Royal New Kent Golf Club

Royal New Kent came at the start of my two week golf trip through Maryland, Virginia, North & South Carolina. Partly because of the weather (winds at 15-20 MPH) but mostly because of the design's inherent challenges, it was the most difficult course that I played. I rated everything 5 stars and please don't think that's just me being ebullient. This is a great golf course and a reasonable approximation of an Irish links. If I had one critique, it would be to put a warning at the second tee that there's a very reachable hazard up top off the tee. This is unlike other Strantz courses that I've played... in a good way. If you happen to be in town, you MUST play Stonehouse as well! Number 18 is as tough a finishing hole as I've seen.

Love the Mike Stranz designs and Royal is one that is very reasonable in price, but the winter conditions on the fairways made for a tough round. All of the fairways and greens have been painted/fertilized with green dye, so although your lie looks ok from afar, when you arrive, there's very little hitting surface. Always friendly staff and a fun challenge.

This course has a beautiful layout and of all the courses I have played this is 1 of the best demanding layouts I have ever played. New owners are investing some time and money in it and it shows. This is a demanding course and we had a 4 someone go off right in front of us who hit several balls all over the place and the starter was generous enough to let us go off the back (thank god). We all have to start somewhere but this course is not for beginners. Great course and very friendly staff will definitely go back again, The girls at the bar were awesome as well...

A real nice, spacious, well thought out golf course. Very challenging! Definitely need to go back!!

Our foursome teed off at 9:00. There were sone wet spots and most of the bunkers had puddles. But we permitted relocation of the ball if it was in water or very wet areas. A very tough layout.

First the positives: The course is in excellent condition. The fairways are well maintained and the greens are like glass. Visually it is a stunning layout carved into a track of rolling hills and interesting land features. That being said it is one of those courses that due to the architect using what he had to work with wound up being aggravating to play. Most great courses have three or four holes that challenge every shot you have in the bag; risk/reward holes. This course has about 15 of those holes. It really doesn't matter what club you choose, you have as good a chance of hitting it somewhere that penalizes you as keeping it in play. On some holes you might as well aim for one of the 10,000 sand traps or waste areas rather than trying to hit a narrow path in the fairway. That being said, I shot an 86 (playing off a 8.2 handicap) so it isn't unplayable. Frankly I would suggest flipping the back nine with the front nine since it is the easier side and won't beat up the average player (like me) right off the bat. I guess my final thought is that if you are a once a month or 10
round a year player don't bother. If you are new to the game stay away at all costs until you are confident in your ball striking. If you are an intermediate player plan to score 5 or 6 stokes higher and lose a couple of balls. If you're scratch have at it!. I rated this course fairly high because every serious golfer needs to humble him or herself from time to time to remind themselves how hard this game can be.

Course reminds you of playing in Ireland. Staff was very friendly and informative.

Stranzian lay out - challenging, visually pleasing with links characteristics but some holes run through residential areas. Several tee boxes available but make sure you play up. I am a low hcp but did not dare to play the back tees and I am glad I didn't. Course features a few blind shots but overall really challenging. First hole is quite difficult. Course conditions OK for this time of the year. Greens a little furry/slow but not too bad. Overall, a must play but if you are high handicapper bring plenty of balls.

Royal New Kent is a fun and tough layout. Even more so today, luckily they let us know at check in they had extra difficult pin positions out for an outing, it would’ve been nicer when I made the reservation. Tough was an understatement, as most were impossible, the greens and course are hard enough without gimmicks. Not sure why anyone would want to have pins where the ball won’t stop near the hole not matter what. While That did take away from the enjoyment. The course overall was awesome, I will play again.

Very challenging course. Beautiful course. Can't wait to see in in the spring! Food was great. Friendly staff!!