London Golf Club (International Course)

Kirby's Downland Course Near London

The International Course at London Golf Club opened in 1994, designed by Ron Kirby under Nicklaus Design while Jack Nicklaus worked on the Heritage Course. It formed part of Masao Nagahara's plan for a first-class golf venue close to London, set across 700 acres of Kent countryside.

The course uses open downland, with long grass moving in the breeze and fast, undulating fairways encouraging the ball to run. A valley separates the outward and inward nines, creating visible changes in elevation and broad views across the site. Water is concentrated rather than constant, so a bolder line can shorten some holes while another route remains available.

The eighth is a par three played from an elevated tee across a large water hazard, where the wind can alter the required carry. Later, the dogleg 13th presents another strategic decision and was considered by Kirby to be the finest par five he designed. The round closes with another par five, leaving golfers a final scoring opportunity.