The general manager of Chart Hills Golf Club in Kent talks about the major transformations the venue has seen in the last six years, which means, for example, it now offers year-round golf on firm, consistent fairways.
Chart Hills has just been ranked among England’s Golf World Top 100 courses. What does this recognition mean for you and the team, particularly after the extensive investment programme since 2019?
Returning to the Golf World Top 100 is a milestone moment for Chart Hills and a proud achievement for the entire team. When RAMAC purchased the property in 2019, the course was not in great condition and often unplayable through the winter months. Since then, every aspect of the venue has undergone transformation.
The sand-capping of all 18 fairways in 2020–21 delivered year-round playability, which is rare for English parkland courses. More recently, the creation of The Loop par-three course and the new Faldo-inspired putting green has elevated the short-game experience, while the full renovation of all 72 tee boxes has brought consistency and quality across the Championship course.
For us, this recognition is both a reward for the progress made and a motivator to keep pushing standards higher in the years ahead.
The club has seen major transformations, from the sand-capping project to the recent renovation of every tee box. Which of these developments do you feel has had the greatest impact on the playing experience for members and visitors?
The sand-capping programme was the most important change from a playability perspective. Before, the clay base and poor drainage made the course difficult to keep open in the winter. Now, golfers can enjoy year-round golf on firm, consistent fairways – something that sets Chart Hills apart in the English parkland landscape.
At the same time, the tee renovation project has transformed the look and feel of the course. Each of the 72 tees was stripped back, levelled, drained and returfed, creating immaculate surfaces that make a strong first impression. The addition of new yardage-based markers also encourages players to choose a set that matches their ability, whether that’s from over 7,100 yards or just above 5,500. Together, these developments have had the greatest impact on the experience for members and visitors.
The addition of The Loop and the new Faldo-inspired putting green have created exciting short-game opportunities. How have golfers responded to these facilities, and how do they complement the Championship course?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Previously, the club’s short-game facilities were very limited, but The Loop has changed that completely. It’s a six-hole par-three course designed by Sir Nick Faldo, positioned beside the driving range, and it’s maintained to the same high standards as the Championship course.
Golfers love it because it offers versatility – a quick, fun 20-minute loop with friends, or a serious short-game workout that sharpens the scoring clubs. Alongside it sits a 668-square-metre putting green, also inspired by Faldo, complete with its own ‘Valley of Sin’.
Together, these facilities complement the Championship course perfectly, offering golfers the chance to practice, play and enjoy every dimension of the game when they visit.
With The Barn opening and new Stay & Play packages launching, Chart Hills is also positioning itself as a destination for visiting golfers. How important is this side of the offering to the club’s future growth and reputation?
Accommodation has become an essential part of the Chart Hills experience. The refurbished Barn, which sleeps eight in comfort, has been finished to the same premium standard as the golf course itself. Since launching in November 2024, it has already proved popular, offering groups a complete stay-and-play package.
Guests can now arrive, stay overnight, and enjoy everything on site: a Golf World Top 100 course, first-class practice facilities and a welcoming clubhouse. It turns Chart Hills from a golf course into a destination, and the early feedback has been outstanding. As we look to the future, stay-and-play will be central to the club’s growth and reputation as one of England’s leading venues.
Leave a Reply