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NEWSLETTER
History
Experience competitive golf with coastal views during North Foreland Open Week! Join players from across the region for a week of great golf, friendly competition, and fantastic hospitality. We look forward to welcoming you to North Foreland.
Experience competitive golf with coastal views during North Foreland Open Week!
Join players from across the region for a week of great golf, friendly competition, and fantastic hospitality. We look forward to welcoming you to North Foreland.
The History of North Foreland Golf Club
1903 – The Founding Year
North Foreland Golf Club was established in 1903 by a group of passionate golfing
enthusiasts led by Lord Avebury and William Capel Slaughter. The original 9-hole course was located on common land known as Northdown, close to where the current 6th green sits today. The club’s first committee also included notable figures such as Sir Luke Fildes and Clifford Brookes.
Early Expansion and Lord Northcliffe’s Vision
Recognising the potential for a full 18-hole layout, the committee turned to Alfred
Harmsworth—later Lord Northcliffe—who was both a member and landowner. He leased and later purchased land across Convent Road, incorporating the iconic North Foreland Lighthouse into the club’s identity and layout. This acquisition not only expanded the course but also gave the club a landmark that remains its proud emblem today.
1918 – Ownership Secured
In 1918, Lord Northcliffe purchased the tower and convent fields from the Slaughter Estate trustees, securing the land the course sits on today. This pivotal moment laid the foundation for the club’s long-term development and stability.
1920s–1930s – Design by Legends
The course underwent redesign by two of the era’s most celebrated golf architects: Herbert Fowler and Tom Simpson. Their vision made the most of the natural chalk cliffs and sea views, introducing strategic bunkering and thoughtful routing that still define the Main Course today.
Post-War Recovery and Growth
The club, like many others, endured hardship during the World Wars. However, North Foreland rebounded in the post-war years, restoring its facilities and solidifying its place as a top-quality golfing destination on the Kent coast.
Modern Developments and Facilities
Over the decades, the club has continued to evolve. The addition of the Northcliffe Course, an 18-hole Par 3 layout, offered a more accessible golf experience suitable for families, beginners, and short game practice. Practice facilities were improved, and the clubhouse developed into a popular social and dining venue.
Open Qualifying & Modern Standing
In more recent years, North Foreland Golf Club earned the honour of being selected as a Final Qualifying venue for The Open Championship, cementing its reputation as one of the most respected courses in the South East of England. This distinction aligns it with nearby prestigious venues such as Royal St George’s, Prince’s, and Royal Cinque Ports.
Today
North Foreland Golf Club is proud of its heritage and continues to offer a blend of traditional values and modern hospitality. With two distinct courses, panoramic sea views, excellent facilities, and a warm welcome for visitors, it remains a jewel on the Kent golfing map.