Ganton Golf Club

Built on an Ancient Sea Inlet

The golf course at Ganton Golf Club opened in 1891 on sandy ground that once formed part of a North Sea inlet. Tom Chisholm of St Andrews laid out the first course with assistance from Robert Bird. A major redesign followed in 1905 through the work of Harry Vardon, Ted Ray, James Braid, and J.H. Taylor.

That sandy base gives Ganton firm playing qualities despite its inland position. Fairways move across gently undulating ground, while deep bunkers and dense gorse make careless lines costly. The club counts more than 100 bunkers, ranging from broad hazards to small traps tucked close to landing areas and greens.

Ganton's standing grew through championship golf. It hosted the Ryder Cup in 1949, followed by the Curtis Cup in 2000 and Walker Cup in 2003. Only four British clubs have staged all three team matches. The course has also hosted the Amateur Championship three times, making Ganton the only inland venue to receive that event.