Royal Cinque Ports, or Deal as it also known, is one of England's most authentic and natural links.
The flattish terraine is full of bumps, mounds and hollows (not least on the fairways) creating interest on every hole, as well as a few blind and semi-blind tee and approach shots. Digging your way out of the rough (if you find your ball !) is difficult enough, while avoiding and escaping from the numerous steep faced bunkers will also test your course management and golfing skills. With wonderful greens and sea-views on the front-nine, this is a fabulous golf course for all links enthusiasts, but a tough one for higher-handicappers.
One of the top rated links courses in England, and certainly a golf course to relish on your first and subsequent visits. Frequent host to the Open Championship, the golf course is always in immaculate condition, and provides a true test of links golf. For anyone wanting to play the great links courses on the planet, this is one not to miss.
North Foreland, Convent Road, Broadstairs, CT10 3PU. Tel No 01843 862140
St Augustine's, Cottington Road, Cliffend, Ramsgate, CT12 5JN. Tel No 01843 590333
On offer at Prince’s are 27-holes of very good links golf. Over the fence and sharing similar terraine is the illustrious Royal St George’s course, but Prince’s is far from overshadowed. The gentle dunes, fine layout of the 3-nines and usually excellent greens will bring a smile of satisfaction to all links golfers, although the general maintenance of the tee-boxes and fairways are some way behind those of the Royal neighbour. The Shore and Dunes nines seem to fit together the best, although many officianados advocate the Shore-Himalayas combination. Our view is the Dunes is perhaps the most interesting layout, with an excellent and challenging first hole and many fine links holes after that. Probably best to fit in all 27 on your visit ! Views of the English Channel and Pegwell Bay are "complemented" in the other direction by the nearby (but disused) power station and Pfizer factory.
Sene Valley, Sene, Folkestone, CT18 8BL. Tel No 01303 268513
Littlestone, St Andrews Road, Littlestone, New Romney, TN28 8RB. Tel No 01797 362310
Tenterden, Woodchurch Road, Tenterden, TN30 7DR. Tel No 01580 763987
Canterbury, Scotland Hills, Littlebourne Road, Canterbury, CT1 1TW. Tel No 01227 453532
Whitstable & Seasalter, Collingwood Road, Whitstable, CT5 1EB. Tel No 01227 272020
Chestfield, 103 Chestfield Road, Whitstable, CT5 3LU. Tel No 01227 794411
Herne Bay, Eddington, Herne Bay, CT6 7PG. Tel No 01227 374097
