Is Lullingstone Park a Pay and Play Golf Course?

Yes. Lullingstone Park is a public pay and play golf course in Kent, which means anyone can turn up and play without being a member. There is no club to join, no handicap to prove and no committee to satisfy: you book a tee time, pay a green fee for your round, and play. That makes it one of the most accessible courses in the area for visitors, casual golfers, groups and complete beginners. This guide explains exactly what pay and play means here, how to book as a non-member, what a green fee covers, and what to expect on the day.

What pay and play means at Lullingstone Park

A pay and play golf course lets you pay a one-off green fee to play a single round, with no membership required. It is the opposite of a private members' club, where you have to join and pay an annual subscription before you can tee off. At a pay and play course like Lullingstone Park, the green fee is your entry for that round and that is the whole arrangement.

In practice that means you can play once a year or once a week, alone or in a group, on whichever course suits you, without any ongoing commitment. Lullingstone Park offers two courses to choose from, so you pick the round that fits your time and budget on the day:

• The 18-hole Championship Course: the full parkland layout in the Darent Valley, the main event for a proper round.
• The 9-hole Valley Course: a shorter, quicker and gentler option, ideal for beginners, a quick nine after work, or anyone short on time.

There is also a covered driving range and a pitch and putt course, both of which you can use without booking a full round, which makes the site a relaxed place to learn or warm up.

Do you need to be a member? No

This is the question most first-time visitors ask, and the answer is a clear no. You do not need to be a member, hold a handicap certificate or belong to another club to play at Lullingstone Park. Visitors and non-members are welcome on every pay and play tee time. Regular golfers can take up membership or season options if they want better value across many rounds, but that is entirely optional and never a requirement to play.

Because it is pay and play, the staff are used to people who do not play often. Nobody expects you to be an expert, and a beginner is as welcome as a low handicapper. If you have never played at all, the Valley Course, the range and the pitch and putt are a friendly way in.

How to book and play as a non-member

Playing a pay and play round is simple, and a little planning makes the day run smoothly.

• Book a tee time in advance. Reserve online or ring the pro shop on 01959 533793. Booking ahead secures your preferred time, which matters most at weekends. Quieter weekday slots can often be picked up on the day.
• Choose your course. Decide between the 18-hole Championship and the 9-hole Valley round when you book, based on how much time you have.
• Pay the green fee. You pay for that round, and there is nothing else to join or sign up to.
• Add hire if you need it. Ask about club hire, a trolley or a buggy when you book, so you do not need to own any kit to play.

For a full walkthrough of the booking process, see our guide on how to book a tee time. Green fees vary by course, day and time, so check the current rates on the green fees page rather than relying on a fixed figure.

What a green fee covers

Your green fee is the price of playing the round you have booked, on the course you have chosen. Hire items such as a buggy, a trolley or a set of clubs are usually charged separately, so if you want any of those, add them when you book. The driving range and pitch and putt are also priced on their own, since you can use them without a full round. Green fees are typically lower on weekday mornings and higher at peak weekend times, and there are often reduced twilight rates later in the day, so if budget matters, our guide to the cheapest times to play is worth a look before you book.

Getting there as a visitor

Lullingstone Park Golf Course is at Parkgate Road, Chelsfield, Orpington, Kent BR6 7PX, near junction 4 of the M25 and about half an hour from central London. It is an easy drive from Orpington, Bromley, Sevenoaks and Dartford, and there is a free on-site car park. The final approach is along narrow country lanes, so set your sat nav to the BR6 7PX postcode and take it steadily. Aim to arrive twenty to thirty minutes before your tee time to park, sort any hire and check in at the pro shop. For everything else on your first visit, from the dress code to parking, see our first-time visitor guide.

In short: turn up and play

Lullingstone Park is a genuine pay and play course: no membership, no handicap, just a green fee and a tee time. Pick the 18-hole or 9-hole round, book ahead for weekends, and you are set. The course is run by Everyone Golf, which lists the current facilities and opening hours. For green fees, tee booking and full visitor details, start from the Lullingstone Park Golf Course homepage or the green fees and tee booking guide, or ring the pro shop on 01959 533793.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lullingstone Park a pay and play golf course?

Yes. Lullingstone Park is a public pay and play golf course in Kent, so anyone can book and play without being a member. You simply pay a green fee for the round you want, on either the 18-hole Championship Course or the 9-hole Valley Course. It is one of the most accessible courses in the area for visitors, casual golfers and beginners.

Do I need to be a member to play at Lullingstone Park?

No. There is no membership requirement to play. Lullingstone Park welcomes visitors and non-members on a pay and play basis, meaning you book a tee time, pay the green fee for that round, and play. Membership and season options exist for regular golfers, but they are entirely optional.

What is a pay and play golf course?

A pay and play golf course lets anyone play by paying a one-off green fee for a round, with no need to join the club or hold a handicap. It is the opposite of a members-only course. Pay and play courses such as Lullingstone Park are ideal for occasional golfers, groups and anyone learning the game.

How do I book a round at Lullingstone Park as a non-member?

Book a tee time in advance, online or by ringing the pro shop on 01959 533793, choose the 18-hole or 9-hole course, and pay the green fee for that round. Booking ahead secures your preferred time, especially at weekends, though quieter weekday slots can often be picked up on the day.

Can beginners play at Lullingstone Park?

Yes. Because it is pay and play, the staff are used to beginners and casual golfers. The 9-hole Valley Course, the covered driving range and the pitch and putt make it a friendly place to start, and you can hire clubs, a trolley or a buggy rather than owning your own kit.