Royal St George's Golf Club
A historic Open Championship venue, Royal St George's offers a challenging links golf experience and a taste of tradition.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Royal St George's Golf Club
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Open Championship venue, Royal St George's offers a challenging links golf experience and a taste of tradition.
"Truly remarkable experience, steeped in history, atmosphere, people, and of course, the course itself."
🎯 Book a Caddie
Highly recommended for navigating the complex greens and fairways. Caddies are experts!
👔 Respect the Dress Code
Smart attire is essential, especially in the clubhouse. Check specific requirements beforehand.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic 18th Hole
Finishing hole
A challenging par 4 that tests your nerve and skill, often playing a crucial role in major championships.
The Challenging Short Holes
Various holes
Royal St George's is known for its demanding short holes that require precision and strategic play.
Clubhouse Heritage
Clubhouse
Experience the rich history and tradition of one of golf's most revered clubs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Booking Your Round
Embrace the Tradition
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book a Caddie
Highly recommended for navigating the complex greens and fairways. Caddies are experts!
👔 Respect the Dress Code
Smart attire is essential, especially in the clubhouse. Check specific requirements beforehand.
📸 Capture the Majesty
The course offers stunning views and a sense of history. Don't forget your camera!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Enjoy the full experience, from arrival to the clubhouse. It's more than just a round of golf.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book a Caddie
Highly recommended for navigating the complex greens and fairways. Caddies are experts!
👔 Respect the Dress Code
Smart attire is essential, especially in the clubhouse. Check specific requirements beforehand.
📸 Capture the Majesty
The course offers stunning views and a sense of history. Don't forget your camera!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Enjoy the full experience, from arrival to the clubhouse. It's more than just a round of golf.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Royal St George's for its immaculate course, rich history, and the exceptional hospitality. The challenging links layout and the traditional, welcoming atmosphere create an unforgettable golfing experience. While the cost is high, most feel it's a worthwhile pilgrimage for any serious golfer.
"What a truly remarkable experience. From the moment we arrived, everything about Royal St George’s felt special — the history, the atmosphere, the people, and of course, the course itself.
The reception was outstanding. There’s a dedicated staff member whose sole role is to welcome visitors — guiding you to the pro shop, showing you the locker rooms, and even walking you to the buggy stop that takes you to the practice area. The welcome gifts were a lovely touch, and the sense of tradition and respect for the game is felt in every detail.
The pro shop team was excellent too. A young Welsh guy, who started just six months ago, stood out for his warmth and enthusiasm — a great conversationalist, clearly proud of the club, and yes, a very good salesman too! 😄
We played on a tough, windy day, but the course was immaculate — a masterpiece of links golf. Every hole demands precision and creativity. The layout is pure genius: rolling dunes, hidden fairways, and fast, firm greens. It’s the kind of place that both humbles and inspires you.
Royal St George’s is steeped in history. Founded in 1887, it has hosted The Open Championship 15 times, more than any other English course. It’s where Tiger Woods famously lost his ball in the rough in 2003, and where Collin Morikawa lifted the Claret Jug in 2021. It remains a regular host for major events and a proud venue of the R&A and PGA tours — a true cathedral of golf.
After the round, we explored the clubhouse, which is magnificent. If you want to dine in the main dining room, jackets, ties, trousers, and formal shoes are required — a reminder of the club’s proud traditions. There’s also a more relaxed dining room, which serves a simpler but equally good menu and stays open until 4 p.m. (the main one closes at 3 p.m.). Because of timing, we ate in the relaxed one, and the food was excellent.
Karen, who looked after us, was wonderful — kind, professional, and took the time to show us around the different rooms of the clubhouse. Each room tells a story, full of trophies, portraits, and memories that define over a century of golfing greatness.
Though it’s a formal and traditional club, the members are warm, polite, and genuinely welcoming. The combination of elegance and friendliness makes the experience unforgettable.
Without question, Royal St George’s is a very special place — one of those rare clubs that truly embody the spirit of golf. We’ll definitely be back, and we’ll keep recommending it as one of the greatest golfing experiences anywhere.
Thank you to everyone at Royal St George’s for an unforgettable day."
Ignacio Magnanini
"I attended the Amateur Championship for 3 days this week. What a course! Great set up by the R & A and the event was a credit to both them and the club. I'd love to play it one day, but it's a bit out of my price range!"
Ian Cottrell
"I was lucky enough to play 4 rounds in 2 days and in that time we had every type of weather. I know the course reasonably well, but I will never know those greens. You either need a PhD in putting or a caddie! Definitely book a caddie, they are all experts."
Catherine Doel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Royal St George's Golf Club is located in Sandwich, Kent, England. The nearest major train station is Sandwich, with services from London St Pancras International. Taxis are available from the station to the club. Driving is also an option, with parking available on-site.
Yes, you can reach Sandwich by train. From Sandwich station, it's a short taxi ride to the golf club.
The most convenient way is by train from London St Pancras International to Sandwich. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Some golf travel companies offer packages that may include transport from major airports or train stations. It's worth researching golf tour operators specializing in UK golf breaks.
Royal St George's Golf Club is located in Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9JJ, United Kingdom.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playing Royal St George's is typically by invitation from a member or through a limited number of visitor tee times. Booking well in advance is essential, and it's advisable to contact the club directly or a reputable golf tour operator.
Green fees at Royal St George's are significant due to its status as an Open Championship venue. Exact prices vary by season and day, and it's best to inquire directly with the club or your booking agent.
Yes, a handicap is generally required to play at Royal St George's, reflecting the club's high standards. Specific handicap requirements can be confirmed with the club.
The club operates during daylight hours for golf. The clubhouse dining rooms have specific opening and closing times, with the main dining room closing at 3 p.m. and the relaxed dining room at 4 p.m.
Direct online booking for visitor tee times can be limited. It's often best to go through a golf society, a tour operator, or contact the club's administration for availability.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Absolutely. Many visitors and reviewers highly recommend hiring a caddie. They are invaluable for navigating the course, understanding the greens, and providing local knowledge.
A smart dress code is enforced. For men, collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, and golf shoes are required. For women, appropriate golf attire is expected. The clubhouse has a stricter dress code, often requiring jackets and ties for men in the main dining room.
The club offers excellent practice facilities, including a driving range and putting greens, to help you prepare for your round.
Club rentals may be available, but it's advisable to confirm this with the club or your booking agent when you make your reservation.
Pace of play can vary, especially during peak times or tournaments. Playing with a caddie can sometimes help maintain a good rhythm. It's a championship course, so expect a full round experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Royal St George's offers both a formal main dining room and a more relaxed dining room. The main dining room requires jackets and ties, while the relaxed room offers a simpler menu. Both provide excellent food and service.
Yes, visitors are welcome to dine at the clubhouse, adhering to the respective dress codes for each dining area. The food is consistently praised.
The cuisine is traditional British with a focus on high-quality ingredients. Expect classic dishes prepared to a high standard.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the main dining room, to ensure availability.
The main dining room typically closes at 3 p.m., and the relaxed dining room at 4 p.m. It's best to confirm current hours with the club.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the course for personal use, but always be mindful of other players and the club's policies. Inside the clubhouse, photography may be restricted in certain areas.
The dramatic dunes, the challenging green complexes, and the iconic holes like the 18th offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The clubhouse itself also presents a historic backdrop.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at golf clubs, especially championship venues, due to privacy and safety concerns. It's essential to check with the club directly before considering any drone activity.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful dramatic effects on the course. The 'golden hour' can enhance the natural beauty of the links.
You can find many stunning photos on Instagram using hashtags like #RoyalStGeorgesGolfClub and #RoyalStGeorges.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, if your family includes keen golfers, the experience can be exceptional. The club offers a glimpse into the history and prestige of golf. For younger aspiring golfers, the sheer scale and history of the course can be inspiring, though the playing experience itself is geared towards experienced golfers.
💰 Budget Travelers
For those on a tighter budget, experiencing the club might involve visiting the surrounding area of Sandwich, which is a charming historic town, or perhaps attending a major event hosted at the club as a spectator if tickets are available and affordable. Exploring the coastal paths nearby also offers beautiful scenery without the high cost of playing the course.
💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Following a round, enjoying a fine dining experience at the clubhouse, perhaps with a more formal dinner in the main dining room, can add a touch of luxury and romance to your getaway. The picturesque town of Sandwich nearby also offers charming accommodations and a quaint atmosphere for a romantic escape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Championship Legacy
From the legendary battles of the past to modern-day triumphs, the course has tested the mettle of golf's elite. It's a place where history is palpable, and playing it offers a unique connection to the sport's storied past. The club's commitment to tradition is evident in its immaculate presentation and the reverence with which it is treated by golfers worldwide.
Notable moments include Tiger Woods famously losing his ball in the thick rough in 2003 and Collin Morikawa lifting the Claret Jug in 2021. These events underscore the course's enduring challenge and its status as a true cathedral of golf.
Navigating the Links Challenge
Many holes feature blind shots and hidden fairways, making local knowledge invaluable. This is where the recommendation for a caddie becomes paramount. A good caddie can guide you on the best lines of play, help you read the notoriously tricky greens, and provide crucial advice on club selection, especially when the wind is up.
The course demands precision from the tee and a deft touch around the greens. It's a layout that rewards thoughtful play and penalizes errant shots, ensuring that every hole presents a unique strategic puzzle. The short holes, in particular, are renowned for their difficulty and require exceptional accuracy.
Clubhouse Elegance and Tradition
Dining at the clubhouse is a highlight for many. The main dining room offers a formal experience, requiring jackets and ties, where you can savor exquisite cuisine while surrounded by golfing memorabilia and portraits of past champions. For a slightly more relaxed setting, the club also provides a more casual dining option with an equally impressive menu.
The club's commitment to tradition is evident in its dress codes and the overall ambiance. This dedication to preserving the heritage of golf makes a visit to Royal St George's a truly immersive and unforgettable experience, blending sporting excellence with refined hospitality.
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