It's fair to say North Foreland Golf Course will test every department of your game - the sea breezes constantly challenge your shot-making and your distance control. This exposed course is always in great condition, though, with greens that provide testing putts over fast running surfaces with subtle slopes. The rough is tough but fair, and there are great coastal views to enjoy.
North Foreland Golf Club is situated on the Kent coast at the point where the English Channel becomes the North Sea - and is lucky enough to have a view of the sea from every tee and green. It is not a proper links even though it's very links-like in appearance and feel. Unlike seaside courses that run through dunes, North Foreland is chalk-based and, as a result, it drains exceptionally well and is playable all year round.
The course is the work of the renowned architects Herbert Fowler and Tom Simpson, and was completed before World War 1 after they were asked to extend the original nine holes. Such is the quality of the layout, the R&A uses North Foreland as a qualifying course when the Open Championship is held just up the coast at Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich. Fowler's creations include Aberdovey, The Berkshire (Red and Blue Golf Courses), Walton Heath (New and Old Golf Courses) and even Los Angeles Country Club which is a regular amongst the World's Top 100 Golf Courses.
In addition to the main course, North Foreland can also boast one of the best 18-hole par-3 courses in the country. The course is well established having been constructed in 1926, and provides an ideal introductory round for visitors, as well as offering plenty of challenges for the more experienced golfer.
The newly constructed balcony extension adjoining the bar provides panoramic views across the course and the English Channel, while the dining area is not only airy and very spacious, it serves great food too.