Royal New Kent Golf Club

Royal New Kent Golf Club in Providence Forge, Virginia, challenges golfers with its rugged, links-style layout reminiscent of the seaside courses of Ireland. Designed by Mike Strantz, known for his bold and imaginative work, the course opened in 1997 and quickly earned accolades for its distinctive style and demanding play. Strantz’s design marries the natural, undulating Virginia terrain with traditional links features, including deep pot bunkers, fescue-framed fairways, and blind shots that test precision and strategic thinking.

The course's fourth and fifteenth holes are particularly noteworthy. The par-5 fourth hole demands a well-placed drive to avoid a deep ravine on the right, followed by an approach shot to an elevated green guarded by severe bunkers. The fifteenth, a par-4, features a dramatically sloped fairway that funnels all shots left, requiring a carefully angled approach to reach the green in regulation.

Royal New Kent has hosted several significant regional tournaments, enhancing its reputation as a premier venue for competitive golf. Its design and the exacting challenge it presents contribute to its frequent listing among America’s Top 100 Public Courses. The combination of Strantz’s creative vision and the natural beauty of Virginia’s landscape makes Royal New Kent a must-play for serious golf enthusiasts seeking a taste of Irish links golf in the United States.