds Castle Golf Club is home to one of the county’s most delightful nine holes of parkland golf and set against the backdrop of England’s loveliest castle.The course layout continues to provide stunning views of the 900-year old Castle today, and combines vistas 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
For more information on playing in the Garden of England, please visit www.golfinkent.co.uk.