Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club
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Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club

4.6
·264 reviews·, United Kingdom

A historic Open Championship links course in Deal, Kent, offering a challenging and authentic golfing experience steeped in tradition.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

CrowdLow
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Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club

Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Open Championship links course in Deal, Kent, offering a challenging and authentic golfing experience steeped in tradition.

4.6
(264 reviews)

"Magnificent does not come close to what I experienced; there is not a bad hole on the course."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 264 reviews

Type

Sports Club

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Championship Links Course

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

Historic Clubhouse

Clubhouse

Experience the timeless charm and traditional atmosphere of a classic English golf clubhouse, steeped in history.

Halfway House at the 9th

Halfway House at the 9th

9th Hole

A classic links golf touch – enjoy a refreshing drink and a bite at this charming halfway stop.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Prime Tee Times

Tee times at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, a historic Open Championship venue, can be highly sought after. Booking well in advance is crucial, especially for weekend or peak season play. Consider weekday rounds for potentially more availability and a slightly less crowded experience. Reddit

Embrace the Links Challenge

This is a true links golf experience, meaning you'll face coastal winds, undulating fairways, and firm greens. Come prepared for a demanding test of your game; it's a classic challenge that rewards strategic play. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Autumn
Why
Ideal weather for links golf
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club Have you ever been?
lukefromthejar
50 likes • 3K views

🎯 Pre-order Lunch

Kitchen closes early (4:45 PM). Order lunch before your 12:30 PM tee time to ensure you get it. Reddit

💨 Be Wind-Ready

Coastal winds are a significant factor. Be prepared for them to influence your shots. InstagramReddit

We caught up with @deanobaily from @heswallgreens on his Championship placement at The R&A Amateur Championship Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club We caught up with him to see what he’s been doing this week as part of the R&A Championship Agronomy Programme. #greenkeeping #greenkeeper #golfcourse #education
bigga_hq
235 likes • 22K views
@royalcinqueports ⛳️ what a truly special place steeped in tradition ❤️ Great day celebrating the career of Andrew Reynolds, the recently retired Head Professional at this @theopen Championship venue. Thanks to @_mike_hart_ @jackfrancesgolf & @harryclewley for a fun day on the links 🏌🏻‍♂️ #golf #golfers #golfswings #royalcinqueportsgolfclub #longsocks #tradition #pgaprofessional #gfore #golfco...
nickwarwickgolf
38 likes • 1.6K views

🤝 Friendly Atmosphere

Expect a warm welcome from members and staff; many visitors praise the club's hospitality. InstagramReddit

📏 Check Green Fees

Visitor green fees can be substantial. Plan your budget accordingly for this premium experience. Reddit

What a great three days representing Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club at the Elevate Golf event in Fairmont St. Andrews🤩 Thank you to RCP for giving me this fabulous opportunity. And thank you to Elevate Golf for creating and hosting such a amazing event🥂
czaraeb
0 likes • 3.1K views

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. Reddit

💨 Be Wind-Ready

Coastal winds are a significant factor. Be prepared for them to influence your shots. InstagramReddit

🤝 Friendly Atmosphere

Expect a warm welcome from members and staff; many visitors praise the club's hospitality. InstagramReddit

📏 Check Green Fees

Visitor green fees can be substantial. Plan your budget accordingly for this premium experience. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Enjoy the Walk

The course offers a fantastic walking experience. Embrace the traditional links golf journey. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(264 reviews)

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

Historic Open Championship venue
Challenging links golf
Friendly and welcoming atmosphere

What People Dislike

High visitor green fees
Amenities could be more luxurious

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

The nearest major airports are London Gatwick (LGW) and London Heathrow (LHR), both requiring onward travel by train or car to Deal. Instagram

The club provides parking facilities for visitors, including a designated area for guests. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, the club offers various membership options. Information on membership fees and categories can be found on their official website. Reddit

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. Instagram

Guests of members often have a different booking process and potentially different rates. Inquire directly with the club or the member for details. Reddit

🎫 ⛳ 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. InstagramReddit

Yes, caddies are available and can enhance your experience by providing local knowledge and assistance with the challenging course. Reddit

The clubhouse is traditional and charming, offering a timeless atmosphere. Facilities include locker rooms, showers, and a bar/restaurant area. Reddit

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. Reddit

A round typically takes around three and a half hours for two players, indicating a generally good pace of play on this championship course. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The clubhouse offers dining, typically serving hot sandwiches and pints after a round. It's advisable to check their operating hours. Reddit

Yes, lunch is available. A key tip is to pre-order your lunch before teeing off, as the kitchen has specific closing times. Reddit

The kitchen typically closes around 4:45 p.m., so planning your meal accordingly is important. Reddit

Yes, the halfway house at the 9th hole serves cold beers and snacks, perfect for a mid-round break. Reddit

The clubhouse atmosphere is described as warm and friendly, with members often engaging in conversation with visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Absolutely! The course offers stunning coastal views and classic links landscapes, making it very photogenic. Capture the rugged beauty and historic setting. Instagram+1

Many holes offer great photographic potential, especially those with dramatic coastal backdrops or challenging bunker complexes. Hole 14 is often highlighted. Instagram

Yes, visitors are generally welcome to take photos to capture their experience. Be mindful of other players and the pace of play. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful dramatic effects on the links landscape, highlighting the undulations and textures. Instagram

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. Instagram

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