Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club: Course Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info

Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club Key Information

Along with Royal St George’s and Prince’s, Royal Cinque Ports is one of three Open Championship links in Golf Monthly's UK&I Top 100 Courses that lie almost back-to-back-to-back on the Kent coast between Sandwich and Deal.

Founded in 1892, the original nine-hole links had grown to a full 18 by the turn of the century. James Braid, Henry Cotton, and most recently, Martin Ebert, have been involved in its evolution over the years.

The links follows a broadly out-and-back routing north of the town of Deal, with one or two deviations along the way, among them a St Andrews Old Course-style loop at the far end.

The outward nine heads north, hugging the sea wall closely in places, nowhere more so than the green on the short but tempting par-4 6th, which sits atop a steep bank right beside the wall.

There are some cracking moments in among the taller dunes over this stretch, among them the par-5 3rd, which plays semi-blind to a fascinating sunken green set in a hollow. This hole was remodelled recently by Ebert with the fairway re-aligned further to the left and the tee moved across to the left-hand side of the 2nd green and elevated to give a stunning view right down the hole. The tee is surrounded by a striking sand scrape

The four holes from the 8th play back and forth in more of a west-to-east and east-to-west direction to potentially unsettle your rhythm, with the run for home from the 12th into the prevailing wind as tough as you’ll encounter anywhere. Choose your tees wisely!

The 16th has now been restored to a par 5 rather than a very challenging par 4, with the tees going back 60 yards. A split fairway offers a new elevated option on the left for a better view of the green. The fairway is lined with large rough-edged bunkers.

The Open visited in 1909 and 1920 and was scheduled for two further stagings in 1938 and 1949. Sadly, both were thwarted when easterly winds and high tides inundated the course. All three neighbouring Kent coast Open Championship links sit right at the top of any best golf courses in Kent list.

A new short-game area, also designed by Ebert, features two greens and three bunkers to enhance the club’s practice facilities.

What The Top 100 Panel Said

James Holland

A wonderful layout with no holes that I didn’t like. The 6th is quirky but great fun - almost every other hole is there in front of you with some wonderful links fairways with all the undulations. Some holes avery scorable, some incredibly tough, but it is a fair test throughout. I really find it difficult to find any faults. 

John Winter

A pure links course with sunken greens, broad swales penalising the mishit shot, deep bunkers, sandhills, bumps and humps. Links golf at its very best. Outstanding greens, a solid routing and great setting with views across the English Channel. No two holes are the same. The variety makes the round so challenging, interesting and ultimately eventful.

Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club location

Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club Green Fees

Book a tee-time direct with the club online

Best Courses Near Royal Cinque Ports

ROYAL ST GEORGE'S
Royal St George’s was founded in 1887 and was the first English course to host The Open back in 1894. A great feature here is that the holes constantly play in different directions, so the test is ever changing. The green complexes are famously appealing, beautifully presented and highly challenging.

PRINCE'S
All three nines at Prince’s have benefited from a transformational and hugely impressive upgrade under the expert guidance of Martin Ebert. Sand scrapes abound, and while it is very difficult to say which two loops are the best, each of the Shore and Himalayas nines has a delightful new par 3 facing out to sea.

Best Places To Stay Near Royal Cinque Ports

The Lodge at Prince's -  Book now at Booking.com
The Lodge at Prince’s Golf Club in Sandwich offers excellent accommodation not far from Royal Cinque Ports. Set by the 6th green on the Shore nine, there are views across the course or out over Sandwich Bay towards Ramsgate. The Brasserie on the Bay provides high-quality dining, featuring Kentish produce and locally foraged ingredients. There is also a cosy lounge bar with log fire, serving a range of cocktails, and an outdoor terrace.

Royal Hotel, Deal - Book now at Booking.com
The Royal Hotel is on the seafront in Deal. It is an 18th-century three-star hotel with beautiful rooms only a mile or so from the course, renowned for its warm hospitality and comfortable surroundings. The elegant à la carte restaurant serves a variety of freshly cooked meals.

Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club Scorecard

Royal Cinque Ports Gallery

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ROYAL CINQUE PORTS HISTORICAL TOP 100 RANKING UK&I

• 2023/24 - 45
• 2021/22 - 53
• 2019/20 - 58
• 2017/18 - 56
• 2015/16 - 56
• 2013/14 - 47
• 2011/12 - 47
• 2009/10 - 52

Frequently Asked Questions