London Golf Club is celebrating its milestone 30th anniversary this month as the club and its members reflect upon three decades as a central part of the UK golfing landscape and turns its attention to targeting golf’s biggest events.
The vision of Japanese businessman Masao Nagahara to create a first-class golf facility close to the city, London Golf Club in the secluded Kent countryside opened its doors on Wednesday, July 10, 1994, with a special charity skins match between multiple major winners Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Tony Jacklin.
Since then, the venue – and its two Nicklaus Design courses – has hosted a host of professional and amateur tournaments, including several major DP World Tour events.
In July 2008, The Heritage course – designed by Jack Nicklaus – became a DP World Tour venue, as the European Open is held at the Kent club for the first time. Ross Fisher would ease to victory, finishing seven strokes ahead of Sergio Garcia. The Englishman’s first-round 63 remains the course record. The event would return in 2009 as France’s Christian Cévaër wins his second DP World Tour event.
Fast forward to 2014, and The International course – a Ron Kirby design under the Nicklaus Design banner – hosted the world’s best male golfers as the DP World Tour’s 2014 Volvo World Match Play Championship is held. Finland’s Mikko Ilonen went on to beat 2016 Open champion Henrik Stenson in a tense finale.
Most recently, The Heritage welcomed back the DP World Tour in August 2021 as some of the best players tested themselves against the course at the 2021 Cazoo Classic, won by Scot Calum Hill.
Over the past 30 years, London Golf Club has proudly maintained a family-friendly ethos and has contributed to making a huge difference to the local community through supporting charitable initiatives and being a prominent employer within the region.
Kent-based children’s hospice Demelza was recently named the official charity for 2024, while it also regularly donates to the West Kingsdown Community Cupboard food bank.
Chief executive officer Stephen Follett has led the team at London Golf Club for the last eight years, placing an impetus on both staff wellbeing and community outreach.
Follet said: “What London Golf Club has achieved over the last 30 years has been truly remarkable. From creating a strong membership community, to regularly welcoming the world’s best players for fantastic events, there is little we haven’t achieved.
“While our first 30 years have witnessed a remarkable journey of growth and success, there is no doubt that the next 30 years are set to be incredibly special, thanks to continued investment and a drive to host golf’s biggest events once again. The future is looking extremely exciting for everyone here at the club.”