North Foreland Golf Club is situated on top of the white cliffs of the southeast coast of Kent. It is part of Broadstairs, near Ramsgate, and makes up the Isle of Thanet.

This impressive golf course overlooks the sea, Joss Bay and the North Foreland lighthouse, a landmark that can be seen from many corners of the golf course.

The main course is split into two nines on opposite side of the roads that test all aspects of your game. The front nine is where you can get closest to the heritage and scenic features of the area.

Lord Avebury and William Capel Slaughter founded North Foreland Golf Club in 1903. After just a few years, it became an 18-hole track before turning to Alfred Charles William Harmsworth.

Harmsworth owned land on the other side of Convent Road, so the course took a lease on this additional land which allowed its connection with the North Foreland Lighthouse.

Harmsworth, later Lord Northcliffe, purchased the tower and convent fields in 1918 from people connected to the Slaughter estate to own the whole golf course. 

He wanted to make the course challenging to attract holiday visitors. Alongside the old 12th hole, now the 18th, an 18-hole putting course was built which was the first of its kind in England.

Between 1919 and 1940, North Foreland reached its peak of popularity, but suffered during World War Two. This wound up with the club’s assets sold and the membership books closed.

Abe Mitchell was appointed as the club’s head professional from 1920 to 1925. Mitchell was regarded as “the greatest striker of a ball in his era.”

Mitchell never won The Open, but won the British Match Play Championship in 1919, 1920, and 1929. Having wanted to play tour golf in America, he was offered to be the professional at the Verulam at St Albans.

He might be remembered as “the greatest player never to win The Open Championship,” but his figure is held aloft on top of the golden Ryder Cup trophy.

North Foreland is one of the best golf courses in Kent and one of the best golf courses in the UK.

The main course at North Foreland Golf Club comprises four par 3s, three par 5s and 11 par 4s. The course features mostly broad fairways to accommodate your tee shots, but bunkers are strategically placed, so keep your wits about you.

The first three holes to open the front nine go up and down a hill, then the 4th hole – Tongue Light - takes you to the furthest and most beautiful corner of the golf course, where you feel closer to the cliff edge than ever.

The tee box on hole 6 – Harley - is one of the most unique in Kent, with a castle-like structure sitting at the back behind your swing.

Hole 13 – Westward Ho - is one of the highlights of the golf course. As you hit down the fairway on this lengthy par 4, the North Foreland Lighthouse stands tall and proud in the distance.

The 15th green is situated next to the 18th green. Right outside the clubhouse, you have the chance to impress onlookers twice in the space of just a few minutes.

Two of the par 3s are fairly short but still offer stiff tests, while the 18th hole will require your concentration when trying to finish your round in style.

This is the longest par 3 on the course and it is protected by bunkers. It requires both length and accuracy, which is also what is needed on each par 5 when the wind is howling from the sea.

Most of the par 4 holes can be reached in two shots, but don’t be deceived when teeing it up on the 8th, 9th and 17th holes. Each of these are tough and a bogey is never considered a bad score on the card.

There is also a string of top quality golf courses near North Foreland, such as Princes and Royal St. George’s in Sandwich, as well as Westgate and Birchington closer by.

If you walk down the hill by the 16th tee, you will find the chipping green and the driving range which is 250 yards long. Range balls are available to purchase from the pro shop.

There are also two practice nets placed next to the car park, as well as two tennis courts.

Open to members and the public, North Foreland is known for its catering and the large restaurant can seat up to 100 people for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

From a three-course meal to a sandwich, the kitchen can prepare it all with a fully stocked lounge bar adjacent to the restaurant as well. 

Menus seasonally change and are available in the Lighthouse Brasserie and the Lighthouse Bar.

The Lighthouse Brasserie serves a carvery on Sundays with a selection of locally produced seasonal vegetables.