Austin Lodge Golf Club - Closed

There are some great holes here but I came off a little more underwhelmed than the first time we played, I think because I was noticing the quirkiness of the layout more than the spectacular views.

The course was in nice condition and clearly well cared for. There are plenty of holes I would choose to play differently having been around a couple of times. Some of the greens, the 3rd and 6th particularly, are borderline fiendish and plenty of holes suit moving the ball left to right off the tee which I didn't manage all day.

There's a range (balls from outside the pro shop) and a decent pitching area/chipping green and the clubhouse and outdoor areas are very nice.

Well, if you have not played Austin Lodge golf course, you certainly want to put this course on your list "to play". Superb from Tees to Greens and that for 18 holes of golf.

A true gem, set in valleys with chalky soil giving excellent drainage all year, with quality fairway grass , clean 1st cut, superb greens, responsive, fast and true, truly the best after Desert Springs (Spain) & Epson Downs, Surrey. The bunkers a little deep at time but with soft sand.

The views are exquisite, some very steep Par 3s, but overall the walk is not as hard as some people think and can easily be done, it will reward you with very toned legs, good for your golf balance. Buggies make it easier to go and look for the ball when in the rough that is quite deadly.

Every hole offers its challenges with the slightly slopping but wide fairways and flattish most of the times, water comes into play on a few occasions only and I think the finishing hole is a real beauty, Par 4, 350 yds from Yellow, perched tee with a blind shot on sloping fairway. OOB on the left, the green being guarding by 2 lateral ponds, a bunker on its left and one at the back. Everyone from he Clubhouse & terrace can admire your approach & final putt. A lovely setting.

Because of the nature of the valleys, one will need stamina, good selection of clubs, good pairs of legs or a buggy for an enjoyable round of a course for all levels of golfer.

A warm reception in a small Proshop, Clubhouse is large, very pleasant seating arrangement, full of natural light with a modern fireplace as a focal point too. Friendly staff, reasonable prices for drinks/food.
A terrace overlooking the attractive 18th green.

Ladies changing rooms, very adequate with an unusual "metal hand" as door handle, apparently the Mens room has "buckets" according to DJ.... not sure what he means, but did not investigate.

Very friendly atmosphere, excellent deals for Societies, today's deal was exceptional with Bacon Rols/Coffee, 18 holes and a superb Chicken/bacon/cheese with delicious chips and side salad , DJ included prize funds money and it costs a mere £30. Thank you for organising this venue which is now on my list of "replay" anytime.

Excellent practice facilities. Putting green is true reflection of the greens on the course. One can chip as well.

There is no Professional at this club.

The only drawback for me is the little narrow lane leading to the Golf course, my GPS sending me a long way round when I could have stayed on the A20 for most of my journey.... The turning by Eynsford station can easily be missed as there is a dead end sign with no indication that Autstin LOdge is at the end of that very lane... So be aware if you venture to Austin Lodge Golf Course for the 1st time.

By the way, the official time it should take to do this round is 4 hours 19 minutes as per the scorecard.



THE END....... (photos will be posted that is if I don't loose them)

the way the course is laid out reminds me of a typical costa del sol course.the course was in magnificent condition,greens were true,only critism was that the greens were a bit slow,the fairways and rough were spot on.i for one will be making another visit

I first played Austin Lodge 14 years ago. It was my first ever game of 18 holes but I remember the course as bland and not very impressive.

I just returned for the second time. I was blown away. The course was in fantastic condition and the greens were true. Austin Lodge is a long and tough course, but worth every penny. The scenery is beautiful and although Saturday was society day and at one point there were 12 of us waiting on one of the Par 3's - the view at the downhill was spectacular - and the banter and socialising made up for the wait.

Clubhouse hospitality warm and friendly. Nice lounge area.

Ladies changing room is a dark box room and doesn't do what it says on the tin. Take your valuables out with you.

I can't wait to play here again.

Tests your game.windy.hilly.good course.

Challenging course, lots of elevation changes and sloping fairways. If the wind is blowing it plays long and needs some solid play off the tee. Greens were in great nick (although I would say that as I putted well!).

After all the rain we"ve had the course was quite dry, Perfect winter course.

I guess you get an idea of what you're in for on the first tee - elevated about 50ft above the fairway....and it continues like this for the next 6 holes! However, don't be disheartened, it does get easier and anyway some of the views are great! A very good test for any golfer but probably steer clear if you pay off more than 24. Friendly team at the front desk and there's a nice bar/balcony to discuss the round in/on after too. Will go back again once I've learnt to putt!