Royal New Kent is another design by Mike Stranz and consistently ranks in the ‘Top 100 You Can Play’. Stranz designed the course as a tribute to Royal County Down and Ballybunion. It is referred to as ‘inland,links-style’ with dunes, fescue, and deep bunkers and is rated as the most difficult course in Virginia.
Like Stranz’ other Virginia course, Stonehouse, Royal New Kent fell on hard times and was closed for restoration by a new owner. The bones are great, it’s a tough but interesting layout but conditions were terrible. Very terrible and a real shame.
On top of the conditions, the course scheduled an outing which began in the middle of our round. We ended up with outing foursomes in front and behind us. Disappointing to say the least.
Our game for the day was ‘Better Ball’. The team of Mile & Bill came in first place with Dick and Ron 2nd.
