Kington Golf Club is one of the most unique and special courses you could play. The highest 18-hole layout in England, it notably doesn't have any bunkers as part of its design, but that elevated position offers it some of the most incredible views you will ever behold. Golfshake Ambassador Mel Davies visited to see just what they've been doing to celebrate their centenary year in 2026.
Ever since my initial Golfshake feature review in 2020, Kington has been a course I regularly revisit in opens and general visits.
Kington is a really friendly club with a course they rightly are very proud of.
It was nice to get the opportunity to go back and take a look at some of the things they’ve done in this their centenary year. They have also had plenty of other events throughout the year.
I’d also like to thank Captain Nigel Scott for arranging my visit and also for giving me an insight into what has taken place. Nigel did say he has had great support from his wife Niki, who is the chair of the Centenary Committee.
How Kington Has Celebrated Its Centenary Year
(Image Credit: Kington Golf Club)
Here is a list of things Kington have done to celebrate a great landmark of 100 years:
- Centenary Archive display with 100 years of history.
- Renewed the post between the 7th and 10th greens as a finger post sign depicting golf courses in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Augusta.
- Bronze Toposcope built at the highest point (360 degree signing and views of surrounding hills and mountains) situated by the red tees and kindly donated to the club on behalf of the Duff Gordon Family.
- Centenary matches against others celebrating their centenary - Churchill & Blakedown and Sand Moor.
- Held a Centenary Ball at Downton House at Lady President Evie Duff Gordon's house with 330 members and guests attending.
- Various talks at the clubhouse on greenkeeping, snakes and reptiles, birds, etc, and conservation carried out by the greenkeepers.
- Joint captain charity day raising funds for the Little Princess Trust and centenary projects included raising funds throughout the year.
- New centenary clock.
- 18 Centenary flags on greens and Centenary flag by clubhouse.
- A book is being written collating information from the last 100 years to be released later in the year written by one of the greenkeepers, Allan Williams.
- Also, a book with photographs of members commemorating characters at the club throughout the last few years is being put together.
- They held a founder's supper in January 2025 marking the first meeting of the founding members with over a 100 people attending.
- Various items of centenary memorabilia sold in the pro shop including shirts, caps, ball markers, etc.
- Produced a centenary calendar in 2025, ready for 2026 with a competition for the best photo each month with members photos.
- New archive cabinet (hand built / not yet installed).
- A special fixture diary marking matches, events and fixtures in the year.
Nigel and all at Kington would like to thank all members and local businesses (for their sponsorship) who have worked so hard and contributed towards the centenary year to make it so special.
Why You Must Play This Golf Course
(Image Credit: Kington Golf Club)
As for the course itself, well, in my eyes it just gets better every time I visit. The enjoyment I get whenever I play here never drops. Great holes, amazing views and the greens are as good as you’ll find.
The clubhouse has to be one of the friendliest I’ve ever entered and the location is awesome, being literally right next to the 18th green.
If you haven’t played Kington (Highly Recommended by the Golfshake Community) before then you must give it a visit as you won’t be disappointed one bit. It has it all - location, great value, 18 fantastic holes and such a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Well done to Kington and everyone there. Also, good luck on the next 100 years.
For more information, please visit https://www.kingtongolf.co.uk/.
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