THE LONDON GC

Last updated: 1st June 2009

The London Golf Club, where the European Open is to be played, has two pristine parkland championship courses designed by Jack Nicklaus - the Heritage and the International.

The Heritage is the course that will feature in what should be a mighty battle at the weekend between many of Europe's leading golfers, not the least of them being the reigning Open and PGA Champion Padraig Harrington, and this year's and last year's Players Champions, Henrik Stenson and Sergio Garcia.

But the club, which is owned by the Spanish real estate developer, The Bendinat Group, insist that there is never talk of second best at London Golf Club, and "to that end The International is not just the talented understudy.

"It stands alone and we like to think of it as merely different and a complement to The Heritage," the Club says on its official website.

"Its class is not in question, nor is its ability to challenge even the best. But it is more demure than its neighbour and its strengths are in the respect it shows to all abilities of golfer."

THE HERITAGE COURSE

Comparing The International with the par 72, 7,208-yard Heritage Course says a great deal for it for The Heritage is clearly one of the Golden Bear's most masterful signature courses.

His renowned eye for making the most of the land made available to him and the strategic course management that helped make him the world's most successful golfer of all time, have helped shape The Heritage into "a purist's dream", The London Golf Club can quite rightly claim.

Its four par threes and similar number of par fives along with its 10 par four holes roll through and along the natural valleys of the region, clinging to crowned slopes, or edging forests of trees and the series of picturesque ponds and lakes that join its creatively carved bunkers to give it teeth enough to test even the best of the international stars who will be taking it on this week.

And their work won't be finished when they have negotiated the hazards and subtle risk and reward challenges Nicklaus has crafted into he Heritage's fairways and approach areas.

Its silky greens and their wondrous texture and purity of roll disguise the danger of their cunning slopes.

The signature 12th hole is truly a sight for sore eyes, for it causes everyone who steps on to its tee box to be simultaneously intimidated by the challenge it offers and mesmerised by its sheer beauty

An incline cloaked in swaying grass rumbles away from you and the safety of the fairway that cambers right, like Ferrari's Modena test track and seems impossibly far away.

You have to see it with your own eyes.

The London Golf Club proudly boasts on its website that it is 'as privileged to have this Nicklaus gem spread eagled over the undulating North Kent Countryside, as it is to have one of the finest greenkeeping teams in the land to keep both courses in the remarkable shape they invariably are'.

OTHER GOLF FACILITIES:

- Practice Range: The facilities offered include de a 330 yard turf practice ground with tees at either end. This means that lessons can take place at one end with the other free for practice. There are additional covered bays and the use of unlimited Callaway practice balls.

- Practice Greens: There are two practice greens with grasses matching those of both courses, two practice bunkers, one of which is a fairway bunker to practice those long bunker shots, and a chipping green.

Note: The Club uses a combination of grasses for the practice greens which are kept in as pristine condition as the other 36 holes to ensure that players get a touch of the real thing before play commences.

- Halfway House (International Course): Conveniently located between the 8th and 13th holes on the International, you can swing by twice during your round to grab warm or cold drinks and snacks. Marian and her team will happily look after you whether dining outside or in. Soups or sandwiches, chocolates or cakes, paninis or pastries, the Halfway House has everything to help you get from tee to green! Members may use their LGC accounts

- Refreshments Cart (Heritage Course): A refreshments cart constantly travels around the course, ensuring that a wide range of drinks and snacks are available as you play.

CLUBHOUSE FACILITIES

- Unravel in the Spike Bar or..

- Relax in the colonial style Long Gallery, or

- Enjoy the delicious cuisine and fine wines on offer in the Dining Room

- Your conference and banqueting enquiries should be directed to the Meetings Coordinator Nikki Evans on 01474 875720 or via email to meetingslondongolf.co.uk.

GOLF SHOPThe newly expanded golf shop at London Golf Club prides itself on having a reputation of retail excellence and stocks the finest quality merchandise including labels such as Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren and Lacoste, not to mention the usual array of top-quality golfing brands and equipment.

For more information or a copy of our golf products catalogue please call us on 01474 879 899, use the enquiry form or email proshoplondongolf.co.uk

GREEN FEES:

The Heritage Course is exclusively for members of the London Golf Club and their guests.

Visitors are welcome to play the International Course, however, where the green fees are as follows:

November to March:
- Monday to Thursday: £55
- Fridays, Weekends & Bank Holidays: £65

April:
- Monday to Thursday: £65
- Fridays, Weekends & Bank Holidays: £75

May to October:- Monday to Thursday: £95
- Fridays, Weekends & Bank Holidays: £110

TUITION

With a proven track record in teaching at every level, Teaching Professional Paul Stuart assisted by Anna Smith, offers a wide range of tuition programs and tuition packages at The London Golf Club

They include:

- A 30 Minute Swing Check (check made on grip, posture, ball position and alignment) - £30 per session

- A 45 Minute Lesson Video lesson and professional analysis. (The fundamentals of the golf swing, posture, grip, and alignment of clubface position are checked) - £45 per 45 minute session; £60 per student - maximum 2 people; £80 per student - maximum 3 people

- Playing Lessons: On course evaluation, including alignment shot making strategy, course management and pre shot routine - 9 Holes £80 + Green Fee; 18 Holes £160 + Green Fee

- Personal Training Days:Warm up like a professional; Video session; Full swing and short game coaching; 9 hole playing lesson - £200 for one student; £150 per student - maximum 2 people; £100 per student - maximum 3 people

- Junior Coaching

- 30 minute lesson £30

- Young Masters of Golf Coaching Scheme £80

MEMBERSHIP The club offers a wide range of memberships ranging from seven-day individual through five-day associate, corporate, family and junior to international memberships.

CONTACT THE CLUB:

- At London Golf Club,Stansted Lane, Ash, Nr Brands Hatch in Kent TN15 7EH
Or Telephone +44(0)1474 879899 or
Fax +44(0)1474 879912