Littlestone Golf Club

One of the Best Links in Southern England

Played the twilight rate for £45 on a sunny Friday afternoon. On arrival you notice that the facilities are basic but who cares about that - the land has a great feel to it and some proper links golf in the wind beckons.

The par 71 course is a beast off the whites at 6500 yards (at least for me). There is a gentle 300 yard opener but tees then become demanding with good strikes needed to clear trouble, and penal rough.

Every hole is different and the course has a bit of everything, with very deep bunkers and fast fiendish greens that are hard to read - you even need to be careful about the 18 inch putts.

Par 3s are particularly tough and play long into the wind - I had to hit woods on all of them. Perhaps the one thing that is missing is that fairways are flat rather than undulating.

The signature holes are probably the par 4 16th (uphill 469 yards) and the par 3 17th (playing about 210 yards into the wind). On these holes you get sea views and play towards the pretty red water tower that is the course's most famous landmark.

Apart from a disaster in the bunker on the 17th I played well to shoot 99 - I could do far worse around here if it was one of those days when I wasn't striking it properly.

I would say Littlestone and Royal Cinque Ports are the two best English golf courses I've played so far. The latter is more manicured and has better fairways, but this one has more varied scenery.

If you're having a golf break in the area, make sure you include Littlestone in your schedule.

  

Great Links Course

Not a course for the long handicaper or beginner. This is one serious links course used as a final qualifier when THE OPEN visits Royal St. Georges.

I would think it's the only Club House which can show TWO Prime Ministers teeing off for the Monthly Medal - photo taken early 20th century (I think it's Balfour & Asquith).

The golf : the hardest three closing holes I have ever played ! The first hole is easy but after that .... you play to your handicap around this course, you should receive a medal. Wonderful test of golfing skill and will show up any weakness in your game.

Apart from Wednesdays, the course is two ball only (either singles or foursomes). It is truely worth a visit and county cards are accepted.

Staff welcome you after your mauling - beer is good, food is good and the place reeks of history - wonderful.

If your in the New Romney area you should play this course, it is one you will not forget.