Gillingham Golf Club

The golf course, originally known as The United Services Golf Club, was established by serving officers of the armed forces and registered with the Royal and Ancient in 1905 as a nine-hole course with 50 members. The exact location of the original site is uncertain, but it is believed to have been north of a railway line with the Mulberry Inn serving as a headquarters.

During the Great War, the golf course fell into disuse and became grazing land, but in 1919, James Braid was commissioned to design a new layout on the present site, and the clubhouse started as an old army hut purchased for £40. The course saw the addition of civilian members in 1920, and a Ladies' Section was formally established in 1923.

Throughout the Second World War, the course was maintained by a select group of civilians who managed to keep four holes operational, while the rest of the land was used for military defenses. By 1950, fifteen holes were brought back into use, leading to the entire course being operational after the war.

The golf course underwent numerous changes, including a name change to Gillingham and United Services Golf Club, and it faced uncertainties regarding lease arrangements until a new lease was established in 1958. The Council's acquisition of the site in 1960 offered more stability, prompting the construction of a new clubhouse in 1964 and its extension in 1968.

In 1986, the golf course's existence was threatened by the construction of a dual carriageway, but it was eventually compensated with new land and the development of new holes. This led to negotiations for a longer lease and the construction of another new clubhouse, which was opened in 2002 by Ronnie Corbett O.B.E.

Celebrating its centenary in 2005, the golf course saw the release of a book titled 'A Hundred Years of Gillingham Golf Club' by J Wigley, documenting its history. The club, having evolved over a century, now offers a facility that its members take pride in and foresees continuity into the future.

Visitor green fees are available after 12:00 on weekends, except for the first full weekend of each month due to competition play. Twilight green fees are generally available after 4 PM from April to October, but after 5:30 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays. These times are subject to change.

Golf Network Card holders may play from 10 AM Monday-Thursday, and weekends after 1 PM free of charge, subject to availability and pre-booking. County Card holders are charged at Members Guest Rates from 10 AM on weekdays.