ROYAL NEW KENT
🇺🇸 Providence Forge, VA, USA
Designed by Mike Strantz

Inspired by the historic links of Ireland, The Tradition at Royal New Kent, in the rolling countryside outside Providence Forge, Virginia, presents a dramatic departure from the typical Mid-Atlantic golfing experience. Designed by Mike Curtis and opened in 1997, the course unfolds across a landscape sculpted to evoke the famed links of the Emerald Isle. The heavily undulating fairways, sod-walled bunkers, and windswept fescue grasses deliver an experience that is both visually stunning and strategically demanding. Players often find themselves negotiating blind shots and dramatic elevation changes – a true test of course management and creativity.
While not a stage for major championships, Royal New Kent has cultivated a devoted following among golfers seeking a challenging and unique experience. The design favors the strategic player, demanding thoughtful club selection and the ability to shape shots into tight landing areas. The undulating greens, often guarded by deep bunkers, require a deft touch and a keen understanding of the subtle breaks.
Beyond the golf, Royal New Kent is known for its convivial atmosphere and a membership drawn to the spirit of the game. The clubhouse, a relaxed and inviting space, serves as a hub for post-round camaraderie, where stories of heroic shots and near misses are shared amongst friends.
Reviews
Pretty simply my favorite course I’ve played. Maybe lot the purest, maybe not the most scenic, but the most fun test of golf. Goninto it with the right mindset (everything slopes, you’ll lose balls, it might not always make sense), and you’ll have the time of your life. Golf as thinking. Amazing experience.
Outstanding course in great shape even after a harsh winter. Greens rolled pure and the Mike Strantz layout was quite challenging.
A course you need to play with someone who has played. Lots of target golf and blind shots, would love to play again knowing what I know need.
Typical tricks from a Stranz course. Lots of blind shots and deceptive approach shots into the greens
Weird and different but in the best ways. I love how bold Mike Strantz gets with some of these holes. I found this course very underrated especially for the price. Worth a trip here especially if you are a Strantz fan
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Tradition at Royal New Kent has a Course Vaults score of 7.9 out of 10 based on 42 explicit golfer ratings.
The Tradition was designed by Mike Strantz.
Yes. The Tradition at Royal New Kent is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at The Tradition is 72.
The Tradition plays 7,336 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Tradition is 153.