Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club

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Historic Open Championship Links in the Heart of Deal

Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, affectionately known as “Deal,” stands as one of England’s most historic championship links courses. Founded in 1892 and granted Royal status in 1910, this magnificent seaside course twice hosted The Open Championship (1909 and 1920) and remains deeply embedded in the rich tapestry of British golf heritage alongside its illustrious neighbours in Sandwich Bay.

Championship Links Heritage

Royal Cinque Ports boasts an extraordinary championship pedigree, having hosted The Open in 1909 (won by J.H. Taylor) and 1920 (won by George Duncan). The club was scheduled to host The Open four times, but high tides cancelled the 1938 and 1949 championships, which were moved to Royal St George’s. Despite this setback, Deal continues to serve as an Open Championship Final Qualifying venue and hosts prestigious amateur tournaments including The Amateur Championship and the annual Public Schools Championship since 1925.

Classic Links Golf Experience

  • Championship Layout: 18-hole par-72 links stretching 7,381 yards from the championship tees
  • Classic Routing: Traditional out-and-back design along the sea wall
  • Demanding Back Nine: Legendary closing stretch playing into prevailing south-westerly winds
  • Signature Holes: The par-4 16th included in Henry Cotton’s “Eighteen Best Holes in England”
  • Course Architecture: Recently enhanced by Martin Ebert maintaining authentic links character

Historic Clubhouse & Facilities

The traditional clubhouse, built in 1892, offers modern facilities with top-class hospitality while maintaining its historic charm. The upstairs bar provides panoramic views over the links and English Channel, creating the perfect 19th hole experience. The club features excellent dining with seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine, and comprehensive golf shop facilities. Practice areas include putting greens and short game facilities essential for mastering this challenging links test.

Championship Course Character

Royal Cinque Ports presents a true links challenge with its classic “game of two halves” design. The front nine typically plays with the wind, offering scoring opportunities, while the back nine demands patience and precision into the prevailing breeze. The course features narrow fairways, strategic bunkering, large undulating greens, and the famous burn crossing both the 1st and 18th holes. The legendary finishing stretch from holes 12-18 is considered among the most demanding in British golf.

Complete Kent Coast Golf Experience

Complete your championship links trilogy by playing Royal St George’s Golf Club and Prince’s Golf Club in nearby Sandwich. Stay at the historic Royal Hotel Deal on the seafront or The Bell Hotel Sandwich. Explore Deal’s maritime heritage at Deal Castle and Deal Maritime Museum. Enjoy excellent dining at The Rose Hotel and discover nearby Walmer Castle. Complete your coastal tour with North Foreland Golf Club offering spectacular clifftop golf.

Visitor Information & Green Fees

Green Fees: Range from £150 (winter weekdays) to £235 (summer weekends). Day ticket available for additional £30 to play multiple rounds.

Visitor Days: Monday-Thursday with four-ball play available Mondays and Thursdays only. Singles and two-balls welcome Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday visitor tee times available with advance booking essential. Online booking system available.

Booking Information: Contact the office on 01304 374007 or email office@royalcinqueports.com. All visitor bookings include complimentary breakfast roll with tea or coffee.

Additional Information

  • Par: 72
  • Length: 7,381 yards (Championship tees)
  • Course Rating: 76.9
  • Slope Rating: 148
  • Founded: 1892 (Royal status 1910)
  • Architects: James Braid, Sir Guy Campbell, Henry Cotton, Martin Ebert
  • Open Championships: 1909 (J.H. Taylor), 1920 (George Duncan)
  • Style: Classic out-and-back championship links
  • Notable Events: Amateur Championship, Public Schools Championship (annually since 1925)
  • Playing Format: Predominantly two-ball play for optimal pace
  • Facilities: Traditional clubhouse, dining, pro shop, practice areas
  • Dress Code: Traditional golf attire required on course and in clubhouse

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