REGION GUIDE
Golf in Kent & Sussex
England’s south east corner offers some of the country’s most historic links, rolling chalk downland and a fast-growing wine region, all within easy reach of London and mainland Europe.
On the Kent coast, Sandwich and Deal are home to a famous trio of links, while inland you will find beautiful parkland and heathland, and across Sussex the South Downs offer a style of golf found nowhere else.
Top 10 must-play courses
- Royal St George’s Golf Club: An Open Championship venue, with huge dunes and a true links test at Sandwich.
- Prince’s Golf Club: Twenty-seven holes of links golf right next door to Royal St George’s.
- Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club: A former Open venue on the shingle at Deal.
- Littlestone Golf Club: A traditional links shaped by Alister MacKenzie and James Braid.
- Rye Golf Club: A revered Harry Colt links. Visitor times are limited, so plan ahead.
- Chart Hills Golf Club: A bold modern design in the Weald of Kent.
- West Sussex Golf Club: Classic heathland among the pines near Pulborough.
- The London Golf Club: Two Jack Nicklaus courses, the Heritage and the International.
- Knole Park Golf Club: J.F. Abercromby parkland in a medieval deer park near Sevenoaks.
- Crowborough Beacon Golf Club: Heathland on the edge of Ashdown Forest, with long views across the Weald.
The top 10 at a glance
| Course | Type | Par | Yards | Architect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal St George’s Golf Club | Links | 70 | 7,204 | Laidlaw Purves |
| Prince’s Golf Club | Links | 3 × 36 | – | Charles Hutchings and Percy Montagu Lucas |
| Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club | Links | 72 | 7,367 | Henry Hunter, later James Braid |
| Littlestone Golf Club | Links | 71 | 6,682 | William Laidlaw Purves, later James Braid |
| Rye Golf Club | Links | 68 | 6,454 | Harry Colt, later Tom Simpson |
| Chart Hills Golf Club | Parkland | 72 | 7,119 | Nick Faldo |
| West Sussex Golf Club | Heathland | 68 | 6,333 | Sir Guy Campbell and Cecil Hutchison |
| The London Golf Club | Parkland | 72 (Heritage) | 7,258 | Jack Nicklaus |
| Knole Park Golf Club | Parkland | 70 | 6,480 | J.F. Abercromby |
| Crowborough Beacon Golf Club | Heathland | 71 | 6,319 | – |
Getting there
Gatwick is the closest airport for Sussex, and Heathrow is within about two hours of most courses. Kent is also the gateway from mainland Europe, through the Channel Tunnel and the port of Dover.
Where to stay
The Goodwood Hotel is the place to stay for golf in West Sussex, with the Downs and Park courses on the estate. On the Kent coast, Dover Marina is a handy base for the Sandwich and Deal links.
When to go
Spring and autumn are ideal. Chalk downland and links both drain quickly, so the courses play well outside the summer months too. September brings the grape harvest in the vineyards.
Golf courses in Kent & Sussex
Golf tours in Kent & Sussex
Five nights in Brighton, with four rounds of classic chalk…
5 Nights
Five nights on the Goodwood Estate, with four rounds of…
1 Resort
Where to stay in Kent & Sussex
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors play Royal St George’s?
Yes, Royal St George’s welcomes visitors on set days, but times are limited, so book well in advance.
What is downland golf?
Downland golf is played over the chalk hills of southern England. The turf is firm and fast, there are big changes in elevation and the views are superb.
Can I combine golf with wine tasting in Kent and Sussex?
Yes. The region is known for its sparkling wine, and several of our tours combine golf with vineyard visits.
Ready to plan your trip?
Tell us where and when you would like to play, and we will put you in touch with a trusted tour operator.