Paths to Perfection

Aim

An appeal to raise funds to undertake the project of surfacing 2 paths at Canterbury Golf Club with the help of Sport England.

Who are we?

As early as 1892 there was a golf course in Canterbury, situated on the Old Park which was part of the military training ground attached to the barracks. 1924 saw the opening of negotiations to lease land at Scotland Hills, (close to the 1892 course) from the War Office. 

In May 1925, the War Office had agreed to lease approximately 160 acres of land to the new golf course for 28 years.  This led to the opening of our current course in 1927.

Harry S. Colt, one of the finest golf architects of the day, had surveyed the course and planned it out.  Harry Colt's thoughts were "the first six holes appeared excellent, and the next three on rather duller land should, with bunkering, be good!” 

The official opening of the course took place in July 1927 with a match between the Club and the Buffs Golfing Society, commemorated with a splendid photo of both teams which still hangs in the Clubhouse. A Ladies section was formed in August of the same year.  

The club’s most modern transformative event occurred in February 2015 when the adjoining Howe Barracks closed. This allowed the club to purchase the land that the club stood on from the Ministry Of Defence. 

Why are we crowdfunding?

The surfacing of two key paths at Canterbury Golf Club is intended to significantly enhance accessibility, safety, and enjoyment for all members and visitors. 

Sports England are supporting this project with the promise of £15,000 under their match funding scheme. This is a fantastic opportunity to double the amount and achieve our goal of surfacing 2 paths.

The uneven and weather-worn surfaces present challenges, particularly for our older members. The Club would like to minimise the hazards these 2 paths create and reduce the ongoing maintenance. This would free up both time and financial cost of the green staff allowing them to focus their efforts on other aspects of the golf course. Delivering this project will reduce the risk of slips, trips or damage to both players and equipment. It would assist in prolonging playing time through the year as it would improve the conditions during the winter months when members are reluctant because of increased concerns about falling.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Total Target: £31,500

The following holes are listed in priority and will be completed in order as far as the funds allow.

11th Hole
This path will run from the start of the 11th tee up to the green and then carry on downwards to the bottom of the 12th tee.
Rubber: £11,102
Binding: £7488
Installation: £10,962
Total: £29,552

15th Hole
The path will run from the start of the 15th tee down to the bottom across the bridge and up onto the start of the fairway.
Rubber: £4862
Binding: £3328
Installation: £4599
Total: £8190

The benefit of the product we have identified means that once trained our greens staff can install the paths thereby removing the installation costs associated with each path.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. 

• Make a pledge: Every donation helps us hit our target and will contribute to as many paths as possible being surfaced. Please don’t delay if you are going to support us because momentum is key to our success.
• Make a pledge for one of the rewards listed below in the boxes. These are limited offers so don’t miss out. Bag them while you can!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 21st September 2026 at 12:00pm