No 53 - Royal Cinque Ports

Recent improvements to the course and clubhouse are excellent. The sleeping giant, Royal Cinque Ports has hosted the Open twice and is a must-play

Royal Cinque Ports

53 ROYAL CINQUE PORTS

Architect: Hunter 2006 position: 79 Stats: 6,498 yds; par 71; SSS 71 GF: £65-£110 T: 01304 374007 W: royalcinqueports.com Having hosted the Open Championship in 1909 and 1920 but not since, Royal Cinque Ports is something of a sleeping giant.

It is a classic straight out-and-back links that, from the clubhouse, looks relatively flat. But as you make your way through the front nine you begin to appreciate the rumpled fairways that are the unique hallmark of this layout.

While the front nine presents a series of subtle challenges, the back nine, which usually plays into the prevailing wind, features some brutally long holes. The only way to survive this stretch is with some powerful, committed ball-striking. NT

+ Excellent recent improvements to course and clubhouse; great atmosphere - Lacks the stunning visual appeal of other links courses

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Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

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Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X