Royal St George’s golf club is one of the world’s great courses. Having hosted Opens, PGA and Amateur Championships and Walker and Curtis Cups, it has been witness to more golfing history than any other in England. It was also the setting, in the guise of Royal St Mark’s, of golf’s most famous fictional match, the contest between James Bond and Goldfinger.
Designed by William Laidlaw Purves in 1887, it has constantly evolved to pose a tough test for championship and more modest players alike. In common with many links, it is characterised by humps and swales, dunes and wild rough, fast-running fairways and deep bunkers. Demanding carries put a premium on strong driving, but even with such uncompromising terrain properly flighted and directed shots will always find their target and leave a clear line to the green.
The par 70 golf course measures 6,340 yards from the weekday tees. Royal St George’s is hosting The Open Championship in 2011 and it is easy to see why. The golf course is superbly designed with undulating fairways and fast greens. However, the coastal views that golfers are faced with are truly spectacular. This excellent golf course is a tough challenge for even the most experienced of golfer.
The golf course blends naturally into its beautiful surroundings and its challenging layout is not a traditional one as each nine is broadly circular, a loose figure of eight.Golfers playing on Royal St George’s require confidence and an accurate, solid ball strike so not to get stuck in any sticky situations.
The golf course has plenty of hazards, one of which is on the 4th and is the UK’s tallest and deepest bunker. Some hazards are also invisible from the tees, which tend to cause a few problems. This is an incredibly popular golf course and it is easy to see why. The brilliant challenge that golfers are faced with makes for a truly memorable round of golf.
The Royal St George’s golf club features a great range of practice facilities, including an open air driving range, pitching area, practice nets and putting greens with bunkers. There is a well stocked pro shop that will provide you with all your golfing needs. At the end of your round you can rest assured that you can have a relaxing drink and a catch up about the days events in the charming clubhouse. Retaining all of its original charm, it feels as though you are stepping back in time. The unique atmosphere at this prestigious venue is the perfect place in which to enjoy a delicious lunch either infront of the cosy fire in the winter or outside on the pretty sheltered patio in the summer.
Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond books, was a member here at Royal St George’s golf club. The golf scenes from the film Goldfinger were filmed at Stoke Park, but Fleming called the course “Royal St Marks” in the film, no doubt inspired by his home club.
Visitors are welcome at St George’s from Monday to Friday (except Public and Bank Holidays). Saturday and Sunday’s are reserved for members.