Royal New Kent Golf Club

The overall traditional historical bent of the golf community, especially in the United States, has caused the country’s courses to skew a little safe and formulaic in their design, especially in the decades since World War II. That’s why it is so refreshing to play a course like Royal New Kent, which architect Mike Strantz used as a vehicle for thumbing his nose at the establishment. Inspired by the wildest Irish links, Strantz confronts golfers repeatedly with holes and set-piece shots that on first appearance look unplayable. From the ingenious first hole – a blind tee shot over heathery mounds followed by an approach up a steep hill to a huge two-tiered green in the sky – Strantz is bluntly saying that the meek need not apply; “Self-Confident Only Golfers Past This Point.” The rest of the front nine brings similar outlandish challenges, but those who embrace it will find that the fairways are wider than they often appear and there is practically always a side to miss on. No one would call Royal New Kent easy, but it is playable from the right set of tees, especially as the back nine eases off a bit.

Strantz’s confrontational approach to design here was ahead of its time; Royal New Kent alienated so many golfers in its first decade-plus that it eventually declined and closer for a period. Under new ownership and amid a climate where traveling golfers are increasingly adventurous – and likely more forgiving of its conditioning, which is a work in progress but continues to improve (the greens are particularly nice), it is poised to come into its own and continue to stand out. It’s worthy of a spot on any open-minded golfer’s bucket list.

What a hidden gem! Course and staff were both top notch!

I tried to give this course another try after a lackluster experience earlier this year, but amazingly I think it’s actually gotten worse.

Because the greens have not recovered from the winter, they were punched a few weeks back and top dressed yesterday. Good luck making any putts outside of 2 feet.

The fairways are in terrible condition, the greens are semi spongy with mold on some of them, and the tee boxes are very lumpy from the new sod installed a month or so ago.

I love the layout of the course and it’s a good challenge, but the overall experience is worth about $35-40 right now.

I won’t go back until later in the year and hope it’s all back to normal.

Beautiful golf course but we're on the fence playing again until they lower the price or fix the course. Maintenance appears lacking on a few holes and fairways, which are beat up or under repair. And no drink cart available the entire round, although the 2 complimentary waters were very welcome!

The greens were just starting to come in after air rating and was difficult to putt. No one was on course. During this time I believe prices should be lowered. Not many people playing so no wait time. Course is very challenging.

This course does not disappoint. An amazing course layout with a tremendous staff. I played the front on Friday evening and then 36 on Saturday. Thanks to Bob in the pro shop for being so accommodating! Great course and a must play!

Great course but recently punched and sanded in July. However, they were upfront and the cost was dropped a bit. Very challenging.

This by far the toughest course I’ve played and one of the most beautiful courses

I play here once a year...as if golf isn't humbling enough. This is a course like no other; BORDERLINE gimmicky........you'll want to paint your face like William Wallace before teeing off.

This course is a true gem, incredible design, and aside from some damage on a few fairways, is in very good condition.

Ridiculously hard, ridiculously penal.....and a ton of fun.

Nice staff, and had the course to myself on July 4.

Very friendly staff!

We started a little late due to cutting and rolling of the greens.

Not crowded on a Friday morning!

I don't know if they allow walking, it's quite a long course!

Unbelievably beautiful location!

A lot of blind corners and green, it's kind of challenging. Use an app to view overhead imagery to get a good understanding of the course.

I'd definitely play there again.

Very nice round. When busy it's always a 5 hour round, there are bottlenecks that the club will need to figure out at some point.