View from the 5th tee at Royal New Kent Golf Club
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4.3
664 Reviews (664)
5 Stars
475
4 Stars
142
3 Stars
33
2 Stars
7
1 Stars
7
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.2
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.6
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.2
89.0%
Recommend this course
626 out of 664 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.3
29 Reviews (29)
5 Stars
13
4 Stars
12
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.0
Value
4.1
Layout
4.9
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
4.8
93.1%
Recommend this course
27 out of 29 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.1
82 Reviews (82)
5 Stars
36
4 Stars
29
3 Stars
11
2 Stars
5
1 Stars
1
Conditions
3.7
Value
4.0
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.1
StaffFriendliness
4.6
85.4%
Recommend this course
70 out of 82 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Semi-Private
Style Links
Par 72
Length 7440 yards
Slope 154
Rating 76.8

Formerly known as The Tradition Golf Club At Royal New Kent

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Royal New Kent Golf Club
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Course Details

Year Built 1996
Greens Champion Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Mike Strantz (1996)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No

Food & Beverage

Bar, Grill, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Conference Facilities, Banquet Facilities

Accolades

Reviews

4.3
664 Reviews (664)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
19th Hole Scenic Views 9
Drinks 7
Course Challenges Include:
Elevation Changes 20
Undulating Greens 20
Forced Carries 19
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 24
A Bucket list/Top 100 Pick 16
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 14
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 22

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Mike Strantz Was a Legend

The fact that Mike Strantz designed and built this course and Tobacco Road within three years of one another is strikingly evident. The visual features and shot values out there are fantastic. Enjoy the significant changes in elevation and risk-reward decisions all the way around. I played this course in early January, so my expectations for conditions were rather low. It was the day after a sustained rain, and my expectations were far exceeded. There was some crab grass on the greens but they rolled true and fast. I’ll be back in the spring and summer to see how they shape it up for the season.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 01/16/2024

Hi Jon,

It really is amazing the eye that Mike had for this course, and Tobacco Road down in NC. We always remark about the intimidating look that each shot has, but the obvious best approach once you know how to play the hole. Thanks for playing in the offseason and see you this Spring.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Challenging

The course was in good shape for the end of November. This was my first time playing it and found it challenging but fair. Found it enjoyable except for the pace of play. Several times came to tee box and had a group in the fairway one on the tee and us. One hole actually had two groups on the tee ahead of us. Would play again and hope the pace was better. Some really great golf holes.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 01/16/2024

Hi Flog1994,

Thanks for playing this offseason and we are doing what we can to help players choose the correct tee box and to have the correct approach on the course to help with pace of play. See you again this Spring!

Played On
Reviews 11
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Excellent features

Great challenging course with more challenging greens

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Challenging

The course was in great shape for the time of year. First time I have played this course and it was very challenging with the amount of elevation changes. It offered some very nice holes with wide open fairways, but also a few holes with some very challenging shots. Unfortunately I did think the course had a few to many path closed for the carts which made the day a whole lot more challenging and created a slower pace of play. We were able to play today on abnormally hot day for this late in the season. That being said I was surprised that there was not concessions cart or water coolers set up on the course. Overall though it was a very challenging and beautiful course.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/03/2023

Hi Jell19,

Thanks for playing and taking advantage of the warm October day! We are working hard on improving paths and F&B available on the course and hope to have those exact things taken care of very soon. Thanks for your feedback and we hope to see you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 10
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Excellent introduction

First time playing the course. I would love to come back.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/03/2023

Hi ccbwc771,

Thanks for playing! See you again soon!

Played On
Reviews 33
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Big, rolling hills, fast greens

I thought the course was terrific! It was fun to find such a gem in the Williamsburg area. Now having said that, this course is challenging with a capital C. This is not for beginners. Unfortunately that's what was in front of us in a foursome of 2 golfers and 2 beginners and they were playing form the black tees. They were way over their heads and consequently it turned into a five hour round. The staff was no help, in fact the few guys I talked to, checking in etc, were on the gruff side. The greens were in excellent shape and very fast. Watch out for the 3 putts!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/03/2023

Hi John,

Thanks for playing and giving your feedback! We are continuing to offer our support and advice to golfers when they check in about the best tee box options for them to enjoy their day. Mike Strantz designed a wonderfully difficult golf course and we ask golfers to not make it any more difficult for themselves. We're glad that you still enjoyed your day and we hope to have you back very soon.

Played On
Reviews 6
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Used cart
Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Beautiful course
Very interesting and challenging holes.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Always fun, but a challenge!

Love playing RNK, always in good shape. You need
To be on top of your game every shot. Need a bigger challenge? Go back a set or two on the tees !

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

food beverage

Everything about the course was awesome.
No cart on course and the wait to get food on the turn really needs improvement limited choices and the wait was way too long

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/03/2023

Hi Frankb40,

Thanks for playing and feedback! We are continuing to work through the process of F&B staffing and efficiency so we hope to upgrade your experience the next time you play! We are glad that you enjoyed the course and hope to host you again soon!

Played On
Reviews 28
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great course!

Bring your A game to Royal New Kent. Friendly, helpful staff. The course was in awesome shape, with great pace of play. Will certainly return.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 80
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 1000 Contributor
First Time Playing

First and last time

The shop manager said it was a tough walk and when I asked about cart use for handicap players and said stay on paths...not helpful...course was tricked up with hills and ravines...forced carrys and blind shots...and greens were recently aerated...never play it again

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/03/2023

Hi revcat,

We appreciate your feedback about your experience and we're sorry that it wasn't your favorite day on the golf course. Mike Strantz, who designed the course, is known for the way he tried to intimidate golfers with carries, blind shots, and varying eye sight levels hole-by-hole. In his own words, "It is important to make the golf hole look more difficult than it really is." An interesting design strategy, but definitely one that he accomplished at Royal New Kent! We do hope you consider testing it again one day!

Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Fantastic Course

Probably the best designed and most natural beauty course I have played.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 16
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Strange gem

Great layout if you are a Strantz fan which I am. Course condition was a little rough but I would recommend playing there.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/21/2023

Hi Kacy3333.

Thanks for your feedback on your experience! We're working hard to improve the spots with some wear around the course and can't wait for you to see it again!

Played On
Reviews 3
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 49
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

All Natural

Entering a golf course which embraces the natural beauty of Virginia. The golf course holes were all separate from each other having their own identity. No houses on the course meant you could concentrate on the shot at hand. Course conditions were spectacular. The best and most interesting course I have played to date. Full pro shop, new gas carts and hallways are lined with original memorabilia from the golf course architect. Treat yourself and go play.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/21/2023

Hi GizMoMo,

Thanks for your feedback on your experience at RNK! We're so glad that you enjoyed yourself and got to check out the original drawings on the walls of the clubhouse that Mike Strantz did while constructing! See you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 36
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Almost perfect.

Love the challenge of this course. Would be great if the sand traps were better maintained. Will try to play again on next visit to the Williamsburg area.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/21/2023

Hi bairz2,

Thanks for your feedback on your experience at RNK! We're working hard to make sure each part of the golf course is taken care of no matter the time of year. We hope to see you again next time you're in town!

Played On
Reviews 14
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
4.0
First Time Playing
Wet weather
Used cart

GREAT COURSE - BUT, TOO TOUGH FOR AVERAGE GOLFER

The course is beautiful. staff is excellent. course is severe target golf, I mean PINPOINT. If you're a great golfer, fine; but if you're an 85-100 shooter, add at least 10 strokes. Not a long course, but too tough for a 90's shooter.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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Golf Packages

Richmond Golf Getaway Package

FROM $147 (USD)
RICHMOND, VA | Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodations at Fairfield Inn & Suites – Richmond Airport and 2 rounds of golf at Royal New Kent Golf Club and The Club at Viniterra.

Golden Horseshoe Stay & Play Golf Package

FROM $217 (USD)
WILLIAMSBURG, VA | Enjoy 2 nights' accommodations at Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection and 2 rounds of golf at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club - Gold & Green Courses.

Williamsburg Golf Around Package

FROM $217 (USD)
WILLIAMSBURG, VA | Enjoy 4 nights’ accommodations at Kingsmill Resort and 4 rounds of golf at Royal New Kent Golf Club, Kingsmill Resort – River Course, Golden Horseshoe – Gold Course, and The Club at Viniterra.

Kingsmill Resort Stay & Play Golf Package

FROM $247 (USD)
WILLIAMSBURG, VA | Enjoy 2 nights' accommodations at Kingsmill Resort and 2 rounds of golf at Kingsmill Resort - Plantation & River Courses.

Lansdowne Resort Stay & Play Golf Package

FROM $247 (USD)
LEESBURG, VA | Enjoy 2 nights' accommodations at Lansdowne Resort and 2 rounds of golf at The Golf Club at Lansdowne - Greg Norman & Robert Trent Jones Jr. courses.
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