Kington: A unique course that's an absolute must-play for the discerning golfer

Very close to the Welsh border, Kington is the highest 18-hole course in England. The key number is 1,284 – that’s how many feet Kington golf club is above sea level.

The homely clubhouse is like a cafe you might find halfway up the Swiss alps on a skiing trip.

The course provides a great test of golf, on a layout offering unrivalled views of seven historic Counties. The fast draining soil ensures great year round golf on excellent greens.

Together with the outstanding views, their great Membership options and very low cost visitor/society packages, and numerous Open competitions, Kington is a ‘must play’ destination.

History

With Kington’s opening in 1926, Major C.K. Hutchison produced a remarkably crafty course which relies greatly on gaining the correct angles of approach, for the greens often fall heavily away from the front or side, making recovery from the wrong position terribly difficult despite appearances to the contrary.

His classic design offered five very different par threes; three par fives; and ten par fours and is truly a masterpiece. Apart from a few minor changes, the course remains true to its original 1926 lay-out.

What makes it special

Kington is a unique challenge and tests creativity and shot-making to the full. Precision from the tee and deftness around the greens are the keys to success.

There are no sand bunkers at Kington – but plenty of grass ones, like on the short 12th. They are brilliant hazards, forever creating tricky recoveries and awkward stances and asking you to use any number of clubs in your bag, from straight-faced irons to your lob wedge.

And then there are the views. They are on all sides, including a magical panorama towards Wales and the Brecon Beacons from the ninth tee at the furthest expanse of the course.

Amid a chorus of skylarks and soaring red kites, Kington offers a true golfing heaven.