It was founded in 1892, so it has a lengthy history, hosting the Open in 1909 and 1920. Unseasonal flooding caused the Open to be relocated to Royal St.George’s the following time and, since then, Royal Cinque Ports has been used as a final qualifying course, the last time being in 2017.
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The course is widely regarded as being a very high-quality links challenge for golfers of all types, from the plucky amateur, to the seasoned professional. It may not have spectacular coastal views, but you will complete your round feeling you have been given a satisfying test of your links golf skills.
The course has an out-and-back layout, playing with the prevailing wind from holes 2 to 10 and then returning to the clubhouse playing into the wind. Depending on how strong this is, you may face quite a challenging last five holes! Many reviewers characterise it as a course requiring ‘powerful ball-striking’ and ‘creative shot-making’, so you can really get your teeth into these eighteen holes.
The club is in the process of constructing a short game area, whose holes will replicate some of the shots you will need on the course itself. The clubhouse is elegant and welcoming, with an impressive view over the course and the English channel. As an interesting historical aside, the flagpole on the balcony still bears the ‘scars’ from aircraft attacks during World War Two. Apparently, at the 1920 Open, the great Walter Hagen was obliged to change his shoes in the carpark (in his chauffeur-driven car, naturally), after being mistakenly refused entry to the clubhouse.
Featured hole
There’s been a lot of hard work done on the architecture of the course in recent years, and the revamped 16th exemplifies this. Previously a par four, it has now been lengthened to a par five, with a split fairway. Those in the know say the green is reachable in three and that balls will now hold on the green (whereas on the previous version par four, impossibly long second shots used to fly through it).
The Royal Cinque Ports Course Golf Breaks
Don’t end your experience on the golf course, whilst you’re staying in such a picturesque county, you may as well see what ‘The Garden of England’ has to offer. After you’ve finished playing, why not uncover some local gems and learn about the local history at places like Kent Castles. Or stop by the impressive Canterbury Cathedral whilst spending some time in and around Canterbury.
If you’re keen on maximising your time playing golf, our trips can combine your rounds at Royal St.Georges alongside rounds at the neighbouring Royal Cinque Ports and Prince’s Clubs.
Featured The Cinque Ports Golf packages include:
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Luxury four or five-star accommodation complete with breakfast every morning
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Convenient transfers to each of the courses, as well as any hotel transfers.
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All tours also offer packages for non-golfers, in case you or any of your party would like to spend some time away from the fairways.
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We can also arrange airport transfers
We hope our packages include everything you need for a wonderful trip. If you’re interested in booking any our golfing holiday packages, fill in our online form and we’ll be in touch, or call us on 01334 441350.