insideKENT Magazine Issue 85 - April 2019 | Page 56

GOLF G E T O N THE GREEN CONT. HEVER CASTLE GOLF CLUB Hever Castle Golf Club, Hever www.hever.co.uk/golf Knole Park Golf Club, Sevenoaks www.knoleparkgolfclub.co.uk Famed for its castle and award-winning gardens, the historic Hever Estate is also home to a 7,000-yard championship golf course along with the testing Princes 9-hole course. The club’s 27 holes reside in an inspirational setting offering a range of course and teeing options to suit all levels of ability, from beginner to professional. Unique amongst golf courses in the United Kingdom, Knole Park Golf Club is located within 1,000 acres of outstanding parkland, home to the finest deer herd in the South East. The house at Knole, one of the greatest National Trust properties in the country, together with Knole Park itself, provides the perfect backdrop to this challenging course that was designed by J. Abercromby in consultation with James Braid. The course has been enjoyed by its members and visitors since 1924. Whilst golf has been played on the estate since the 1920s, the current championship course was laid out as recently as 1992 (although with the many fine, ancient tree specimens it has the feeling of a being a well-established course). Off the course, their Tudor Clubhouse offers a warm welcome featuring The Astor Lounge Bar & Restaurant and expansive outdoor terrace. Visitors and golf days are welcome outside of members’ times. Membership is currently open with no joining fee. 56 Regularly named as one of the top 100 courses in England by golf magazines, Knole Park Golf Course, at just under 6,500 yards from the green (back) tees, with a par of 70 and a CSS of 71, is a course steeped in history and a truly inspiring place to play. The club hosts the Kent Youth Championship, is the home of the prestigious Kent Cob Amateur scratch competition, and has hosted the English Seniors Championship and a number of TP Tour events.