Why You Should Play Golf at London Golf Club

There are some golf courses that have been so meticulously designed, that you have to experience it more than once to revel in its astonishing presentation.

On the other hand, a number of courses are set in the most beautiful of locations, with sheer greenery and crystal clear water dominating the round.

Finally, there are limited revered layouts that are immense and they qualify for professional usage simply because they are truly that good.

However, occasionally, there’s a venue that ticks all three of those boxes; London Golf Club is a proud member of that exclusive group.

An extra benefit of playing London Golf Club is the fact that are two courses present on-site, which one you experience, however, is down to you - although we recommend all 36 holes.

Before we detail the wonderful and unique golfing experience, let’s reflect on how this European Tour venue came to fruition.

History

It’s quite ironic that London Golf Club resides in Kent but you’ll soon understand why that decision was made.

The club was originally developed by Masao Nagahara, a Japanese businessman and a keen golfer himself.

Generally, there was a lack of first-class golfing facilities in London and something needed to be done about it.

Although not quite the concrete jungle of New York, if you’ve ever visited central London, you’d understand that there is no room for a renowned golf club.

After development began in the early 1990s, the course was fully constructed and officially opened in July 1994.

As an extra treat, a charity skins match took place to commemorate the unveiling which featured Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Tony Jacklin.

The original owners fell into financial trouble and the only option, to protect the longevity of the establishment, was to sell.

In 2003, Bendinant Group purchased the premises and since this acquisition, London Golf Club has continued to strengthen - culminating in hosting rights for both the European Tour and the European Senior Tour.

In just 30 years, London Golf Club has carved an envious reputation for itself, and due to its close proximity to London - 20 miles southeast of the capital - many have experienced the hype of this innovative modern facility.

Golf Courses

Like many fantastic golfing hubs, there are 36 holes of testing golf to be experienced at London Golf Club, and we’ll start with The Heritage - a Jack Nicklaus gem.

In true Nicklaus fashion, this course will make you question every decision - and rightfully too - as golf is a sport that should be considered carefully and executed flawlessly - at least for the professionals!

If we’re being honest, this isn’t a layout for the faint-hearted; daunting tee shots and troublesome approaches epitomise the round.

There are plenty risk and reward moments you’ll experience and as your head tells you to lay up for a full shot in, your heart will be imploring with you to hook it 60 yards around the inconveniently placed tree.

During the true golfing season, the rapid fairways allow you to punch your way into position, where scoring should be improved overwhelmingly.

The Heritage first gained global recognition when it hosted the European Open during both 2008 and 2009.

Since then, the European Tour has returned once, for the Cazoo Classic that received marvellous feedback in 2021.

The International is just as pulsating as its iconic brother - exuding quality from start to finish - as this downland course will test every element of your game.

Again, fast, undulating fairways can work in the golfer’s favour, as chasing the ball into position becomes a viable and often preferential approach.

Similarly to The Heritage, there are plenty of nerve-jangling moments and it’s important you compose yourself as many water features hold the potential of humbling you.

The International has played host to the 2018 and 2019 PGA Seniors Championship, in addition to more recently hosting the World Match Play and acting as a qualifying venue for Regional Open Qualifying.

Accommodation

If you’re travelling a little further to experience the uniqueness of London Golf Club, then you may want to look at booking accommodation alongside your round(s).

Unfortunately, there is no accommodation available directly through the club, but the Pegwell Bay Hotel is a popular choice for visiting golfers.

Moreover, if you wanted to turn your visit into more of a golf tour - these are all the reasons to visit Kent - then the hotel is located conveniently to Royal St George’s, Royal Cinque Ports, Kingsdown and North Foreland.

There are 42 excellent rooms for hiring, all of which have been recently refurbished, offering modern amenities and everything you will require for your stay.

The hotel is actually located on a cliff top, meaning it offers expansive, panoramic views across the English Channel.

Each room comes equipped with a TV with free view channels, tea making facilities, a telephone and internet connection.

It’s remarkable just how much has been achieved by London Golf Club in such a short space of time.

Considering the official unveiling took place in 1994, it’s highly impressive that the European Tour has visited on four occasions.

Typically, with a 36-hole venue, one course is significantly greater than the other but if we contemplate that professional golf has been played numerous times on each course, can the same be said for this prominent complex?

London Golf Club has become a globally renowned venue within the space of 28 years and if it continues its upwards trajectory, anything can be accomplished in the following 28.

If you are interested in experiencing this European Tour venue, here all the latest deals through Golfbreaks.