Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club
A historic Open Championship links course in Deal, Kent, offering a challenging and authentic golfing experience steeped in tradition.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Open Championship links course in Deal, Kent, offering a challenging and authentic golfing experience steeped in tradition.
"Magnificent does not come close to what I experienced; there is not a bad hole on the course."
🎯 Pre-order Lunch
Kitchen closes early (4:45 PM). Order lunch before your 12:30 PM tee time to ensure you get it.
💨 Be Wind-Ready
Coastal winds are a significant factor. Be prepared for them to influence your shots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Championship Links Course
The entire course
A historic Open Championship venue, offering a demanding and authentic links golf challenge with undulating fairways and challenging winds.
Historic Clubhouse
Clubhouse
Experience the timeless charm and traditional atmosphere of a classic English golf clubhouse, steeped in history.
Halfway House at the 9th
9th Hole
A classic links golf touch – enjoy a refreshing drink and a bite at this charming halfway stop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Tee Times
Embrace the Links Challenge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pre-order Lunch
Kitchen closes early (4:45 PM). Order lunch before your 12:30 PM tee time to ensure you get it.
💨 Be Wind-Ready
Coastal winds are a significant factor. Be prepared for them to influence your shots.
🤝 Friendly Atmosphere
Expect a warm welcome from members and staff; many visitors praise the club's hospitality.
📏 Check Green Fees
Visitor green fees can be substantial. Plan your budget accordingly for this premium experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pre-order Lunch
Kitchen closes early (4:45 PM). Order lunch before your 12:30 PM tee time to ensure you get it.
💨 Be Wind-Ready
Coastal winds are a significant factor. Be prepared for them to influence your shots.
🤝 Friendly Atmosphere
Expect a warm welcome from members and staff; many visitors praise the club's hospitality.
📏 Check Green Fees
Visitor green fees can be substantial. Plan your budget accordingly for this premium experience.
🚶♂️ Enjoy the Walk
The course offers a fantastic walking experience. Embrace the traditional links golf journey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club for its historic significance, challenging links layout, and the authentic golfing experience it offers. The friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff are frequently highlighted, though some note that visitor amenities, while adequate, may not match the luxury of other elite clubs. The green fees are considered high, but many feel the unique course and heritage justify the cost.
"Another truly memorable experience. The club is beautiful and steeped in history — you can feel its heritage in every corner. From the moment we arrived, every member and staff member was kind, attentive, and welcoming.
We parked in the guests’ area and headed to the pro shop, where Jordan Golley greeted us and gave us a clear overview of the course, the club dynamics, and everything we needed to know. The pro shop is lovely and well stocked, with that perfect traditional English touch.
The facilities are excellent — traditional locker rooms, spotless showers, and a charming clubhouse that feels timeless. We pre-ordered our lunch before teeing off, as our starting time was 12:30 and the kitchen closes at 4:45 p.m. (a good tip for first-time visitors).
Then came the round itself — what a course! Royal Cinque Ports is an impressive and historic championship links, beautifully designed and always a challenge. It’s hosted The Open Championship twice (1909 and 1920) and has been a qualifying venue many times since. The layout is demanding yet fair, with many blind tee shots, rolling fairways, and ever-present winds that make each shot a test of skill and imagination. It’s the kind of course that keeps you fully engaged from the first drive to the last putt.
At the 9th hole, there’s a small halfway bar — an absolute must-stop. We grabbed a cold beer and a sausage there, the perfect quick break after battling through the first nine holes. It’s a classic touch that adds to the charm and spirit of links golf.
We played just the two of us and completed the round in about three and a half hours — fast, enjoyable golf on a truly world-class course. Back at the clubhouse, our hot sandwiches and pints were waiting for us — absolutely perfect after the round. We ended up chatting with some of the local members until around 7 p.m., enjoying the warm, friendly atmosphere before taking a shower and heading out. (The bar and clubhouse close at 8 p.m.)
It was a wonderful experience from start to finish, one we’ll definitely repeat and recommend when we’re back in Argentina.
A huge thank you to everyone at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club for making our visit so special!"
Ignacio Magnanini
"A lovely links golf course on the east coast of Kent with very friendly staff. The course has had significant investment in it and the work on the club house is ongoing. A good but fair test of your golf game but quite a hefty price to pay for the privilege."
Chris Partridge
"I had the privilege of playing the course with an artisan member and I can safely say it was one of the greatest golfing experiences of my life. There is not a bad hole on the course, most are world class and ensure that you think about every single shot. Magnificent does not come close to what I experienced."
Ben Clark
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club is located in Deal, Kent. The nearest major train station is Deal, with services from London St Pancras International. Taxis are readily available from the station to the club. Driving is also an option, with parking available for visitors.
Yes, it is accessible by public transport. Trains run to Deal, and from there, a short taxi ride will take you to the golf club.
The most convenient way from London is by train to Deal station, followed by a taxi. Alternatively, driving is an option, but be mindful of potential traffic.
The nearest major airports are London Gatwick (LGW) and London Heathrow (LHR), both requiring onward travel by train or car to Deal.
The club provides parking facilities for visitors, including a designated area for guests.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tee times can be booked directly through the club's website or by contacting their pro shop. It's highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for peak times.
Visitor green fees at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club are considered substantial, reflecting its status as a championship course. It's best to check the official club website for the most current pricing.
Yes, the club offers various membership options. Information on membership fees and categories can be found on their official website.
Yes, there is a dress code. Typically, golf attire is required on the course and in the clubhouse. Specific details can be found on the club's website.
Guests of members often have a different booking process and potentially different rates. Inquire directly with the club or the member for details.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
It's a classic links golf course known for its challenging layout, undulating fairways, fast greens, and the ever-present coastal wind. It has hosted The Open Championship twice.
Yes, caddies are available and can enhance your experience by providing local knowledge and assistance with the challenging course.
The clubhouse is traditional and charming, offering a timeless atmosphere. Facilities include locker rooms, showers, and a bar/restaurant area.
Yes, there is a halfway house located at the 9th hole, offering refreshments like beer and snacks, which is a classic touch for links golf.
A round typically takes around three and a half hours for two players, indicating a generally good pace of play on this championship course.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The clubhouse offers dining, typically serving hot sandwiches and pints after a round. It's advisable to check their operating hours.
Yes, lunch is available. A key tip is to pre-order your lunch before teeing off, as the kitchen has specific closing times.
The kitchen typically closes around 4:45 p.m., so planning your meal accordingly is important.
Yes, the halfway house at the 9th hole serves cold beers and snacks, perfect for a mid-round break.
The clubhouse atmosphere is described as warm and friendly, with members often engaging in conversation with visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The course offers stunning coastal views and classic links landscapes, making it very photogenic. Capture the rugged beauty and historic setting.
Many holes offer great photographic potential, especially those with dramatic coastal backdrops or challenging bunker complexes. Hole 14 is often highlighted.
Yes, visitors are generally welcome to take photos to capture their experience. Be mindful of other players and the pace of play.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful dramatic effects on the links landscape, highlighting the undulations and textures.
Drone usage is typically restricted at golf clubs due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to check with the club directly before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If visiting with family, consider focusing on the clubhouse experience or a brief walk around the grounds if permitted. The halfway house could be a fun stop for a snack if you're playing a round. It's best to check with the club directly about their policies regarding children on the course or in certain areas of the clubhouse.
💰 Budget Travelers
For those seeking a more economical experience in the area, exploring nearby public golf courses or considering off-peak times at less renowned clubs might be more suitable. However, if a round at a historic Open Championship venue is a priority, budgeting for the green fees is essential. Look for package deals if available, or consider playing during the shoulder seasons.
🏌️ Golf Enthusiasts
Be prepared for a demanding round. The wind, undulating fairways, and fast greens will test every aspect of your game. Consider hiring a caddie to gain local knowledge and enhance your understanding of the course strategy. The traditional clubhouse and halfway house add to the authentic links experience, making it a truly immersive golf trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal Cinque Ports Golfing Experience
Many visitors describe the course as a 'superb test' with 'world-class' holes. The layout is demanding yet fair, with blind tee shots and rolling fairways that keep you engaged from the first drive to the final putt. The natural beauty of the coastal setting adds to the overall experience, making it a memorable round for any golf enthusiast.
Beyond the golf itself, the club offers a traditional and welcoming atmosphere. The historic clubhouse provides a charming retreat, and the halfway house at the 9th hole is a classic touch that enhances the authentic links golf experience. It's a place where the heritage of the game is palpable in every corner.
A Glimpse into History
The club's location in Deal, Kent, on the coast, provides the quintessential links environment. This type of course, shaped by nature and the elements, has a unique charm and challenge that appeals to golfers worldwide. The club has also served as a qualifying venue for The Open Championship numerous times since its major hosting duties.
Walking the fairways of Royal Cinque Ports is like stepping back in time. The club has undergone significant investment, including work on the clubhouse, to maintain its heritage while offering excellent facilities. The ongoing efforts ensure that the club remains a premier destination for those seeking a classic golfing experience steeped in tradition.
Visitor Etiquette and Practicalities
+1For first-time visitors, a crucial tip is to pre-order lunch before your tee time, as the kitchen closes relatively early. This ensures you can enjoy a meal after your round without disappointment. Also, be prepared for the elements; the coastal winds are a significant factor and can dramatically affect your game.
While the green fees are a considerable investment, many visitors find the experience to be well worth the cost for the quality of the course and the historic setting. Planning your visit, booking tee times in advance, and understanding the club's policies will help you make the most of your memorable day at this iconic links course.
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