Royal St George's Golf Club
The classic Kent links where The Open first left Scotland — a wild, dune-tossed championship course that welcomes visitors on set days, handicap in hand.
Royal St George's Golf Club in photos
Can I play Royal St George's Golf Club?
Yes, on set days — Royal St George's is a private members' club that welcomes visitors on designated days, generally Tuesdays and Wednesdays in season (Tuesdays only in August). Every player must hold a Handicap Index of 18.4 or lower, verified at check-in. Booking ahead is essential, and the green fee includes the club's celebrated Dining Room lunch.
How to book: Book three- or four-balls through the club's online visitor portal; singles and two-balls should email the club reception. Green fees for 2026 are about £400 from April to October and £215 in November–December, inclusive of lunch. Have your handicap ready for verification on the day.
About Royal St George's Golf Club
Royal St George's, on the Kent coast at Sandwich, became the first course outside Scotland to host The Open in 1894 and has now staged it fifteen times, most recently Collin Morikawa's 2021 triumph. Laid out by Dr. Laidlaw Purves in 1887 and refined over the decades, its rumpled fairways, blind shots and cavernous bunkers make it one of the most characterful and demanding links in the world. It remains a private members' club, but one that opens its tees to visitors on designated days — typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays — provided they hold a handicap of 18.4 or lower. The green fee even includes the club's famous Dining Room lunch.
Signature hole
The par-4 4th, guarded by one of the deepest, most intimidating bunkers in championship golf carved into a huge dune face, and the quirky 'Suez Canal' 14th with its out-of-bounds and cross-hazard.
What makes it special
Where The Open went south
The first course outside Scotland to host The Open, in 1894, and a fifteen-time venue.
Cavernous bunkering
Home to some of the deepest, most feared bunkers in championship golf, including the huge trap at the 4th.
Lunch included
The visitor green fee covers the club's renowned Dining Room lunch — a proper links-club occasion.
Tournament pedigree
- The Open Championship (fifteen times, 1894–2021; recent stagings 2003, 2011, 2021)
- The Amateur Championship (multiple)
- Walker Cup (1930)
Need to know
Best time to play
May to September for the best weather and firm links turf; spring and autumn are quieter and, in late season, notably cheaper. Visitor days are limited to Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan around the calendar.
Dress code
Traditional golf attire on the course — collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts and golf shoes; no denim. Smart dress is required for the Dining Room lunch.
Good to know
A Handicap Index of 18.4 or lower is mandatory and checked at registration. Caddies are available and recommended on this deceptive, humpy links; buggies are limited. The included Dining Room lunch is a cherished part of the day, so allow time for it between nines or after your round.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
London Gatwick (LGW) ~1 hour 45 minutes; London Heathrow (LHR) ~2 hours; high-speed rail to Ashford/Sandwich is a convenient alternative.
On arrival
From London it is about two hours by car via the M2/A2 into east Kent, or take the high-speed train towards Ramsgate and alight at Sandwich, a short taxi from the links. The course sits on the coast between the historic town of Sandwich and Sandwich Bay.
Stay near the course
The medieval town of Sandwich has characterful inns minutes away, while Deal and the wider east-Kent coast offer more options. The area pairs naturally with neighbouring links Royal Cinque Ports (Deal) and Prince's for a Kent golf trip.
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices The Salutation
Sandwich
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices White Rose Lodge
Sandwich
A taste of the luxury stays near Royal St George's Golf Club — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Sandwich — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Sandwich.
Explore SandwichFrequently asked questions
Can visitors play Royal St George's?
Yes, on designated days — generally Tuesdays and Wednesdays in season (Tuesdays only in August) — provided you book ahead and hold a qualifying handicap.
How much does it cost to play Royal St George's?
In 2026 it is about £400 from April to October and £215 in November–December, each inclusive of the club's Dining Room lunch.
Do I need a handicap to play Royal St George's?
Yes. Every visitor must hold a Handicap Index of 18.4 or lower, and this is verified when you check in on the day.
When is the best time to play Royal St George's?
May to September offers the best weather and firmest turf; late-season Tuesdays are quieter and cheaper. Remember visitor play is limited to set days.
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Guide updated 2026-07-27.