Canterbury Golf Club

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Course History 

History tells us that the first attempt to start a golf course in Canterbury goes back to 1892 when a nine-hole course was established on the Old Park, not far from the present course.  It was played over and around old gravel workings and measured 1865 yards. In 1899, the Barham Downs Golf Club was established just off the A2 at Bridge.  The Ickham Court Golf Club was opened in 1911 and played over marshland between Ickham and Wickhambreaux.  This Club ceased to exist when the present course was opened in 1927. The current course was designed by Harry Colt who is also well-known for, among others, Wentworth, Sunningdale, Muirfield, Royal Lytham & St Anne’s and Cypress Point, USA.  The features introduced by Colt remain to this day.  There have been many changes over the years with the latest change taking effect currently. The reshape of the 18th fairway to accommodate the development of the driving range and short game area has meant a reintroduction of broom and gorse. The new fairway opens up the left side of the hole and makes it a fantastic finish to a great golf course.  There are a few things to note whilst walking the course. Look out for the first world war training trenches on the third fairway. They wind across the fairway giving some very interesting lies. There is an old bomb crater to the right of the 6th green, now a watering hole for weeping willows. A old 16th tee sits quietly behind the 15th green up in the woods lost in history. Take a few minutes to talk to any of the established members and you fill discover what 81 years of development has meant to the golf course.