Canterbury Golf Club

Place Categories: Golf Courses Sports & RecreationPlace Tags: Beginner-Friendly Canterbury Classic Golf Club Competitions Member Welcome Members Club Parkland Course Practice Facilities Social Golf Traditional Golf

Historic Harry Colt Design in Canterbury’s Ancient Landscape

Canterbury Golf Club offers one of East Kent’s finest golfing experiences, featuring a magnificent Harry Colt-designed course set within mature woodland near the historic cathedral city of Canterbury. Established in 1927 and built by Colt’s preferred contractors Franks Harris Brothers, this traditional members’ club has evolved into a Site of Special Scientific Interest, where ancient heathland has given way to spectacular mature woodland carpeted with bluebells each spring.

Classic Harry Colt Design Heritage

The course represents some of Harry Colt’s finest work from the mid-1920s, praised by Golf Course Architecture editor Adam Lawrence as “truly the most pleasant surprise I have had on a British golf course in a long time.” Built on land originally leased from the War Office adjacent to the former Howe Barracks, the club now owns the freehold following the barracks’ closure in 2015, securing its future for generations to come.

Championship Woodland Course

  • Course Layout: 18-hole par-71 measuring 6,287 yards from white tees
  • Design Character: Mix of open par-5s, tight par-4s, and challenging par-3s
  • Natural Setting: Mature woodland with diverse wildlife and spring bluebells
  • Strategic Features: Elevated tees, raised greens, undulating fairways, and Colt’s signature bunkering
  • Environmental Recognition: Large areas designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest

Signature Holes & Course Features

The course showcases Colt’s genius throughout, with standout holes including the epic 365-yard 8th – described as “one of the very finest par-fours in the country” with its dramatic fairway cant and elevated green. The 14th offers stunning views of the Kent Downs, while the 17th demonstrates Colt’s ability to create challenging holes from unpromising terrain. Recent architectural work by James Edwards has enhanced the 5th with attractive new bunkers.

Comprehensive Club Facilities

The traditional clubhouse provides exceptional hospitality with panoramic course views from the patio overlooking the 18th fairway and 1st tee. The club features a state-of-the-art driving range manned daily, comprehensive pro shop, two practice greens, and excellent bar and restaurant facilities. The catering team serves everything from light snacks to full meals, with particular praise for their exceptional service standards.

Complete Canterbury Experience

Explore historic Canterbury with visits to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral and Canterbury Roman Museum. Stay at the elegant Cathedral Lodge or boutique Falstaff Hotel. Discover Westgate Towers and stroll through Westgate Gardens. Enjoy excellent dining at The Goods Shed and explore Canterbury Tales attraction. Complete your East Kent golf tour with Royal St George’s Golf Club and experience nearby Kent Downs natural beauty.

Visitor Information & Society Golf

Contact & Booking: Phone 01227 453532 (option 1) or email office@canterburygolfclub.co.uk for tee times and visitor information.

Society Golf: Excellent reputation for society events with comprehensive catering packages. Regularly hosts groups including the Society of Lady Captains of Kent Golf Clubs.

Academy Membership: Available for £100 annually, providing affordable access to facilities including discounted driving range use.

Opening Hours: Open seven days a week. Driving range manned every afternoon during weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday.

Additional Information

  • Par: 71
  • Length: 6,287 yards from white tees
  • Founded: 1927 (club heritage dates to 1892)
  • Designer: Harry Colt (mid-1920s)
  • Contractors: Franks Harris Brothers
  • Course Type: Mature woodland parkland on former heathland
  • Environmental Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
  • Signature Hole: 8th – epic 365-yard par-4 with dramatic elevation changes
  • Natural Features: Spring bluebells, diverse wildlife, mature trees
  • Facilities: State-of-the-art driving range, pro shop, restaurant, bar
  • Practice Areas: Two practice greens, comprehensive short game facilities
  • Membership Options: Traditional, Associate, Second Club, Age-ranged (21-35)
  • Location: One hour from M25, close to Channel Tunnel and ferry ports
  • Access Note: A257 Littlebourne Road may have temporary diversions due to local development
Website
01227 453532