Staff WriterChart Hills Golf Club has muscled its way back into the Golf World Top 100 Courses in England, proving that a Kent parkland with the right amount of TLC—and a dash of Nick Faldo mischief—can still steal the spotlight.
For a club that’s been tearing up turf and rebuilding itself since RAMAC took over in 2019, this recognition feels less like a polite golf clap and more like a standing ovation.
A Faldo Playground with Teeth
This is not your average sleepy countryside course. Chart Hills Golf Club, designed by Sir Nick Faldo and opened in 1993, has always had the bones of something special.
The par-five fifth hole, affectionately—or perhaps fearfully—called The Anaconda, is guarded by one of Europe’s longest bunkers, while the seventeenth, an island par three, serves as a watery reminder that Faldo never did like giving out pars for free.
The recent facelift has only sharpened its bite. “Being included in the Golf World Top 100 is a significant milestone for Chart Hills and a proud moment for the team here,” said Anthony Tarchetti, General Manager at Chart Hills Golf Club.
“It reflects the progress we have made through our investment programme, and the enhanced experience that golfers now enjoy when they visit. Since the start of this project, Chart Hills has undergone a complete transformation, and under our ownership that will only continue in the future.”
What’s New at Chart Hills?
Since RAMAC’s arrival, the club has been on a renovation binge that would put most home makeover shows to shame:
- The Loop – a six-hole, par-three layout drawn up by Faldo himself. Positioned next to the range, it’s part practice ground, part ego check, and perfect for a quick spin before or after the main event.
- Putting Green – a 668-square-metre monster inspired by Faldo’s favourite greens, complete with its own Valley of Sin. Think St Andrews, but without the seagulls stealing your chips.
- Sandcapping Project – every one of the 18 fairways was re-engineered in 2020–21 to ensure year-round playability. A rare perk in England, where mud balls are usually considered a national pastime.
- Tee Box Overhaul – in 2024–25, all 72 tees were stripped, drained, and returfed. Yardage markers now stretch from a bruising 7,100 yards to a gentler 5,500, meaning everyone from scratch players to your Uncle Barry with the slice can find their level.
Beyond the Fairways
Chart Hills Golf Club hasn’t forgotten the off-course comforts either. In 2024, The Barn opened its doors with four boutique-style suites, tailor-made for golf groups or wedding parties who want a bit of rustic glamour with their wedge play.
Stay & Play packages are already being snapped up. From £199 per person, you’ll get a night in The Barn, two rounds of golf, breakfast, a course guide, and unlimited access to the practice facilities—including The Loop. The deal runs October 2025 through March 2026, which sounds like just enough time to stop three-putting.
A Club Reborn
Chart Hills Golf Club has always been bold, but now it’s better. Faldo’s quirks remain, the conditioning is top-class, and the extras are finally catching up with the vision.
For Kent’s golfing faithful, it’s confirmation that the local gem is back on the national stage. For everyone else, it’s a wake-up call: this isn’t just another course in the Top 100, it’s one worth the drive.
For more information, visit charthills.co.uk.
