Hever Castle Golf Club

Had no expectations, turned up, starting my round feeling rushed, my fault for turning up late. As I went from hole to hole was not sure , but the fairways were very good as were the greens. I noticed a bad review from a couple of weeks back from someone moaning about the condition of the course, but having played a bit this year, I was pleasantly surprised, like in a really good way. It mentions on the write up some signature holes and the long par 5, so normally you cant always remember the nice holes, but I can assure you this course is memorable and in great condition. I cannot wait to get back, like a proper treat, the back 9 is terrific.

The course was a little underwhelming and although the front nine were enjoyable, the back nine felt slightly neglected and under maintained. Lots of standing water in places on the fairway which were not ground under repair. The greens were fairly fast but didn't feel overly controllable. Unfortunately i'm not sure that I would return to Hever Castle though the staff were very accommodating.

The golf course is situated on the large estate of historic Hever Castle, Kent. Very impressive setting be it the grounds, the clubhouse and the design of the course which is just over 20 years old.

We played the Championship course comprising the Kings & Queens, two very different halves but equally challenging, may be more so the 2nd half which comprises a very long Par 5, 618 yards from the yellows ! On this very peaceful environment you will enjoy all that golf has to offer: lovely scenery, warm welcome, delightful Clubhouse and a well presented & maintained course with a strong challenge. Some dog legs , a few blind holes if I recall but the sleek & beautiful contoured greens are to be remembered. The bunkers are not many but very well designed for that strong challenge that the Championship course offers.

The practice facilities are 1st class too: the large putting area which makes a focus point from the terrace, the open & covered driving range, a large chipping and sand bunker a little further away down a well laid out path.

You will encounter a variety on each hole: some with very wide fairways impeccably cut, some narrower, large bunkers, and the natural water hazards, bridges, ponds, streams, ditches, etc. present on numerous holes. The trees are very mature, the ponds & streams are a haven for wildlife. The 2nd nine seems a little "wilder" in appearance, so probably more beautiful to my own eyes.

Today (Tuesday 30 April 2014) was a gorgeous sunny day on an empty course, a very pleasant mixed 4 balls taking advantage of a special £80 voucher kindly offered by our coolest, friendliest & most handsome TSG Ian F. Thank you from the 4 of us.

My favourite hole is the 12th, a Par 3, not that long, very beautiful, a large pond in front of the green, 2 huge bunkers, 1 on the left side and 1 at the back, the green is encircled by trees, also present on the right hand side. I think the tees were slightly raised.

Another hole worth mentioning is the 13th, a tough "cookie" which can upset your scorecard, the shot from the yellow is one of the most awkward as it facing sideways towards the narrow fairway bordered by a pond nearly as long as the hole on the left, mature trees on the right. The green slopes towards a stream waiting to catch the rolling ball and a large bunker on its left.

The Clubhouse is very attractive with a feature on its roof: different coloured tiles spells the name HEVER. A huge paved terrace with classy metal furniture & sunshades, lots of flowers arrangements, to the side of the terrace is a water feature: a pond, an old bridge, a weeping willow, looks very romantic. a lovely & scented rose path leading to the Ladies changing rooms which are well equipped. The lounge is spacious with lots of natural light,, nice furniture providing a pleasant seating arrangement.

Food is excellent: club burger with blue cheese and side salad + chips is recommended. Reasonable price for drinks too. Smiling & happy to serve Bar staff.

The Pro shop is well stocked and you get a nice welcome.

Large car park. The course is situated quite far away from all the main roads and if George (my GPS) does not behave, it will take you down single track lanes which I hate !!!!

A lovely experience on a very beautiful course but would not like to play on a wet and windy day.

There are special offers throughout the year.

By the way, I never saw or had a glimpse of the castle, so may be I shall return.




THE END.....

(My very own personal views usual).

Despite the oft heavy rain for the first nine holes and the disappearing light at the end; (who knows what holes 17 & 18 look like); I had a very enjoyable time on a beautiful course; I played very well for most holes but lost it badly on a few; all problem scores that incurred were down to my bad stroke play/club selection and not the conditions. Greens were very firm considering the wet conditions and I found them difficult to read. The hospitality received was excellent. This is a course I hope to play again sometime soon in 2014 preferably under bright/warm/dry conditions.

It's tough and rewarding - good for both high and low handicap players who love a challenge.(and a long walk). Set in beautiful parkland over-seen by the Castle and grounds. Tread where Kings and Queens have trod before.

A 27 hole gem.

In my view a true and honest golf challenge.

If I lived nearer, Hever Castle Golf Club would be the club I would join. I love it and will play it when ever I can.

I only scored 31 points on my first visit, but this was down to my mistakes.
The course had been burnt by the heatwave, and then rained on heavily the day before we played, the course had drained very well indeed, far better than expected, just some of the burnt areas and gone a little mushy, but not overly so. I will not criticize the greens for being a little slow, as they had been working on them a few days before we played.
I will not lie, there are some rather tough holes on this course, and if you don't take care this course will not only chew you up and spit you out, it will stamp on you afterwards, with a few rather tough tee shots... High handicappers, I tell you now, on some tees accept your handicap and play safe or ELSE.
Now for the important bits, it is a really nice walk this course, with some nice scenery, and the course is cut through trees and more trees. The greens, (ignoring the works being carried out), have some tricky breaks and slopes on them, so accept the odd 3 putt from a misread line. practice facilities are ok, and even nice views from the practice areas.
I havent looked what the regular prices are, but we paid £20 and I assure you it is a course that was well worth the money. I would most definately play this course again, despite the drive of over 40 miles. I gave it only 4/5 for value, but only due to the weather damage. This is a good ol tough course that you need to play well and hit long off of the tee where possible to score well. I nearly forgot, I reached the 600 yard par 5 in 3 blows of the golf sticks YESSSS, driver, 3 wood 21 degree rescue to a yard onto the front yehaw!

27 holes split into nines [Kings/Queens/Princes].
Played Championship course [Kings/Queens] is very good.
Front nine slightly more open than back nine.
Some tight holes and doglegs.
Nice 600 plus yard hole near the end of the round.
Greens were fast. Fairways ok but in need of water!!!
Clubhouse is good.
Would I play again....absolutely.

First time playing here and was very impressed all round
Clubhouse with open fire,good food,and good practice Ground all in all had a great day and will be watching
out for any more golf at this course

First thing thats grabs you about this course is the clubhouse. Nicely positioned over looking both the 9th and 18th greens with plenty of space to enjoy a drink after the round. The course itself plays long(!). It will always take you a club more than you think to reach the greens and even then you will be tested as the course is susceptible to head winds. However, there are some great holes here and well worth a visit. Its a little pricey at £40 but great value at £20 with a 2for1 voucher/openfairways card. Will be back soon....

hever castle is a wonderfull course, i did,nt play that well today, the fairways are in very good condition, the greens were good, but fast, this course is well worth playing................but don,t loose your head..