Rye Golf Club
6441 YardsPar 68
Designers: Harry Colt, Tom Simpson, Sir Guy Campbell
Long before he left his mark on the heathland outside of London, Harry Colt had his first foray into golf course design when he became Captain and Secretary at Rye Golf Club in 1895. In the sandy wastes along the Channel Coast, Colt honed his architecture philosophy while constantly tinkering with his first design. The trait would follow him throughout his career – one that left an indelible mark on places like Royal County Down, Muirfield, and Swinley Forest.
A glance at the par of 68 on the scorecard might lead to the conclusion that Rye is yet another course from bygone era left behind by the advances of modern equipment. Such an assumption is foolhardy at best. Rye is, simply put, one of the most challenging links courses that you’ll find on an England golf trip. The opening hole is the one and only par-5, leaving few opportunities to make up ground on the damage inflicted by the nine par-4s in excess of 400 yards. And then there’s the collection of one-shotters, where par is always a cause for celebration.
For all of its difficulty, however, Rye presents a number of thrilling moments. In rather unique fashion, the par-4 4th hole plays along the top of a sandridge which bisects the property. Rye is most assuredly a 2nd shot golf course, but it’s tee ball here which is of greatest importance as the ground on both sides of the fairway falls off sharply. Ahead on the par-4 13th, we find a delightful approach resembling that of the Alps at Prestwick. Although the blind shot is sure to cause a bit of tension, it’s offset by the joy of cresting the hill to see the result.
In addition to its rich history and brilliant links, Rye is perhaps best known as the host of one of golf’s great traditions: the President’s Putter. Each January, the Oxford and Cambridge Golfing Society hosts its annual competition over the frigid links. The participants shy away from focusing too much on the competitive side of things, opting instead to see it as a reunion paired with a little golf. The player who survives the match-play tournament is celebrated by tying their ball to an old hickory putter which hangs inside the clubhouse.
In many ways, the President’s Putter is a fitting metaphor to Rye as a whole. This understated club with one of the most exclusive memberships in England goes about things rather quietly, choosing instead to focus on the traditions of this great game. Which is why the standing game at Rye is foursomes – better known as alternate shot stateside – ensuring that the challenges on the course and the celebrations off it are shared in equal measure.
For more insight on planning your golf trip to England, visit the links below, read our England golf trip reviews, or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
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