Matt Coffey

Friendly, well stocked pro shop. Decent driving range, reasonably priced. The course isn't long but each hole has something interesting and the greens are well enough protected.

Like many true links courses, your golfing experience at Prince's will be heavily influenced by the weather. We arrived to bright sunshine however a seasonally stiff wind blew in relentlessly from the sea for the entire day.

Our time on the Shore 9 offered no respite from the wind whatsoever and this is the most exposed 9 of the 27 holes. The fairways throughout the course were in very nice condition as were the greens which were also very fast, just what you would expect.

The entire course is very consistent; tees, greens, fairways, rough and the overall character and feel. There were a lot of fairway bunkers undergoing maintenance and therefore marked GUR however with the wind conditions this felt fair and we were quite happy.

The Himalayas 9 has been undergoing a major reconfiguration since August 2017 and is well on track to be complete by this summer (2018). It didn't compromise our experience, the 9 holes in play were slightly easier than the other 18 but interesting and challenging. However, the new configuration looks much better and I look forward to returning to experience what promises to be the most challenging 9 of the course.

I'd heard that Warley Park was worth a visit but "the locals don't play the 9 over the road". Well, I played in the TSG Masters and we played the 9 over the road first and I have to say it was well worth the visit.

The clubhouse and facilities are very nice but the course is even better. The 9 over the road is undulating and a good challenge. After the relatively straight forward opening par 3 every hole asks questions for players of all handicaps. The greens were very quick and very consistent.

I look forward to returning to Warley Park and trying the 9 I haven't yet played, at which point I'll post an update to reflect on the overall consistency of the 27 holes.

I played Mid Kent yesterday in the Royal Blackheath Trophy (http://www.royalblackheath.com/index.lasso?pg=eb1a951ebf27e3cf&v=1&mp=0e89270d41734a96&catid=d4a61c9a1b3af889&mpd=40208e9e64f214af) representing my club Wrotham Heath. It was my second visit of the week as they kindly allowed us a courtesy round off the whites on Monday and I'm glad we came!

First thing to mention is the warm and friendly welcome and really nice clubhouse facilities. Apparently Mid Kent has non golf members which I think speaks volumes of the social facilities and atmosphere. The practice green is very nice and representative of the greens on the course. The range is also really nice with both artificial mats and nicely kept grass areas to hit from. Although not long enough for drivers there are plenty of flag sticks out to really get a feel for precise distances. The range is not covered so perhaps less favourable on a wet day.

The course itself is extremely well maintained and cleverly thought out and every hole gives you something to think about. During my match my opponent told me that the club had to pay a good price to get the head green keeper there but it was very well worth it and I would have to agree. A comprehensive irrigation system ensures that all the fairways are lush and green and a pleasure to play from. I hear the rough gets longer towards club championship time but it is already punishing (as it should be). There are a lot of blind shots so it’s well worth getting a course planner or better still going round with someone who knows the way! The greens were hollow tined just 2 weeks before we played but you would hardly notice, they were very consistent and receptive and the ball rolled very smoothly and true.

If I had a criticism it would be that some of the tees seem quite close to the previous green (though some people prefer that to a half mile hike!) That is merely a symptom of the fact that they really have maximised on the space available to great effect.

I would really recommend a trip to Mid Kent and the food is superb too!

Played in the inaugural Littlestone Warren Open and my playing partner and I were immediately impressed by the welcoming and friendly locals and by the course itself.

A decent driving range and basic chipping and putting practice facilities, a well stocked and friendly little pro shop and cosy little club house.

Even though there is a tie up with neighbouring Littlestone (Championship course) and they share the green staff, the club houses and pro shops are separate and there is a definite "them and us" thing going on.

The course itself is standard links fare and a decent length considering it was extended from a 9 hole to a full 18 and there are no par 5s. A couple of the par 4s definately play more like 5s even with just the "light breeze" we had to contend with! We were especially impressed with the greens which were perfectly prepared and lightening fast!

Glancing over at the Littlestone course it obviously enjoys the lion's share of the green keepers attentions and the greens looked stunning but considering the price at Littlestone Warren you won't beat it for value.

I played the course after a few weeks of very wintery weather including snow and rain, and to the credit of the staff at Kingshill the only signs were a few waterlogged bunkers. The course was very well drained and played very firmly.

I would say the course is very much in the vein of the surroundings; very nicely built, neat and tidy but a somewhat clinical feel. Some of the holes are very close together (2, 7 & 8 in particular) and I can imagine on a busy day it could be very off putting.

I will definately go back to Kingshill but I won't be rushing.