Course of the Month

February 2018

Snodhurst Bottom, Great Britain Great Britain

Less than 40 miles from central London one finds Snodhurst Bottom, a delightful 18 hole Pitch and Putt course located in the heart of Kent. Snodhurst Bottom has been the venue for the British Championships in the past. A well-maintained course, owned by Medway Council, Snodhurst comprises a wide variety of challenging holes, none of which exceed 70 metres in length.

Measuring 982 metres in total, the course mostly features holes between 50 to 65 metres. Distances can be difficult to judge and directional accuracy off the tee is vital. The relatively small greens are somewhat undulating and can be hard to read. Snodhurst Bottom is unusual in that it has no bunkers, although other ‘hazards’ proliferate in the form of severe slopes away from the putting surfaces.  Plenty of trees, bushes and areas of thick rough add complexity to the layout of the holes, which play up, down and across the bottom of a beautiful valley. The 9th on the outward (Red) nine is the shortest hole on the course while the (Yellow) homeward 12th is the longest. The whole operation is run by Greenspace Services.

The surrounding area of this rare Pitch and Putt jewel is both historic and picturesque. The course is situated in Walderslade Road, on the outskirts of Chatham, site of the historic Royal Dockyard; and is only a few kilometres from Rochester, a city with a Victorian atmosphere, which houses the second oldest cathedral in England and a famous Norman castle. Just outside the town of Chatham lie the rolling hills of the North Downs of Kent, an area of attractive countryside known as ‘The Garden of England’. Chatham is easily accessible by motorway from all the major London airports and the Channel Tunnel, and there are rail connections to London (London Bridge Station) located less than two miles from the course (at Chatham Station). The club is managed by Dave Gabriel and Joe Hammell, who along with the club regulars are friendly and welcoming.

The course usually opens from April until the beginning of October, although it is recommended that you telephone + 44 1634 843167 in advance. Green fees are £6.50 per round. Club hire is available.