Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club

The Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, located along the Kent coastline in Deal, England, is renowned as one of the finest links golf courses in the UK. Founded in 1892, it provides an authentic links experience characterised by its sea breeze and dunes, which challenge golfers of all skill levels.

The course features a par-72 layout that extends up to 7,367 yards from the championship tees. It’s a must-visit for those searching for the best links golf courses in Kent.

Course Layout of Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club

The course has a classic out-and-back design that takes you through ancient dunes and fairways along the English Channel. The first nine holes run along the shore and offer a friendly start, featuring the opening par-4 hole that measures 420 yards and requires precise shots off the tee.

As you head inland for the last nine holes, the challenge increases significantly, ending with a tough section known for its high demands. This layout at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club is varied and interesting, including three par-3s, three par-5s, and twelve par-4s. Players are rewarded for making bold shots but need to be careful, as mistakes can be costly.

Course Challenges at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club

What makes this venue special is the challenges it presents. The winds from the Channel make every shot hard, turning easy approaches into tough choices. Deep sand traps protect the greens and can really catch you off guard. Some tee shots, especially on the last holes, can’t be seen until you hit the ball, so knowing the course well is important.

Many legends, like Peter Alliss, have said that the last nine holes, especially when facing the wind, are among the hardest in British golf. While long hitters can do well here, being accurate is more important than just having power. This course is a true test of golf skills on the links of Kent.

Signature Holes

No visit is complete without checking out the course’s top features. The 8th hole is a 169-yard par-3 that goes straight toward the sea. Its elevated green is surrounded by six hard pot bunkers, making it a challenging hole often called the “signature par-3 at Royal Cinque Ports.”

Next, the 16th hole is a 496-yard par-4 (from the forward tees) that is famous as one of Henry Cotton’s “Eighteen Best Holes in England.” It requires a brave drive over dunes to reach a narrow fairway.

The last four holes (15th to 18th) are truly special. Gary Player even said they are “the finest four consecutive holes on any course in the world.” Together, they combine distance, strategy, and beautiful views to create an unforgettable ending to your round.

Facilities at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club

Royal Cinque Ports offers facilities that make your golf experience enjoyable and helpful. The driving range is 300 yards long and has both grass and astroturf tees. It also includes covered bays so you can practice even when it’s raining. They introduced a new Short Game Area in 2019 that simulates real golf greens. This area includes sloped surfaces, hard run-offs, and bunkers to help you improve your game. The large 1,500-square-meter putting green is perfect for sharpening your short game skills.

After you play, you can relax in the clubhouse, which has stunning views and a fine dining restaurant. They also have a professional shop that sells top-quality golf equipment and clothing. All these great golf facilities in Deal, Kent, make it easy for individuals, clubs, and business groups to enjoy their time here.

Hosted Tournaments

Royal Cinque Ports has welcomed The Open Championship two times, in 1909 and 1920, and it continues to be a key venue today, often used for Final Qualifying events every four years. Some of its special events include the 72-hole South East of England Links Championship, which features the Prince of Wales and Grand Challenge Cups for skilled players with handicaps of 2 or better.

Book Now

If you love golf, you’ll enjoy playing at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club. Whether you are very experienced or just starting out, this course offers a fun challenge for everyone. Surrounded by beautiful views, it’s a great place to play. Reserve your tee time today and make your mark at this historic golf club!