Walmer & Kingsdown Golf Club

Walmer & Kingsdown Golf Club is another one that had been on my bucket list for some time but this one turned out to be a disappointment!

I'll start with the good points - there are some nice holes here and it is always nice to play by the sea and there are parts of the course that are very picturesque!

BUT, I just found the course to be a little scruffy in places, the greens were fluffy and the signage around the course is truly dreadful - I never understand why for the cost of a few pennies why courses never focus on the visitor experience.

However, despite a very nice atmosphere created by the organiser (Martha Trust Disability Charity), the talk at the dinner table was about how poor the Pro Shop was. They don't return Buggy request calls, in fact, it would seem they don't return anyone's calls. So, although my playing partners had asked for buggy 10 days prior to the event, they were forced to walk on the day - with bad backs and dodgy knees - 18 holes with clubs on their back. Such a shame when the bar staff couldn't be more friendly and helpful and the food more than satisfactory.

Sadly, having driven 1 hr 40 mins, there (and the same back) I will not be returning any time soon, for no other reason than if I am expected to pay a premium price (normally £45 just for golf only midweek), I expect a premium service...and some signage!

Walmer & Kingsdown is the last stop before in English Channel near Deal in Kent. You are literally playing on top of the white cliffs!

We played on a nice bright day in October but with a stiff breeze. There are no flat fairways at W & K it is either ball above or below feet.The first three holes are up hill long par fours, that gets you started, then up the hill you go. The stroke index one brings you back down the hill, a sharp dog leg and a wicked sloping green.Then you face a long par five back up the hill!
If your soul is not broken then onto the back nine.

Several of these have well greens? Yes sunken greens that the fairway falls into! No good trying to pitching into them with a wedge, the ball will roll to the back of the green, leaving a 60 feet putt. You have to lay up short and chip or putt into the well.The par threes are tough, 14th has a bomb hole crater for a bunker, I took three to get out! the sides are 6 feet shear.

The views of the channel are simply breathtaking. From the 6th tee we could see France. On the back nine we did get some assistance from the wind, but the fairways run from right to left, even a straight drive can end up in trouble.

W&K is one of the most picturesque courses I have played, but if it blows, it is very very tough. I had two birdies and chip in for a par but still failed to break a 100! I did struggle in knowing where to play to on the hidden greens. I will play again, hopefully in the summer. The club and staff could not be more helpful and the food was fantastic great value for money!