Kent Golf Travel

Open championship along England's coast

The historic southeast coast of England harbors an extraordinary collection of championship links courses, where three Open Championship venues sit remarkably close together along the English Channel. Just two hours from London, this concentrated stretch of golfing excellence provides the perfect complement to a London golf journey or stands proudly as a destination in its own right.

Royal St. George's Golf Club stands as the region's crown jewel and holds the distinction of being the only Open Championship venue in Southern England. Since making history as the first course outside Scotland to host The Open in 1894, this masterful links has challenged the world's finest players across 13 championships. Its wide fairways and dramatic dunes create an authentic links experience that remains as relevant today as it was over a century ago. The course's famous fourth hole features Britain's largest bunker, set imposingly into a 40-foot dune, while its collection of putting surfaces ranks among the finest in golf.

Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, affectionately known as "Deal" to golf enthusiasts, presents a compelling chapter in British golf history. Founded in 1892, the course showcases remarkable resilience, having survived both World Wars through careful restoration work by James Braid in 1919. The classic out-and-back routing along the Channel coast typically offers a deceptively gentle front nine played downwind before revealing its true character with a relentless homeward stretch into the prevailing breeze. Its creative green complexes and strategic demands create a links experience that can humble even the most accomplished players, making it a true test of golf mastery.

Prince's Golf Club completes this historic trio, sharing sacred linksland with Royal St. George's. The course's remarkable story of resilience shines through in the aftermath of World War II, when Sir Guy Campbell and John Morrison masterfully incorporated 17 original greens into their redesign of the 27-hole layout. While its dunes may not reach the heights of its neighbor, recent renovations by Mackenzie & Ebert have elevated this "links and a half" to new heights. The course's Open Championship heritage - highlighted by Gene Sarazen's victory in 1932 - lives on through its raised greens, rippled fairways, deep bunkers, and classic links rough. True to its century-old traditions, Prince's maintains its reputation for extending a warm welcome to all who visit these historic links.

Destination Experiences: Culture & Leisure

Kent's rich heritage as the "Garden of England" offers visitors a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. The region's dramatic coastline, dotted with historic towns and fishing villages, provides a stunning backdrop to your golf journey. Canterbury Cathedral, a World Heritage site, stands as one of Christianity's most important landmarks, while Leeds Castle, dubbed the "loveliest castle in the world," offers a perfect afternoon excursion.

The region's proximity to France has influenced both its cuisine and culture. Fresh seafood restaurants dot the coastline, while the inland regions produce some of England's finest wines. The historic town of Sandwich, nestled between the three championship courses, provides an authentic glimpse into medieval England with its narrow streets and timber-framed buildings.

Practical Information

Location & Access:

• Two hours from central London

• Easy access from both London airports

• Perfect complement to a London golf experience

Best Time to Visit:

• April through October offers optimal playing conditions

• Summer months provide longest daylight hours

• Spring and autumn showcase spectacular coastal scenery

Planning Your Visit

Whether you're planning a dedicated Kent golf experience or combining it with London's heathland classics, our team specializes in crafting bespoke itineraries that maximize your experience. Contact us to discuss preferred tee times, accommodation options, and supplementary activities that will make your English golf journey truly memorable.