Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club Key Information
The links follows a broadly out-and-back routing north of Deal, with one or two deviations along the way, among them a St Andews Old Course-style loop at the far end.
The best holes are perhaps concentrated in what you might call the ‘central’ section of the course (holes 3-8 and 12-17). The rolling terrain in this part of the links has paved the way for some wonderful green complexes, such as the punchbowl 3rd, the raised plateau 6th and the rollercoaster 16th.
The run for home into the prevailing wind from the 12th is as tough a test as you'll encounter anywhere.
REASONS TO PLAY ROYAL CINQUE PORTS
- It's a two-time former Open Championship venue so steeped in history
- There are some fascinating green complexes and run-offs allowing for a huge variety of greenside shots
- There's a real chance to show where your game is at on the testing final stretch from 12 to the clubhouse
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 43
Along with Royal St George’s and Prince’s, Royal Cinque Ports is one of three Open Championship links in Golf Monthly's Top 100 Golf Courses UK & Ireland rankings that lie almost back-to-back-to-back on the Kent coast between Sandwich and Deal. All three sit right at the top of any best golf courses in Kent list.
Founded in 1892, the original nine-hole links had grown to a full 18 by the turn of the century. James Braid, Henry Cotton, and most recently, Martin Ebert, have been involved in its evolution over the years.
I've played it a number of times in all sorts of weather conditions, most recently in October 2024 when a wind off the sea (and hurting) saw several competitors end up OOB by the clubhouse or perilously close to it on the 1st.
For me, it is quite a quiet start over the opening couple of holes before really coming alive for a long spell of varied and interesting golf from the par-5 3rd, where the sunken green calls for creativity in abundance if your approach doesn't make it all the way down.
As for the fabled closing stretch, I can vouch for a lot of headcover removal over the years even when not attempting to play it from tees too far back for my waning powers.
The links follows a broadly out-and-back routing north of the town of Deal, with one or two deviations along the way, among them a St Andrews Old Course-style loop at the far end.
The outward nine heads north, hugging the sea wall closely in places, nowhere more so than the green on the short but tempting par-4 6th, which sits atop a steep bank right beside the wall.
There are some cracking moments in among the taller dunes over this stretch, among them that par-5 3rd, which plays semi-blind to a fascinating green set in a hollow. This hole has been remodelled in recent years by Ebert with the fairway re-aligned further to the left and the tee moved across to the left-hand side of the 2nd green and elevated to give a stunning view right down the hole. The tee is surrounded by a striking sand scrape
The four holes from the 8th play back and forth in more of a west-to-east and east-to-west direction to potentially unsettle your rhythm, and, as mentioned earlier, the run for home from the 12th into the prevailing wind is as tough as you’ll encounter anywhere.
The 16th has been restored to a par 5 rather than a very challenging par 4, with the tees going back 60 yards. A split fairway offers a new elevated option on the left for a better view of the green. The fairway is lined with large rough-edged bunkers.
The Open visited in 1909 and 1920 and was scheduled for two further stagings in 1938 and 1949. Sadly, both were thwarted when easterly winds and high tides inundated the course.
A new short-game area, also designed by Ebert, features two greens and three bunkers to enhance the club’s practice facilities.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…
Driving onto the links and up to the clubhouse does set your spider senses tingling. There are a number of truly memorable holes and this course will be remembered (and revisited) for many years to come. You need all your clubs and some imagination when trying to use them. Risk/reward is a factor on most shots with lots of bunkers pushing you wide or tempting you to take them on. Blind approaches add to the challenge and although the course is fair, there is some lottery with blind shots. I particularly liked the 3rd - massive dunes and a green in a dell. It really whets your appetite for what lies ahead. There are many courses you enjoy, but some you get really excited about visiting. Deal is one of the latter.
Only three par 3s and three par 5s, so 12 par 4s. However it doesn’t feel like it lacks variety. The par 4s are balanced and you have a fair amount of risk/reward on the short, blind, par 4 6th, for example. While it is an out-and-back layout the holes frequently change direction, the 8th, for example, playing out to sea at right angles to the par-4 7th. An Open Championship venue with outstanding facilities that is extremely tough but fair with it. Bring your 'A' game, or just enjoy the sea views!
Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club location
Book a tee-time direct with the club online
Best Courses Near Royal Cinque Ports
Best Places To Stay Near Royal Cinque Ports
The Lodge at Prince's - Book now at Booking.com
The Lodge at Prince’s Golf Club in Sandwich offers excellent accommodation not far from Royal Cinque Ports. Set by the 6th green on the Shore nine, there are views across the course or out over Sandwich Bay towards Ramsgate. The Brasserie on the Bay provides high-quality dining, featuring Kentish produce and locally foraged ingredients. There is also a cosy lounge bar with log fire, serving a range of cocktails, and an outdoor terrace.
Royal Hotel, Deal - Book now at Booking.com
The Royal Hotel is on the seafront in Deal. It is an 18th-century three-star hotel with beautiful rooms only a mile or so from the course, renowned for its warm hospitality and comfortable surroundings. The elegant à la carte restaurant serves a variety of freshly cooked meals.
Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club Scorecard
Royal Cinque Ports Gallery
ROYAL CINQUE PORTS HISTORICAL TOP 100 RANKING UK&I
- 2025/26 - 43
- 2023/24 - 45
- 2021/22 - 53
- 2019/20 - 58
- 2017/18 - 56
- 2015/16 - 56
- 2013/14 - 47
- 2011/12 - 47
- 2009/10 - 52
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the two Opens played at Royal Cinque Ports?
In 1909 it was home favourite J.H. Taylor who claimed the fourth of his fifth Claret Jugs and the £50 winner's cheque with an impressive six-stroke victory over Tom Ball and James Braid. In 1920, Scot George Duncan won by two from fellow Scot, Sandy Herd, despite shooting 80 in the opening two rounds. The winner's cheque had increased to £75 by then.
Does Royal Cinque Ports have one of golf's toughest closing stretches?
Quite simply, yes. When you turn back south on the 12th tee, not only are you playing into the prevailing south-westerly wind all the way back to the clubhouse, but you will also be facing some of the toughest holes on the course. Off the tips, four of the five par 4s are over 450 yards, with the only par 3, 219 yards and the solitary par 5, 549 yards.
