Hailed as one of the finest recently-built golf courses in England, Chart Hills is the British architectural debut of six times Major winner, Nick Faldo. Set on 200 acres of gently undulating hills, Chart Hills was officially opened for play in August 1993 and despite its relative youth in golfing terms; the course has already gained many accolades. Chart Hills has been voted "Best new course in England" by Golf World, "Best inland course in the United Kingdom" by Following the Fairways, is used as a European Tour qualifying school venue and played host to the 1995 Ford Ladies Classic.

Having left the 18th green a Chart Hills, your abiding memories are likely to include bunkers, water and greens. Offering over 130 bunkers, clever and abundant use of water hazards, and greens so fast that in the summer months, it is akin to putting on glass, Faldo has succeeded in creating a real parkland masterpiece. While the course on the whole, will certainly create a positive lasting impression, two of the signature features of the design include the long "Anaconda Bunker" on the 5th hole and the illusive island green on the short 7th hole.

From the back tees, Chart Hills measures a substantial 7,119 yards and although the visitor is likely to play the course at a yardage of just 6,450, be assured that it still provides a stiff test. The tone is set from the first tee, where you are faced with a huge par five of almost 600 yards in length from the championship stakes. This is an excellent driving hole, with a long-running creek and bunkers, which command your full attention from the tee. Other outward gems include the beautiful 5th, where the goal must be to stay out of what must be the longest bunker in the world; the often frustrating short 6th, which though reachable from the tee, is fraught with danger; and the par four 8th, which is rated as the second most difficult on the course.

Don't expect any letup over the back nine. The 12th is an excellent driving hole and requires a precision approach to an elevated green, protected by water to the front and bunkers to the left and right. But it's the par four, 13th hole that demands most concentration. Rated as the most difficult hole at Chart Hills, your tee shot must be precise to avoid the creek, which runs along the left and with the hole doglegging left, any shot seeking safety to the right will leave a long iron to an elevated green. The par three, 17th, is a beautiful hole, where correct club selection is vital. A do-or-die hole, the result is either safety on the island green or landing in a watery grave.

Text provided by Online Golf Travel Tailored Golf Vacation throughout Scotland and Ireland

From Sevenoaks For a more scenic route come off of the M25 at junction 5 and follow the A21 signed to Hastings until just before Lamberhurst. Turn on to the B262 / A262 for Ashford and follow the signs to Biddenden. Turn left out of Biddenden High Street towards Headcorn. Take the first major right turn into Smarden Road, then first left into Weeks Lane and first right into Chart Hills.

From Ashford Take the A28 to Tenterden, turning right onto the A262 for Biddenden. Once in Biddenden the A262 takes a left, but continue on towards Headcorn (you are now on the A274). Take the first major turning on your right into Smarden Road, then left into Weeks Lane and first right into Chart Hills.