insideKENT Magazine Issue 29 - August 2014 | Page 106

DAYSOUT
A golfer’s paradise cont

Indeed, Kent has hosted 17 Open Championships
over the years, with nearby Prince’s hosting it in
1932 and Royal Cinque Ports in 1909 and 1920.

a host of great course architects including Laidlaw
Purves, James Braid, and latterly Alister
MacKenzie and Donald Steel.

whilst the nine-hole Valley Course and Pitch and
Putt are ideal for those with less time or looking
for a more relaxed round.

Also Sandwich-based Prince’s Golf Club is
another great championship links challenge. Each
of its three nine-hole loops – The Shore, The
Dunes and The Himalayas – has its own unique
characteristics and an impressive selection of 97
reverted bunkers, including the now-famous
Sarazen Bunker. Here, rolling greens and seaside
breezes make for testy golf.

Inland from here in the High Weald of Kent is one
of the county’s parkland gems, Chart Hills Golf
Club. Designed by English golfing legend, Sir
Nick Faldo, and American architect, Steve
Smyers, this European creation is a stunning, yet
challenging course, characterised by extensive
water hazards and extravagant bunkering, ranging
from deep pot bunkers to the huge, serpent-like
signature bunker on the fifth hole. Meanwhile, its
bold, impactful design means it is regarded one
of the best new courses in England and it r gularly
e
features in course rankings.

Kent is also an ideal destination for those just
taking up the game. For example, the Pentland
golf courses of Boughton, Etchinghill and Austin
Lodge, provide a great introduction to golf.

Further down the coast in Deal, Royal Cinque
Ports Golf Club is regarded one of the finest links
in the world. It provides another tough challenge
with its undulating fairways, which can mean
tight, hanging lies and awkward stances, whilst
the regular presence of strong winds makes the
back nine one of golf’s most difficult stretches.
To the north of this magnificent trio is North
Foreland. Established in 1903 and steeped in
history, North Foreland is set in an elevated
position above Broadstairs and Kent’s White Cliffs
– ensuring spectacular seascapes from many
holes. Wide fairways disguise this tricky track,
thanks to strategically placed bunkers, whilst
accurate second shots are required to find the
greens.
Back down the coast by Romney Marsh is yet
another fine link by the name of Littlestone W
arren
Golf Club. Founded in 1888, this venue is laid
out on naturally undulating land amongst its own
range of sand dunes. It also enjoys its own unique
microclimate, making it one of the driest places
in England. The course reflects design inpu B'