Royal St George's Golf Club

Overview

Founded in 1887 and intended by its founder, Dr William Laidlaw Purves, to be a rival to St Andrews in the South of England, St George’s is consistently ranked amongst the leading links golf courses in the world. Situated in the beautiful town of Sandwich (90 minutes south-east of London) the club occupies a unique place in the history of golf, for it was here in 1894, that the Open Championship was first played outside Scotland. In all there have been 14 Open Championships played at Royal St George’s. The tournament returns for the 15th time in 2021, when the Club will host the 149th Open Championship. Darren Clarke famously lifted the Claret Jug here in 2011. Clarke, playing the 54th major of his career but without a top 10-finish in them for a decade, went into the final round with a one-shot lead over playing partner Dustin Johnson and five ahead of Phil Mickelson. The Ulsterman held off the challenge of the American pair with a closing 70 in tough conditions, finishing with a five-under-par total of 275. Remember your sports coat and tie because Royal St George's is famed for it's lunch. After a few loosening cocktails, you'll be treated to an extensive salad selection, buffet of cooked meats and sides, dessert station, cheeseboard and port. All set within the convivial atmosphere of large tables where you can meet and share stories with other visiting golfers.