ARCHITECTS
Course info
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Difficulty
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Course Report
Royal St George's was featured as 'Royal St. Marks' in Ian Fleming's James Bond novel 'Goldfinger.' Fleming was the club’s Captain-elect at the time of his death.
About
Royal St George's Golf Club, designed by Dr. Laidlaw Purves in 1887, is one of the most historic and revered links courses in the world. Located along the Kentish coast, it features wild duneland, natural bunkers, and strategic holes. The club has hosted the Open Championship 15 times and offers a quintessential, challenging links experience.
Caddie Tip
Play conservatively off the tee on shorter par 4s to avoid the penal rough and strategically placed bunkers. On windy days, use one or two extra clubs and keep approaches low. Trust your caddie’s advice on hidden hazards, especially on blind shots and greens with subtle breaks.
The Main Challenge
The greatest challenge is dealing with ever-changing coastal winds and the penal rough, both of which can make finding fairways and greens extremely tough. Blind tee shots and tightly contoured greens demand accuracy and local knowledge, especially during tournament conditions.
The Good
Golfers consistently praise the authentic links experience and the natural beauty of the duneland terrain. The routing offers a thrilling variety of holes, fantastic green complexes, and outstanding seaside views, making every round memorable and enticing especially for fans of championship history.
The Not So Good
Some visitors report inconsistent rough management which can make the course brutally difficult in the summer. Additionally, unpredictable weather can sometimes lessen the enjoyment for some, and the club’s strict dress code and exclusivity limit access for casual golfers.
Signature Hole:
#
4
The par-4 fourth hole boasts the deepest bunker in championship golf and plays through massive dunes with an often-blind approach. Its demanding tee shot and tricky green set among rolling links terrain make it a standout and a defining moment of the Royal St George's layout.
Clubhouse
The historic clubhouse features luxurious locker rooms, a traditional members’ lounge, a formal dining room, and a terrace with sweeping coastal views. Visitors can expect classic English hospitality, on-site accommodations for members’ guests, and elegant function rooms.
Practice Facilities
Extensive practice range with both grass and mats, large chipping and putting greens, and dedicated bunker practice areas. Facilities are well-maintained, with scenic outlooks over the duneland to enhance practice sessions for members and guests alike.
Dress Code:
Prestigious
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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