Royal New Kent Golf Club

I've reviewed this course many, many times but I always like to provide an update whenever warranted. SO much has been said about how fun a layout this is (and it's all true!) and how challenging it is (especially the first three and last three holes), so I won't go into all of that here again.

The conditions are very good right now. Still a couple soggy spots in the predictable places but the bunker sand has settled in and the sand traps look and play amazing now.

Greens are rolling a little slower than I expected (they've been as fast as 11.5-12 during previous visits) but the course difficulty is high enough without runaway putts so I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing. The ball still rolls smoothly, that's the important thing.

A wonderful staff and very competitive pricing make it an easy decision to come an hour from the west side of Richmond to play and many of my Twitter friends who live up by DC or further have all said they think it's worth the trip for them, I couldn't agree more!

Super fun course, the layout is fantastic and the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere is wonderful. Lots of holes without a house or sign of civilization in sight.

First let me explain that golf played safely during these covid19 times is a safe fantastic outlet from day to day stress. They folks at Royal New Kent have a beautiful & immaculately clean clubhouse and from starter to clubhouse manager& bartender treated us top notch and were very friendly. The couse was in pristine condition except for a few really elevated bunkers. Greens were huge& very undulated running around 11-12. Fairways &tee boxes in great shape as well.. This would be a tough course to walk but ride from one green to next lead to the anticipation of tackling the next spectacular adventure on this 18 hole tour. Fantastic day,fantastic course and staff that could not have made us feel more welcome. Thanks for great time enjoying your club.

it was great starting on the first hole. The course is so very curious and fun. The challenge is unlocking the mind of the designer Michael Strantz. I loved it. Cannot wait to play again. In fact I am researching his courses in hopes of playing most of them.

Staff (excluding lady behind the food counter) were great.

This is my first time back some the refurbishment was completed last year. I would never had paid $100 rack rate for this course before the refurbishment, but I will now willingly. I got a deal on the green fees and that's what brought me and my friends here today. The course is in immaculate shape from the 1st tee box to the 18th green. Tom the starter was personable and nice. The GM Chris was a pleasure to speak with after our round and saw him a couple times making rounds to make sure pace of play was being kept up. The clubhouse was pristine, and the restaurant had good food at the turn. The practice, and chipping greens with the driving range were all in excellent shape. They are doing a fantastic job with all the Covid-19 issues going on, asking us to social distance, and 0utting pool noodles in the cups. I have absolutely no complaints, and only complements about the course. I will be returning soon.

Bring your A game. You will use every club in your bag. Lots of elevation changes in the layout. You will find yourself with uphill, downhill and sidehill lies most of the day. Especially if you haven't played it before and know where to hit it to. Pro shop said the greens average 13 on the stimp meter.

I just love playing at this course! It is beautiful and challenging!

First time down there and I can’t wait to get back there. The staff was great and the course was better.

Great course. Condition fantastic. Layout amazing. Fun test of the game. I will play there a bunch more.

It has been a few years since I have played RNK and I am pleased to say that the conditions and hospitality of the staff is even better than years passed. I am a fan of Strantz designed course having played Stonehouse, Tobacco Road, Tot Hill, True Blue and Caledonia. The challenges off the tee get your focus and then the greens will leave you with a nice 3 putt or a miraculous birdie.The GM Chris, came by to check on us as we had a drink on the patio and the entire staff was wonderful. This is an unprecedented time and if you want to escape 'the new normal' then I highly recommend Royal New Kent!

Holes presented challenges you’ve never had to face before. One of a kind. If you asked 18 people their favorite hole you might get 18 different answers. I spent more time sending f my friends videos then I did worry about my next shot. So I played it twice the same day. The start/cart guy was a sweetheart of a gentleman. Loved his job. Offered to take pictures of us on the first tee box. Gave us pointers on the first three holes. And then said have fun. Saved me atleast 6 strokes lol. It’s a must play for anyone within 50 miles

This course is challenging but enjoyable. The staff was friendly and courteous. I'd recommend this course to anyone, but bring at least a B game because it may not be so enjoyable...

First time walking RNK and the 5th round doing the same recently around my area under the current circumstances.

All went well save for a 15 mph head-wind most of the day, but I'll take a low 60's, no humidity day in early April Central, VA anytime.

One of the best tracks in Virginia - no doubt. If you like golf you have to play this golf course at least once. If you want to know what golf courses in the UK are like you have to play this course.

Played Royal New Kent for the first time and was really impressed. The first hole definitely sets the tone for the round. As a professional caddy, I would recommend taking an extra club or two for your first approach shot. Conditions we’re excellent and the staff was very friendly. Looking forward to playing again with some ”local” knowledge. Seems like a golf course that would get better with each additional round!

I am from Europe, and short of traveling all that way, you can do no better than Royal New Kent. It is impressive for being both desolate and beautiful. The trouble is intense, so rule one out there is play within yourself, and keep the ball in play. Strantz, the designer, believed in the hero shots - the one's you remember forever, and help you fall in love with the game. This is the home of the hero shot.

From the moment you arrive at Royal New Kent, you are greeted with exceptional hospitality from friendly faces. The course itself provides breathtaking views on every tee box as well as exciting approaches into the greens. No two holes were alike which provided for an awesome match amongst my group. If you are a low single-digit handicap, the tips will require plenty of challenging shot placements from tee to green. If you are a more average golfer, the other tee boxes will still allow for a fun challenge at a lesser distance. Course conditions were immaculate despite the harsh winter and the facilities were top-notch.. The GM, Chris, as well as the rest of the staff, were nothing short of fantastic and made us feel very welcome during our time there.

We enjoyed our time at Royal New Kent from the very moment we arrived. The starter brought the Golf cart to us in the parking lot and was very friendly, talked to us about the course, answered any questions we had and offered tips to play the golf course, advice and encouragement before the round. The pro shop staff and GM Christopher Gossett were also very kind and hospitable. They allowed us to spend time before and after the round on their practice green and short game area which was also very nice. The golf course was unlike any course I’ve played in Virginia. Great shape, fun layout, and a truly exciting round from start to finish. After the round we enjoyed a few draft beers on the back patio which offers a beautiful view of the golf course. We are excited to make our way back there soon and bring some buddies who are excited to experience Royal New Kent for themselves.