A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHESTFIELD GOLF CLUB

The County of Kent is perhaps the most fortunate in Southern England in the variety and quality of its golf
courses. Chestfield with its historic connections and attractive layout, and its reputation for a warm friendly welcome, is well worth a visit. Chestfield Manor is mentioned in the Domesday Book as a gift of William the Conqueror to his halfbrother Bishop Odo. It lies on the route taken by pilgrims to the shrine of Thomas d Beckett and was known even then as a place of rest and hospitality. In that respect, little has changed to this day. The present building dates from the 15th century and has been carefully and lovingly restored to provide an attractive beamed lounge bar, a small but cosy spike bar and a restaurant overlooking the 18th green and fairway.

The thatched timber cowsheds to the South now house the thriving junior section and the administrative offices. A purpose-built modern changing room and a well-stocked Professional's shop have been tastefully added. The course itself is, not surprisingly, of more recent vintage. Its location in the triangle of land formed by the coastal resorts of Whitstable and Herne Bay and the cathedral city of Canterbury affords wonderful views over theThames Estuary and the Swale. Construction of the course, originally known as Shrub Hill, began shortly after the First World War at the instigation of George Reeves, a local builder. He commissioned two well-known professionals, James Braid - five times Open Champion - and Abe Mitchell to design the course which was opened for play on 16th April 1924. Some of Abe Mitchell's clubs are still on display in the clubhouse.

In 1938, the Club was purchased by millionaire shipowner Jack Billmeir, a local boy. When he died in 1963, the course and buildings were acquired by the members. Since then, the course has improved beyond recognition, culminating in the club hosting the Kent County Championship in 1993 when it was won by a local member, Graham Brown. Changes have been made to the original design over the years with the most recent arising from the rerouting of the A299 Thanet Way. The road was channeled through a purpose-built cut-and-cover tunnel, 400 metres in length. The new layout, designed by the internationally renowned golf architect Donald Steel and comprising six new greens, was opened in June 2000. It is generally agreed that the improved layout, which has an SSS of 70 for men and 71 for ladies, is an excellent test of golf. I t retains the historic character of Chestfield, undulating fairways and greens and magnificent views, while incorporating modern design features and materials.

There are many other features which will attract members and visitors to Chestfield - these include the setting in the Kent countryside, the green verdant fairways, the extensive tree-planting programme, but most of all the friendly welcome in the Clubhouse. Chestfield members are proud of their club and welcome visitors. The most attractive part of the course is undoubtedly the area comprising the first and eighteenth holes, set in the centre of the village near the oast house. The most testing part of the course lies on Shrub Hill overlooking the sea, where golfers will find much to interest and challenge them, not least the new 553 yard second hole. Other less-demanding holes are more subtle in character and offer substantial rewards to the more cautious golfer. Chestfield Golf Club celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 1999 and we now look forward confidently to the future. Join us for the day (or longer) and enjoy a round of golf in an attractive part of the Kent countryside, with a warm welcome in the clubhouse from our members and staff.