Wednesday, February 19, 2025

HomeGOLFUnearthing the golfing gems of West Kent

Unearthing the golfing gems of West Kent

West Kent Sport & Wellbeing takes a look at the golf courses that not only offer excellent facilities, but also contribute significantly to the local West Kent economy and communities.

Nestled in the scenic countryside of south-eastern England, the golf courses of West Kent offer an array of picturesque and challenging options for both novice and experienced golfers.

Renowned for their lush landscapes, impeccable greens, and rich histories, these courses have become a haven for golf enthusiasts.

These courses not only offer excellent golfing facilities but also contribute significantly to the local economy, attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond. With their blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and challenging play, the golf courses of West Kent stand out as premier destinations for golfers of all levels.

As golf continues to grow in popularity, the area remains a beacon for those seeking the perfect balance of sport and nature. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, the courses in this charming region promise an unforgettable golfing experience.

We detail each of the courses throughout the area below; with a quick look guide on how to decide where to go dependant on your budget.

Corinthian Golf Course – DA3 8LY
A 9-hole golf course with varied tees for 18 challenging holes, set in a peaceful and unspoilt location giving beautiful views across the Kent countryside.

Darenth Valley Golf Course – TN14 7SA
Situated in Shoreham, Darenth Valley Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 course that offers a mix of challenging holes and stunning scenery. The course is laid out over gently rolling countryside, with well-placed hazards and undulating greens. The club is known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent hospitality.

Hever Castle Golf Club – TN8 7NP
Located in How Green near Hever, Hever Castle Golf Club provides a historical backdrop that is hard to beat. Situated in the grounds of the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, this course blends the beauty of Kentish countryside with the challenge of a championship layout. The 27-hole course offers a diverse golfing experience, from the tree-lined fairways of the Championship Course to the tranquil setting of the Princes Course.

Hilden Park Golf Club – TN11 8LX
Situated in Hildenborough, Hilden Park is a family-friendly club that offers a 9-hole course perfect for beginners and those looking to refine their game. The club also has a well-equipped driving range, putting green, and short game area, making it a great place for golfers to practice.

Kings Hill Golf Club – ME19 4GF
Located in the heart of Kent, this modern golf course is set within 200 acres of rolling countryside. Designed by David Williams, the 18-hole, par-72 course features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and challenging water hazards. The club also offers excellent practice facilities and a welcoming clubhouse.

Knole Park Golf Club – TN15 0HJ
Knole Park Golf Club in Sevenoaks offers a unique experience, being one of the few courses in the UK located within a 1,000-acre deer park. The course, designed by J.F. Abercromby, is renowned for its natural beauty and the presence of roaming deer, providing a serene yet challenging golfing experience.

Lamberhurst Golf Club – TN3 8DT
Situated in Lamberhurst, this 18-hole course is set within the picturesque Teise Valley and offers a challenging round with its rolling fairways and well-placed hazards. The club is known for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.

Lullingstone Park Golf Club – BR6 7PX
Lullingstone Park Golf Club offers two courses: the challenging 18-hole Castle Course and the shorter, yet equally enjoyable, Valley Course. The Castle Course, known for its elevation changes and stunning views, is a test for even the most experienced golfers. The Valley Course provides a more relaxed round, perfect for beginners or those looking to improve their game.

Nevill Golf Club – TN2 5JW
The Nevill golf club has always had a good reputation as a very good course but these things don’t just happen. The course, established in 1914, was originally a nine hole course set down by Willie Park Junior. Once you have finished your round you can relax in the comfort of the clubhouse, where you can experience the warm and friendly atmosphere and enjoy the magnificent scenic views south from the patio or veranda areas of the clubhouse.

Nizels Golf & Country Club – TN11 8NU
In Hildenborough, Nizels Golf & Country Club offers an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark. This championship course is characterised by its strategic use of water hazards and bunkering, providing a stern test for golfers. The club also features excellent practice facilities, including a driving range, putting green, and a short game area.

Pedham Place Golf Centre – BR8 8PP
Located in Swanley, Pedham Place is a relatively new course that has quickly gained a reputation for its challenging design and immaculate condition. The 18-hole, par-72 course is set on free-draining chalk downland, ensuring it remains playable year-round. The course is known for its large, undulating greens and wide fairways, making it a favourite among local golfers.

Poult Wood Golf Course – TN11 9QR
Discover Poult Wood Golf Course in Tonbridge, which offers a 9 and 18-hole course, a driving range, and squash courts. Enjoy their clubhouse bar and restaurant, personal tuition, and driving range all at a reduced cost, thanks to the local council ownership.

Redlibbets Golf Club – TN15 7HT
Situated in Ash, Redlibbets Golf Club offers an 18-hole, par-72 course set in 160 acres of rolling Kent countryside. Designed by Jonathan Gaunt, the course features a mix of open parkland and woodland holes, providing a diverse golfing experience. The club prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere and excellent clubhouse facilities.

The London Golf Club – TN15 7EH
Located in Ash, The London Golf Club offers two championship courses, the Heritage and the International. The Heritage Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is a true test of golf with its undulating fairways and strategically placed hazards. The International Course is equally challenging, known for its fast greens and tight fairways. Both courses provide a world-class golfing experience, regularly hosting prestigious tournaments such as the European Tour events.

Tonbridge Golf Centre – TN9 1PP
The Tonbridge Golf Centre, which encompasses the Mark Janes Golf Academy, is primarily a driving range facility with a standard 9-hole golf course. The site also provides golfing fun with an 18-hole Mr Mulligans Dino Golf adventure, two Padel Tennis courts, FootGolf, a chipping and putting green, plus an American Golf shop, and cafe.

West Malling Golf Club – ME19 5AR
West Malling Golf Club boasts two 18-hole courses: the Spitfire and the Hurricane. Both courses are set in beautiful parkland and offer a variety of challenges to golfers of all abilities. The club is known for its high standards of course maintenance and its welcoming, inclusive environment.

Westerham Golf Club – TN16 1QN
Located on the outskirts of Westerham, this course is set within mature woodland and boasts spectacular views over the North Downs. Designed by the late Howard Swan, Westerham Golf Club features 27 holes across its three nines, each presenting a different challenge. The course is known for its meticulously maintained fairways and greens, as well as its friendly atmosphere.

Wildernesse Golf Club – TN15 0JJ
Located in Seal, near Sevenoaks, The Wildernesse Club is a traditional members’ club with a rich history dating back to 1890. The 18-hole course is set within a beautiful parkland estate and is renowned for its tree-lined fairways and fast, true greens. The club offers a warm, welcoming environment and excellent practice facilities.

Wrotham Heath Golf Club – TN15 8QZ
Wrotham Heath is a high quality, members’ golf club established in 1906 with an original Oast House as the Clubhouse. We offer a warm welcome to golfers and visitors at all times. The course is heathland and benefits from being on a free draining sandstone ridge which makes them the envy of many courses in the area by being able to play golf all year on both greens and tees.

Villa Golf Club – TN3 9UN
Villa Golf is a family run, nine hole golf course, set in a tranquil valley in the charming, picturesque, village of Blackham. Originally designed in 1990, the course has matured to become a genuine test of skill for both experienced and novice golfers. They also have practice nets, a putting green, and a driving area which are all available for use by members and non-members.

• The Focus on Golf feature will become an annual article each July, highlighting all the wonderful facilities West Kent has to offer.

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