Royal Cromer Golf Club

Royal Cromer is widely regarded as one of Norfolk’s finest courses though to be honest often trails neighbouring Royal West Norfolk, Hunstanton and Sheringham in the popularity stakes.

We’re not sure why this is but it is certainly not through a lack of history – the place is steeped in it and has been since opening at the back end of the 19th century and being crafted by Old Tom Morris. Other golfing legends such as J.H. Taylor and James Braid later carried out improvements while modern architects Frank Pennick and Donald Steel brought Cromer into the modern era.

Cromer quickly attained royal status through the patronage of the Prince of Wales – later to become King Edward VII – who was one of the founding members. It’s been entertaining royalty, the rich and famous ever since and down the years has been graced by princesses, prime ministers and even literary maestros Alfred Lord Tennyson and Oscar Wilde.

The clifftop course towers 300ft above the golden sands below and provides spectacular coastline views.  

After a fairly innocuous opening the round gradually cranks up and finishes strongly, starting from the signature 14th hole complete with a fully operational lighthouse to the side of the green. Turnberry eat your heart out…

Norfolk's three Royal Clubs - Cromer, Norwich and West Norfolk - were accorded that status in 1888, 1893 and 1891 respectively. Royal Cromer Golf Club's original nine holes were laid out by Henry Broadhurst, a London-based Scot who recognised the potential of land to the seaward of the lighthouse as a possible site for a links golf course. He was ably assisted by George Fernie of the Great Yarmouth GC.

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course does not have: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course does not have: Dress Code
• Course does not have: Club Hire
• Course has: Handicap

• 5 out of 5 Royal Cromer needs rerating 22 September 2015

  By Chapers52

  Royal Cromer has always had outstanding views but over the last 5 years has gone through a revolution. The mew head greenskeeper from Royal Liverpool has made an incredible difference and there is apparently much more to come. Everyone who has not been for a while is amazed by the change.

• 5 out of 5 Great links challenge at Royal Cromer 18 June 2014

  By MHughes

  Having played here at regular intervals over the past year or so all I can say is wow!! The course just keeps on going from strength to strength. The greens are very nice always ironed and rolled creating a lovely roll to the ball, the majority of the bunkers have been renovated to a more 'pot bunker' style and the fairways are being narrowed which adds to the challenge as well as the weather adding to the challenge! I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone wanting a links challenge where the staff always make you feel welcome.

• 4.5 out of 5 Royal Cromer is an unknown jewell 22 October 2012

  By Anonymous

   I have played here a few times this year and it has been a fantastic experience. There is a great deal of good work going on to improve the course and the scenery is fantastic. They have always made me welcome which is certainly not the case of some courses in North Norfolk. I really recommend a visit.

• 4.5 out of 5 Magnificent course, fantastic views 22 April 2009

  By TerryAston

  Have played this course twice this year. Course and greens in excellent condition. No 2 holes are the same and there are some extremely challenging ones. The climbs can be tough so an electric trolley is an The views over the sea are superb. The 15th is a drive over goarse onto a fairly tight fairway using the lighthouse as your line! If you get the chance then this course is a must!