Yes, it was certainly the warmest welcome I received as a visiting golfer since my time with the Social Golfer, from my phone enquiry to the reception by the Pro, Richard Silman. Tips were offered how to play the 3 blind holes (worth mentioning: the 10th as a mirror looking down on the fairway), I was given a Course Planner (a nice gesture)& offered special rate should I return to Tenterden Golf Club.
Tenterden is a well established (1905) Members Club, totally at ease with the 21st century welcoming passing visitors. Met a few member who were friendly too, a good mix of Ladies/Men/Juniors.
The Clubhouse building is in keeping with the traditional Kent style, with weatherboards on some parts.
Spike bar is not too big but with nice seating area , light and airy with modern furniture. Attractive outside balcony seating area overlooking the finishing 18th or 9th further in the distance, and the practice putting green. Food on offer was excellent, very good value too, so were the drinks, pleasant staff. A pot of tea for 2 only cost £1.70 (£2 cheaper than Westerham !).
Changing rooms downstairs - Ladies'one is pleasant & well equipped, lockers available.
Practice nets and putting green for warm up. There was an Explanar machine, probably used for the teaching Academies.
Large car park. Golf Club is easily found, once you drive through the lovely Cinque Port town of Tenterden.
The course is undulating parkland in beautiful & peaceful Kent countryside. A nice layout, only a few steep climbs to a few holes but one is rewarded by outstanding views. The 12th hole (signature) offers stunning views miles around Kent. By the 12th/9th tee boxes, there is a halfway hut with a drinks dispensing machine, a bench where one can sit, have a rest and admire the views. I believe the course drains well naturally and normal play all year round. There are two Tee boxes that have adjacent teeing sections , but is is very well marked/signposted (4th & 5th) and (14th & 16th).
The course was in great condition, well kept fairways & first cut, rough is a little punishing, some tight fairways, some blind tee shots, quite a few ditches to negotiate (in fact as many as Weald of Kent), ponds and streams add to the charm and challenge of this course.
My favourite holes were the 9th, 10th, 11th, 17th & 18th. I shall only describe two:
9th hole, Par 4,not that long, very inviting tee shot over a sort of a valley, a ditch to avoid, narrowish gap with big mature trees either sides, then uphill with slope to the right, an ondulating putting green sloping right with 3 bunkers on the right and OOB on the left and back of green.
18th hole, Par 3: a gorgeous finishing hole, tee shot over a small pond, view of the Clubhouse in the distance, sloping left, uphill green with slight slope, 2 large bunkers on guard either side.
Greens: excellent & true with light ondulation.
If you want a peaceful round of golf on a picturesque & challenging golf course, do try Tendterden, you will be sure of a very warm reception. I shall certainly return when I visit Kent again.
Very good value: £22 on a Sunday after 1pm (otherwise £40). We were told if ready before 1pm, we could go and play. We were blessed with warm Kent sunshine after the first 2 holes. Will post some pictures.
PS: forgot to mention the Academy which has a 6 hole Par 3 with all the latest training aids & a driving range.
THE END.....
Date Tuesday, 18, June 2013
