To Kent, the ‘Garden of England’, we venture and to the outskirts of Sevenoaks, to visit Redlibbets Golf Club. It’s a trip made primarily in the quest to explore the remarkable work being done by club operators Get Golfing, a charity that’s been rescuing struggling clubs since 2018, breathing fresh life into each, and turning them into inclusive community hubs. So when we were invited to sample the delights of the course whilst on-site, it would be rude not to!
The club was first opened in 1997, and takes it’s quirky name from an adaptation of the 16th century term for a young hare (“Le Lyvet” or “Leveret”), that characterised the ancient woodland landscape the course is sympathetically crafted into. However, despite the beautiful setting, 21 years in and it was struggling to make a profit, with the owners turning to local businessman and England international golfer Ed Richardson, with the proposition of a long lease.
Ed’s experience and insight as a seasoned golfer, together with his degree in Turfgrass Management and commercial acumen, transpired to be the perfect combination. The course’s design was soon remodelled, a new automated irrigation system installed, and all 60 bunkers overhauled. The clubhouse also saw considerable investment, with a high-end finish across 2 floors, spectacular views from the terrace, and variety of self-contained spaces for members, visitors and societies.
It transpired to be a winning formula, with turnover at Redlibbets soon doubling, providing the confidence and impetus to replicate the approach, with another 11 previously struggling clubs added to the portfolio to date. So onto the round itself, and we’re joined by some very friendly and talented chaps from the Get Golfing Community team, who act as the perfect hosts, proposing a ‘scramble’ format that makes for swift and enjoyable golf, and a refreshing illusion of us playing quite well!
It’s an unseasonally pleasant December day, mercifully, but following the biblical rain over the last 40 days and nights (or more), we’re prepared for a muddy experience. But thanks to being built on a free-draining site, together with the considerable skill and efforts of the green staff, the course is in incredible condition. There isn’t so much as a hint of winter tees, let alone greens, and the fairways are suspiciously devoid of any leaves from the course’s magnificent collection of oak, beech and chestnut trees.
Picking a favourite hole at Redlibbets is an unenviable task, but the middle stretch, from 8 to 13 takes some beating. The 8th (pictured) is a thrilling par 3 from an elevated tee box, 173 yards off the blacks, to a narrow green, made all the more exhilarating on our particular round by some strong crosswinds. Then it’s straight onto 2 holes that utilise the lake in front of the clubhouse, protecting the green on the 9th, and spelling danger for any wayward tee shots on the 10th.
Post round, and we relax in the cosy clubhouse bar, before checking out some of the local amenities, such as the The Rising Sun Inn, a family-run local hostelry that serves up a delicious evening meal, some well-earned refreshments, and a bed for the night. Sadly, there isn’t time to check our ‘Eureka’, the 23 acre naturist club that backs onto the course, but the FAQs on the website alone makes for an enlightening experience.
The next day, we have the privilege of seeing first-hand one of Get Golfing’s community initiatives, with a ‘Fun, Food & Golf’ camp providing lunch, professional coaching, and all the ingredients and recipe to make a pasta bake at home. It’s just one of the sessions being run across the week at 3 of their clubs, serving 300 children, and taking their annual tally to over 4,000 meals, for non-traditional junior golfers who have barriers to participation… be it social, financial or physical.
Tragically, the man responsible for conceiving Get Golfing, its brilliant model, spectacular courses and profound purpose, passed away in mid November aged just 55. It’s a sobering situation, and cruel twist of fate for a man who’s remarkable golfing credentials were arguably even surpassed by the positive impact he trailblazed for communities. It’s at least some consolation, that Ed left a remarkable legacy, that will be a force for good in golf and the many communities Get Golfing touches, for many years to come.
Key Info
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: Black: 6,572. White: 6,194. Gold: 5,580
Slope: Black: 130. White: 128. Gold: 123
Visitor Green Fees: £25-55
Website: https://www.redlibbets.co.uk/
Location
Prices correct at time of writing (December 2023).
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