Published July 17, 2008 on July 26, 2018

Littlestone to Host the Junior Open in 2020

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The R&A recently announced that the Littlestone Golf Club in south-west Kent will play host to the Junior Open in 2020.

That Littlestone has been chosen as the venue for this prestigious championship by The R&A is testament to the quality of the course which is widely regarded as one of England’s top championship links.

Moreover, it is fitting that a club which actively supports junior golf has a healthy junior membership and runs programmes in local schools that aim to get youngsters playing golf will welcome the world’s best boy and girl golfers in 2020.

The course is laid out on a stretch of land between the famous Romney Marsh and the English Channel where the sand dunes form natural, undulating ground ideal for links.

The unique microclimate that exists on this part of the coast makes it one of the driest places in Britain and results in firm terrain that produces hard and fast fairways that are beautifully defined by the natural dunes, so typical of links golf. Together with the thick, wild rough and classic deep pot bunkers, the course demands accurate ball striking, well thought-out course management and speed control on the greens, making it a challenging test of golf.

The temperate weather also means well-manicured courses all year round with firm, true and well-paced greens that are known as some of the best in the country.

Ever since it was established in 1888, Littlestone has staged major golf events thanks to the quality and reputation of the course. Indeed the first Ladies Championship, organised by the newly-formed Ladies Golf Union, was played in 1894 and has returned on many occasions in 1961, 1992, 2002 & 2007.

The club also welcomed the British Ladies Amateur Championship in 2005, the Senior Women’s English Amateur Championship in 2010 and the 2011 English Girls Open Amateur Stroke Play.

Historically, when The Open Championship is played at Royal St George’s, Littlestone has been used as a Final Qualifying Course and is proud that it was again chosen as a Final Qualifying Course for The Open in 2011.

Kent will certainly be in the golfing spotlight in 2020 with the 149^th Open Championship to be played at Royal St George’s, for the 15^th time in the Championship’s history, whilst The Seniors Amateur Championship will also tee off on the famous Kent coastline when it is staged at Royal Cinque Ports, or Deal as it is often referred to.