Royal New Kent Golf Club

Along with Stonehouse, Royal New Kent is not what it once was and it's too bad. Golf is not as popular as it once was and intricate courses without play just can't be maintained to the old standards.

Great course and very difficult. Course of play was too slow. First time I ever had a 6 hour round.

Challenging, Fun, Links style, dog legs, some blind shots, spectacular views, undulating greens, excellent conditions and professional positive staff.

From the moment you arrive, and view the golf course, you know you are in for a exceptional and rewarding experience. The slope on this course commands you to choose the right Tee box, the right club and to hit accurate shots… If you are errant on any of those decisions, plan on some frustration or losing a ball… however, when it all goes right, this is one of the most rewarding and interesting courses I have played. From the moment we finished our round, I was determined to replay this course again (course knowledge will help) and to let my golf buddies know about this hidden gem.

The clubhouse sits high on a hill with sweeping views of hole one and eighteen. We were met at our car, with a cart, by the warm and friendly staff. After checking in and surprisingly affordable rates, we headed off to the practice range, which was on grass, with a chipping and putting area. If you are playing this course, for the first time, and without someone with course knowledge, the yardage book is helpful for the blind shots and appropriate landing areas. Being on the greens, does not guarantee a two put, being above the hole is a possible three putt.

Tee boxes, fairways and greens were in superb conditions, at times like hitting off a carpet. A plethora of greenside and fairway bunkers were in fair condition, hittable but evidently the recent rain made them inconsistent but playable.

The course meanders through rolling countryside, each hole unique from the other. Par threes present uphill and downhill challenges and if flag placement is at the most difficult area, plan on celebrating a bogey. From its high venue, the first hole is a strong uphill dog leg left, to an elevated green, protected by bunkers… typical of this course. The rolling grasses and rock walls caused one of our players (who grew up in Ireland), to remark that this course reminded him of the courses in Ireland. In fact the Irish flag tops the flag stick on most greens! Wayward shots can find tall grasses and well defined hills, slopes and forested areas, beyond the fairways. You are thinking on every hole and hitting a straight shot may not be the best choice on numerous left and right dog legs.

Long hitters may be tempted to cut the dogleg, but you better know your distance or you will be hunting for your ball. There are only two holes with water the 17th and 18th for a challenging finish, but numerous blind shots or uphill and downhill hole are included with the many doglegs

In short, play this course, and if you can… play with someone who knows the course. I can understand that the pace of play may be slow at times, especially on weekends, with individuals trying to find their balls, but this course was a treat that FAR exceeded my expectations. Will return soon.

Great layout. Great greens and green speeds. Easily one of the best in central VA

10-18 pace of play was great.... 1-9 pace of play was terrible.... very slow.

Besides that.... this course is a difficult, challenging layout. It is not for beginners. From the tips you better be long and accurate. The layout is challenging at very tee box. Greens are undulating. Love the challenge.

Great layout but very challenging. Landscape looks a lot different than what else is around the area. Strantz did a great job designing this one. Bring a friend to help spot some of you shots, you’ll probably need it.

Played here yesterday. The course was in great shape though my performance was not! This course is very challenging, but not completely unfair. What stood out for me was the staff. From Charles, the starter, who was informative and professional yet very personable and friendly to Haley(HK), the cart attendant, who wiped our clubs who was very friendly and offered great customer service, our experience was extra pleasurable!

What can I say!!?? There is NO better course in this area!!

You will be challenged by this golf course. Several very unique golf holes. Make sure you pick the tee that is appropriate for your skill level. Greens held on high approach shots an rolled beautifully.

I haven't played RNK since it was renovated and restored to its original condition. They did an exceptional job in the renovation. The other reviews this month mentioned no grass...I didn't find that. Virginia has had little rain in May, so all the courses are dry and firm; however, RNK has plenty of grass in the fairways...they are just really tight lies. Once there is some rain, the course will definitely green up more. With the firm conditions, you get plenty of bounce and roll, so factor that into your landing zones. The bunkers are superb...nice fluffy sand. And, the greens are very nice--not as fast as I was lead to believe they would be, but certainly running true. And, there are several greens with false fronts--you will roll back off the green and down the apron if you're not careful. The course is in great shape...nothing a little rain won't help. Additionally, the staff were excellent. Very welcoming, personable, and open to answer any questions you might have. Pack a lot of patience to play this course--it's target golf with lots of blind shots and trouble along the way. The course slope/rating is very high!

Such a fun course! It’s a very placement style golf course with not much room for forgiveness. Greens are in great shape!! Blind shots, hills, and dog legs are very normal out here. But it’s a must play for anyone even if it’s just to check out the corse and lose a few dozen balls. It’s worth it!!

Super interesting layout !! If they had enough water or rain to keep the grass green it would be a 10 in my book. But for now, fairways are hard, dry and dead, tee boxes not for behind. The greens are good as they probably get the most water. Course reminds me of Wolf Creek in Mesquite, NV. Highly recommend both !!

This is the most ‘interesting’ course I’ve played on the east coast !!! Corresponds to Wolf Creek in Mesquite, NV outside Vegas !!! Desperately needs Rain for the turf, otherwise everything is dying !! If the turf were in good condition, this might be one of the best courses I’ve Ever played ... in 50 years of golf !!! Outstanding !!