A golf club crowned the best in England has lodged plans to upgrade its facilities in a bid to continue hosting major competitions.
Royal St George’s in Sandwich has submitted proposals for a new greenkeeping area to ensure the course remains up to tournament standard.
A new greenkeeping facility could be added to the golf club if plans are approved. Picture: National Club Golfer
Currently, the team’s facilities sit within the main cluster of buildings alongside the clubhouse and shop.
The club now wants to separate those services to improve its layout and operations.
The application sets out plans for the new project near the driving range, improving traffic flow and safety between visitors and greenkeepers.
Within the 3,500 sq ft site, Royal St George’s hopes to build a machinery store, covered storage bays, water tanks, a pump house and a fuel store.
Twenty car parking spaces for greenkeeping staff would also be added if Dover District Council (DDC) approves the scheme.
Documents explain how the club wants to enhance its grounds to strengthen its appeal as the nation’s top course.
The scheme is earmarked for land near the club’s driving range. Picture: Kent Design Studio
Permission has been sought to “bring the facilities up to a modern standard befitting that of a golf club which hosts major competitions”.
The project is also described as a “sustainable form of development” that will support the club’s future needs.
DDC is expected to make a decision on the plans by March 2026.
KentOnline previously reported how Royal St George’s was named England’s best golf club by the National Club Golfer (NCG).
The course, which opened in 1887, has hosted the Open Championship 15 times – most recently in 2021.
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Nearby courses Royal Cinque Ports in Deal and Prince’s in Sandwich also featured among the top 30 in the country.
Compiled by a panel of golf experts, course raters and journalists, the NCG list assessed clubs on their design, setting, conditioning, facilities and history.
