Southern England golf guide: Royal St George's

Background to the course

Architect:
Dr. William Laidlaw Purves

Type:
Links

Landscape:
The course is not a traditional out-and-back layout; in a similar style to Muirfield in Scotland, each nine is broadly circular, forming a loose figure of eight. There is nothing artificial about Royal St George's; its natural look and feel to the course that blends beautifully into the surroundings.

Playing the course

All the holes are very different and memorable, a true sign of a great golf course. Royal St George's also has some unique features: thatched roof shelters, the red cross of St George on the flags, and a bunker on the fourth hole cut into a huge dune - forming the UK's tallest and deepest bunker. Only if you can carry this famous bunker on this 470-yard par four can you then enjoy the peace of the fairway beyond, called "Elysian Fields". This outstanding fourth hole is often rated as one of the top 100 golf holes in the world.

Thatched 1st starter hut, Royal St George's

The par three sixth is called "The Maiden" and it's described by author Bernard Darwin, in the book, Classic Golf Holes, as 'steep, sandy and terrible, with her face scarred and seamed with black timbers, but alas! we no longer have to drive over her crown: we hardly do more than skirt the fringe of her garment.' The 14th and the 15th are also internationally regarded. The 14th, "Suez Canal", so called because Darwin says that "many a second shot has found a watery grave". The 15th is considered architecturally to be one of the most impressive in golf because the fairway bunkers are virtually symmetrical.

Some hazards are not clearly visible from the tees, but in the past things were much worse. In the mid 1970s, blind shots were considered passé, so Frank Pennink was brought in to ring the changes. Three new holes were built and tee changes were made to two other holes. Many, except for the real traditionalists, believe these changes have further improved the layout.

Royal St George's represents one of the most difficult tests of golf, requiring courage, confidence and solid ball striking. Severely undulating fairways make good scoring very tough. Often the tee shot will come to rest on an up-slope or down-slope, so golfers must hit a long iron or fairway wood into the green from an uneven lie.

Course facts

- Steeped in history, Royal St. George's is the finest golf course in Southern England. Open for play in 1887, it took only seven years for the course to be deemed good enough to host the Open Championship - the first time it was held outside of Scotland. Home to the Open on thirteen occasions, it is also one of the most difficult courses you will ever play - if you get the privilege!

- Royal patronage was granted in 1902 and the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) became club captain. Many celebrated people have been affiliated with the club; the great golf writer Bernard Darwin was president of Royal St George's between 1952 and 1961.

- Royal St George's is a private men's club and there are no female members, although women can play the course as a member's guest, but there are no ladies' tees. Yet there is some gender balance - ladies are not charged for their round!

- One of the club's most famous members was the author Ian Fleming, creator of Britain's most famous spy, James Bond. The golf scenes from the film "Goldfinger" were filmed at Stoke Park Club, but Fleming called the course "Royal St Marks" in the film - no doubt inspired by his home club.

- The medieval town of Sandwich is a superb place to spend a day exploring. Famous for being the home of the lunchtime favourite the sandwich, the town has its share of excellent museums too.

Score card

Address:
Royal St Georges Golf Club, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9PB, UK

Telephone:
General enquiries: +44 (0) 1304 613090
Fax: +44 (0) 1304 611245

The Steward telephone: +44 (0) 1304 617308
The Caddymaster telephone: +44 (0) 1304 626931
The Professional telephone: +44 (0) 1304 615236

Website:
www.royalstgeorges.com

Course and length:
One 18 hole golf course, par 70, 7102 yards from the championship tees.

Dress code:
Jackets and ties must be worn in the Smoking, Writing and Dining Rooms. Jeans are not allowed on the course or in the clubhouse, and shorts can only be worn in conjunction with long socks. Dress in the Snack Bar is more relaxed, but spikes are not allowed. Mobile phones are not allowed in the clubhouse or on the course, other than in vehicles.

Tee times:
Royal St. George's is a members only club and there are very few opportunities to play the golf course. Visitors are most welcome to play the course on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Mondays and Thursdays, the first tee is reserved for members until 9.40am and from 1pm to 2.10pm: the 10th tee can often be used for those requiring earlier starting times. 2-ball golf is the normal format on Mondays and Thursdays. Visitors are welcome to play three and four-ball golf on Tuesdays from the first tee from 9.10am onwards. All reservations must be confirmed with the office in advance.

Handicap:
Handicap certificates with a maximum of 18 for both men and women, from their home clubs or appropriate golf governing body must be presented to the Caddiemaster on the day to be allowed on the course.

Green fees:
All green fees must be paid in full prior to playing. Credit and debit cards are accepted, with the exception of American Express and Diners Card. Foreign currency is not accepted.
18 holes: £120
Day rate: £150
Winter rate (Nov 1st to March 17th): £65

Packages:
A society package, costing from £140, includes refreshments - details on application. All bookings must be made through the office and deposits of £30 per person are required. A corporate package is offered for £210.

Facilities:
Caddies may be booked through the Caddiemaster (01304 626931) at least a week before any visit. Wide-wheeled trolleys only may be used on the course - these can be rented from the Professional. The Caddiemaster is authorized by the club to receive all green fees, to determine start times and format, and to take whatever steps he may feel appropriate in the event of slow play. Buggies are not permitted.

Location:
Royal St Georges is located one mile from Sandwich on the road to Sandwich Bay. From Canterbury take the A257, or from Dover take the A258. The golf course is well sign posted from The Bell Hotel. Look carefully for the entrance to the club as the sign is very small indeed!

More information

Read Adventure Golf's guide to the Open at Royal St. George's
Adventure Golf: Southern England