Links of the SE England (was next week in ...)

QEight · November 11, 2017

First time UK golfer here and next week in Kent. Much anticipated inaugural traditional golf trip...

I have booked 2xPrinces, 2xRSG, Cinqueport and Littlestone. Staying at Princes.

Really chuffed!

Edit.

Weather for next week looks fine. I have a good feeling about this trip.

North Butte · November 12, 2017

I am terribly jealous. You will have a blast unless the weather completely messes you about.

Minor nitpick...

The third club you listed is named (Royal) Cinque Ports, often called Deal for short.

QEight · November 13, 2017

Thx North Butte.

Today was Shore+Dunes. Nice cool weather. Links golf is different.

North Butte · November 13, 2017

One thing about Prince's is that most of the holes run in a similar direction. If you catch a day when the wind is a cross-wind on every hole it can be a long, long day!

Other days it's upwind on half the holes and downwind on the other half, which is more fun.

Glad you're having a good time.

Hawkeye77 · November 13, 2017

Thx North Butte.

Today was Shore+Dunes. Nice cool weather. Links golf is different.

Please expand on that last thought!

QEight · November 14, 2017

Today was Himalayas and Shore. Tomorrow Royal St George twice. Weather looks excellent.

Links golf is different compared to Finnish (woodland) courses. The ground is much hard(er) and more undulated. Off line drives are quite easy to find at least now in November. The wind has not been a factor this week.

QEight · November 19, 2017

So the week is over and what a week it was! We had 1 hour of drizzle all week and perhaps 10 mph wind the most. Couple of sunny days even!

Sandwich was a magnificent course. I played 93 and 86, with my HC of 13.4. I was happy. We had caddies for the first round, CJ & Jai were great help with the directions as there were some not so obvious lines.

Littlestone Championship course was also very nice. We would very much like to play it again.

Deal looked very flat on the first tee, but after couple of holes it turned into a roller coaster. Absolute cracker! Perhaps I was a bit tired as I could not perform on my level. But the course was a blast. It was also busiest course during the week but nothing bad.

What we found odd (and great) was that the courses were almost empty. We were really on our own in midst of all mounds and hollows. Of course November is off season but this was really a great experience with the weather being benign.

Just to add that Mark Crossfield and Co were also staying at the Lodge the last night. Hopefully there is a good vlog coming out.

North Butte · November 19, 2017

I’ve enjoyed reading your experiences. I can’t believe it’s been over five years since I was last there but all those courses are extremely memorable.

mdannolfo · December 11, 2017

Hi guys,

Heading to London in January. Coming from north of Boston, Massachusetts. Any chance I might sneak in a round outside London at that time? I'd prefer a links course, but I guess I'll take what I can get.

Thanks

QEight · December 12, 2017

Hi guys,
Heading to London in January. Coming from north of Boston, Massachusetts. Any chance I might sneak in a round outside London at that time? I'd prefer a links course, but I guess I'll take what I can get.

Thanks

I guess the easiest real links courses would be the ones at Sandwich/Deal area. Two hours or less by car, and in the winter very affordable and easy to get a tee time (during the week at least). All can be booked over the internet and they are very flexible if there are changes in your schedule. For example we had to change some tee times because of late flight etc. Also we were allowed out off the first tee and not tenth at RSG even though at mornings it normally is for the members only. Unfortunately I think there are no links closer to London, but lot of others.

Just remember that after 4pm it gets dark fast.

North Butte · December 12, 2017

The closest true links course I know of to London is probably Littlestone but unless you are south of the river Sandwich is just about equally close. But from out near Gatwick, for instance, Littlestone by car is very convenient.

By train just try to get on either Royal St. George’s or Princes. IIRC the train ride from King’s Cross was under 2 hours then a short taxi ride to the courses.

Chanceman · December 22, 2017

Hi guys,
Heading to London in January. Coming from north of Boston, Massachusetts. Any chance I might sneak in a round outside London at that time? I'd prefer a links course, but I guess I'll take what I can get.

Thanks

You dont have to go too far from London for linksy type golf.

Can I suggest Walton Heath as an excellent golfing experience. Visitors are always welcome. The course is one of the very best, having hosted the Ryder Cup way back. And within the M25. The pro shop staff are friendly so that's my take.

If WH is too expensive then try St Georges Hill or Woking.