Princes Golf Club is situated on the stunning Sandwich coastline in Kent, England. Here, golf vacationers can look forward to 27 holes split over three courses: Shore, Dunes, and Himalayas nines. Challenging other golfing regions in the UK, a Kent golf vacation at Prince’s allows you to play three incredibly challenging and diverse championship layouts.
Princes was the idea of Sir Harry Mallaby-Deeley, who had a vision to found a new links club that would be equally welcoming to ladies, juniors, and families. This welcoming tradition has been a feature since 1906 and is still evident today.
Historically, the 18-hole combination of Shore and Dunes was the championship routing. However, this changed when Martin Ebert weaved his magic and brought the Himalayas nine up to the same standard, making any combination satisfactory for all players.
With the consistent improvements made to Princes Golf Club, it now sits in the same league as Royal St George’s and Royal Cinque Ports. Whether you visit on a standalone trip or as part of a wider London golf tour, you’re sure to enjoy your time at Prince’s.
Having adequate finances, unlike many clubs across Britain, the course and especially the greens were maintained during the Great War, so the club was able to quickly reopen before almost being destroyed during WWII when it served as a rifle range. As another patron, Lord Brabazon, colorfully put it, “(It was)… like throwing darts at a Rembrandt.”
The course was revitalized and reconstructed in 1950 when Sir Guy Campbell and John Morrison were able to identify and incorporate 17 of the original green complex layouts into the new 27 holes.
While it only played host venue to one Open Championship in 1932, Prince’s Golf Club produced one of the favorite winners of the Claret Jug, Gene Sarazen, in a then-record-low round of 283.
While it was his only Open victory, he won seven majors including the US Open just two weeks after returning from his historic British Open win.
He became only the second man at that time, after Bobby Jones in 1930, to hold both Open trophies in the same year.
It was a memorable Open for several other non-winners. It marked the passing of time as James Braid, then 62 years old, a former 5-time winner failed to qualify and Henry Cotton, a local favorite, menaced by a high fever and the thought that being fortified by champagne was a good idea, started well early in the first round but quickly fell too far back to contend for the prize. He would hoist the Claret Jug two years later at neighboring St George’s.
Set against the wild beauty of the Kent coastline, Prince’s Golf Club is a standout destination for links golf. It offers a rare combination of coastal tranquillity, historic character, and versatile course design—all just a short distance from London. With its peaceful dune-lined setting and proximity to the medieval town of Sandwich, a round here feels like a true escape without sacrificing convenience.
The layout, originally crafted by Charles Hutchings, has evolved into a trio of nine-hole loops that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. Today, the routing sweeps through dunes, sea grasses, and wetlands, offering unforgettable views and strategic shot-making.
One of the most distinctive features of Prince’s is the flexibility of its layout. The three nine-hole courses: Shore, Dunes, and Himalayas, can be played in various combinations, allowing golfers to tailor their experience while enjoying true championship-calibre links golf.
The Shore is one of the more iconic of the three loops, forming one half of the club’s championship course. As the name would suggest, it hugs the coastline and boasts some classic links features, including the traditional undulating fairways, natural dune ridges, and the sea breeze that offers a challenge for accurate shot making.
A standout hole includes the 7th par 4, which requires precision off the tee towards a cleverly defended green. The course’s proximity to the coast means that the sea breeze can make each hole here more or less challenging, and as such means the course will both teach and reward golfers who are more adaptable.
The Dunes’ nine complement the shore to make up the Prince’s Golf Club championship course. The geography is more rugged, rolling, and the fairways pass through a range of dunes and natural hollows, which create some dramatic sightlines. The course feels secluded, and the landscape looks ancient, which makes it one of the most unique golfing experiences England has to offer.
One particular standout for the Dunes course is the 6th par 3, which plays towards a green that’s cradled by dunes and deep bunkering – a great example of risk and reward that runs through all of the courses available at the Prince’s and perfectly combines with the Shore to make for an unforgettable 18-hole experience.
The latest offering from the Prince’s, built in 2018 under the guidance of Martin Ebert. This was once a nine-hole course for ladies, but has been rebuilt into a modern links experience that works with the land’s natural contours. The course has a varied landscape with sharper elevation changes and green that blend into the dune landscape.
The 8th par 3 treats players to an elevated view of the surrounding area that stretches across Sandwich Bay and beyond. This course is a great option for those who want more variety in comparison to the more traditional Dunes and Shore.
The Bell Hotel & Pub is the best option for accommodation in Sandwich. Save time on long transfers from other nearby towns and stay right by the three great courses in the region. The Bell offers a traditional English pub setting, with modern, well-appointed rooms and exceptional food and drink offerings.
Combine the fantastic heathland courses near London and the challenging links of southeast England on a week-long South East England golf tour. Include the famous sights of London during your stay.
7 nights accommodation and 6 rounds of golf
Prices starting from $7,855 per golfer
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Prince’s Golf Club features three distinct 9-hole loops: Shore, Dunes, and Himalayas, combining to create a 27-hole championship links experience.
Each provides a unique challenge, but the recently redesigned Himalayas course stands out for its modern enhancements and stunning sea views. Ultimately, the “best” course depends on personal preference and desired golfing experience.
Prince’s Golf Club is a private members’ club. In August 2009, Troon Golf announced an agreement to take over course management at Prince’s.
Prince’s Golf Club hosted The Open Championship in 1932, where American golfer Gene Sarazen claimed victory.
Green fees at Prince’s Golf Club vary by season and day, with higher rates during peak months (April-October) and weekends. For the latest pricing, check the official website.
Prince’s Golf Club is situated in Sandwich, Kent, along the southeast coast of England. It lies adjacent to Royal St George’s Golf Club, offering picturesque views over Sandwich Bay.
The prime season for golfing at Prince’s is from late spring to early autumn (April through October), when the course is in optimal condition, and the weather is most favorable. However, as a links course, it remains playable year-round, offering a unique experience in every season.
Yes, Premier Golf offers customisable England golf packages that feature rounds at Prince’s Golf Club, along with nearby world-class courses such as Royal St George’s and Royal Cinque Ports
Yes, The Lodge at Prince’s provides high-quality accommodation with views over Sandwich Bay and Royal St George’s.
Prince’s Golf Club is approximately a 2-hour drive from London. Alternatively, visitors can take a train from London to Sandwich, followed by a short taxi ride to the club. For international travelers, London’s airports provide convenient access, with ground transportation options available to reach the course.
Caddies are available by prior arrangement, offering valuable assistance and local course knowledge. Golf carts (buggies) are limited but can be booked in advance for those who require them. Many golfers prefer to walk the course to fully experience its traditional links character.