Find out more about London Golf Club, part of European Tour Destinations
London Golf Club is a prestigious venue which stretches out across the peak of Kent’s North Downs, and was the first ever European Tour destination.
Designed by Jack Nicklaus and his team, London Golf Club opened in 1994 and offers two Championship golf courses – The Heritage and The International – which hold distinct characteristics and feature greens renowned for their year-round consistency and speed.
London Golf Club also boasts a rich history of notable high-profile Tour events, including the 2008-2009 European Open and the 2014 Volvo World Match Play, both on the European Tour, and the 2018-2019 Staysure PGA Seniors Championship.
The Courses
The Heritage is a 7,802 yard par 72 that places a premium on accuracy due to dramatic tee shots and greens guarded by both cavernous bunkers and water.
Undoubtedly a challenging and memorable test, The Heritage features a classic par four finishing hole: A dog leg protected by water on the left and trees on the right, in addition to a raised green.
The Par three 11th hole on the Heritage Course was also the site of Andy Sullivan’s viral ‘Chase the Ace’ challenge.
Meanwhile, The International is a 7,005 yard par 72 renowned for its risk and reward shots. The course features wielding, undulated fairways, and tee shots over water – particularly on the dramatic, long par three 8th and 12th holes - that require precision in club selection and course management.
In 2019, The International underwent extensive work to their bunkers in order to ensure uniformity and better protection against heavy rain, which included installing a new drainage system, gravel and fresh sand.
A Regular Tour Stop
London Golf Club has proved its worth as a memorable European Tour host on several occasions, providing some incredible moments on Tour.
Ross Fisher’s second Tour win during the 2008 European Open was one of those, which he closed out in spectacular fashion on the tough finishing hole at The Heritage course. Up against a world class field, the Englishman began the week with a course record 63, and in difficult conditions on Sunday holed his final shot from the green side bunker to defeat Sergio Garcia by a remarkable seven strokes.
The contest returned the following year with another star-studded field (including Garcia, Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood), and the final hole of the event was no less dramatic. Over the weekend the lead changed hands no less than 45 times, and it was tight until the very last: But while Alvaro Quiros and Steve Webster carved their tee shots into the crowds and dropped shots on the week’s hardest hole, it was 39 year old Christian Cévaër that kept his nerve for a one stroke victory.
Not to be outdone, The International was home to Mikko Illonen’s 3&1 triumph in the 2014 Volvo World Match Play over Henrik Stenson, and the course was lauded with praise by the champion.
“Everything about the London Golf Club was top notch,” Illonen said. “It was the perfect venue, and everything worked great last week.
“It was challenging in the beginning because of the rain, but the guys did such a great job to get the course ready and up to speed. I have to say the greens were absolutely perfect – definitely some of the best we played on all year.”
The International has since been home to both the 2018 and 2019 Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, won by Philip Golding and Philip Price respectively, in addition to hosting Regional Open Qualifying on multiple occasions.
What is European Tour Destinations?
European Tour Destinations comprises a growing network of world class golf venues spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Each of the venues has a close association with The European Tour and represent some of the most prestigious golf and lifestyle resorts found in their respective regions.
Visit the European Tour Destinations website to find out more.
