The Open Golf Championship 2011

The Open Golf Championship is returning to Kent in 2011. The last time the Open was in Sandwich, Kent was in 2003. Royal St George's Golf Club will be hosting the event for the 14th time since The Open Championship started back in 1860. The British Open Golf Championship will run from Thursday 14 July to Sunday 17 July 2011.

Royal St George's Golf Club was given Royal status by King Edward VII in May 1902. Over the years the harsh links course conditions have tamed even the greatest of golfing legends, including Tiger Woods who, in the 2003 championship, faltered against the windy conditions to finish joint four, one over par for the tournament. Famously, the unknown Ben Curtis, playing in his first Major, took victory on the last hole.

The last British winner of The Open Golf Championship at Royal St George's was Sandy Lyle in 1985 - could 2011 see one of our rising stars take home the Claret Jug from Kent's most famous golf course?

Kent's five most prestigious golf courses, Royal St George's, Prince's, Royal Cinque Ports, Littlestone and North Foreland, have hosted major golf championships for many years. Situated in the oldest county in England, these magnificent panoramic courses attract interest and membership from all over the World.

Golf in Kent has been played since the 18th Century and Kent's golf clubs are steeped in history, fairways trodden by many of the greats and frequented by royalty. So deserving are they of the accolade 'The Regal Five', it's not surprising that outside of Scotland, Kent is now one of only two areas that plays host to the oldest and biggest golf tournament in the world - The Open Golf Championship.

Staying in Kent during The Open

Kent not only has some of the best golf courses, but also some of the best accommodation near to golf courses. If you are planning to stay overnight whilst watching The Open Golf Championship, why not browse our selection of accommodation, including chic hotels, cosy guest houses and home-from-home self-catering.

Accommodation gets booked up very early for any Open Golf Championship, so you are strongly advised to book well in advance.

For self-catering accommodation and to rent a private house. Colebrook and Sturrock have been officially appointed by the Royal and Ancient to provide a booking service. For full details and booking go to www.sandwichopen.com

For accommodation in bed & breakfast, hotels and temporary accommodation in private homes, Dover District Council have been officially appointed by the Royal and Ancient to provide a booking service for full details go to www.opengolfsandwich.co.uk

Further private lettings for the duration of the Open can be found at www.sandwichgolflettings.com.

The University of Kent has released some attractive golf packages and rates for the duration of the Open. For further information download the brochure.