Golf in Kent

Kent has been the home of some of the most famous moments in golfing history, with the Open Championship coming to these shores 15 times already.The Open is due to return to Sandwich in 2011.

With more than 100 scenic courses around Kent, the county has every type of course you could dream of playing, from world class links courses such as Royal St Georges in Sandwich to the Nick Faldo designed Chart Hills at Biddenden with its American-style fast greens and Florida-style bunkers set in the Weald of Kent.

Option 1 - Coastal courses
Kent's coastline is home to some of the most challenging golfing links in the world regularly hosting famous visitors and major championships alike. The prestigious Royal St George's has hosted the Open Championship on 13 previous occasions and looks forward to welcoming the world's oldest "Major" back in 2011. Only 4 miles away lies the undulating links and dramatic greens of Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, host to the Open on two previous occasions and now one of three final qualifying courses for the Open. It is a place where all who visit leave with a feeling of having experienced something special.

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Option 2 - City courses
Surrounding the historic city of Canterbury are a range of golf courses.A former home to Lord Kitchener, Broome Park offers the best of old and new in this 18-hole championship length golf course. Canterbury Golf Club, set within attractive woodland, has some of the prettiest sets of holes, while Boughton Golf Course has something for golfers of all levels of ability with its driving range and Par 3 academy course.
Nearby, Canterbury is great for golf widows with attractions, spas, shopping, restaurants and cafés that will pass the time with pleasure. For first class accommodation, stay overnight at the luxurious ABode Canterbury or the unique Canterbury Cathedral Lodge.

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Option 3 - Country courses
Kent, also known as The Garden of England,has an abundance of countryside courses designed by professional golfers. A round at the Nick Faldo designed Chart Hills in Biddenden will let you experience American-style fast greens and bunkers. Situated in an area of natural beauty in the North Downs, the London Golf Club was home to the European Open 2008. Its Heritage Course is Jack Nicklaus' signature course and a purist's dream, whilst its International Course suits a greater spread of handicaps. Rest after a day's golf at the nearby Brands Hatch Thistle Hotel.

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Option 4 - Golf with a twist
Why not combine a round of golf with a wonderful heritage attraction at Hever Castle? This 27-hole parkland course is set in 250 acres and has hosted the Kent PGA Championship for five years.
The 9-hole course at Leeds Castle is set in parkland surrounding the medieval castle. This course provides challenging and spectacular holes from start to finish with many attractive water hazards.
Combine the last evening of your tour with some luxury. The tranquility of Marriott Tudor Park's Country Club provides an invigorating round of golf on the 18-hole championship course. After playing golf, treat yourself to the spa or a meal in the newly refurbished restaurant to finish the day. Most golf courses in Kent will take non-members on a pay-and-play basis, although it is always best to phone and check first.