Ballybunion and Royal County Down were two of Mike Strantz's favorite courses, and the club's publicity campaign called Royal New Kent a tribute to them. The club sums it up as Golf Ireland in Virginia. Strantz had been Tom Fazio's chief shaper before designing this course on his own.
The landing areas are wide, so from the right tees your drive isn't in much danger. It's the second shot that needs your full attention. There are 105 bunkers, most of them large or deep. The Champions Bermuda greens are huge and sit hidden behind tall fescue, sharp grassy knolls and rock walls stacked by hand. The land is rugged and windswept.
The back tees are called Invicta. It's the old motto of Kent, England, and it means unconquered.
Afterward, Strantz Pub, named for the architect, does comfort food at a square bar or at tables looking out on the course.