Prince's Golf Club Key Information
A clever, very sandy, and also very playable reimagining - one that is totally enjoyable for all golfers. This is one of the finest transformations in recent years in the UK and Ireland, and with the excellent onsite accommodation and dining, Prince’s is the perfect destination for a golfing break.
Reasons To Play Prince’s
– A bold and greatly improved reinvention of a former Open venue
– The complete golf venue for a perfect and relaxing stay and play
– Play all three loops and decide which is your preferred combination
Rankings
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2023/24 - 74
Two years ago at Prince's Golf Club, the transformation of all three loops of nine including the introduction of two new sea-facing par 3s saw Prince’s break into the Top 100 for the first time. Vast sand scrapes have given the links a whole new and more natural look and feel, and it is now one of the best links golf courses in England.
The course is perhaps less well-known as a former and one-time host of The Open Championship, with Gene Sarazen winning the Claret Jug here back in 1932. It was he who introduced the golfing world to the ‘sand wedge’, specifically then to help deal with the deep pot bunkers.
The course now, thanks to Martin Ebert’s excellent recent work, looks very different and is one of the best golf courses in England.
All 27 holes have really changed pretty much beyond all recognition thanks to a major investment that began with a ‘reimagining’ of the Himalayas nine. For years it had been considered by many as the slightly poorer relation to the Shore and Dunes, but that is certainly not the case now! All three nines are now furnished with extensive sandy scrapes that give them a completely new and far more dramatic look.
What were the 2nd and 3rd on the Himalayas were merged into one to become a right to left, long par 5, which in turn paved the way for a beautiful, brand new par-3 at what is now the 5th. Bloody Point plays directly out towards the sea and is a very strong addition to the design. The other new hole is also a par 3, also playing as the 5th, but this time on the Shore nine. This replaces the old 8th and also plays out towards the sea but at a more oblique angle, and this time with three bunkers protecting the front left and right.
Prince’s has changed out of all recognition over the last decade, is home to one of the best golf courses in Kent, and is a brilliant place to stay.
What The Top 100 Panel Said
The improvement in course conditioning in the past 18 months is a credit to the greenkeeping team at Prince’s and the makeover has further enhanced the CV of golfing credentials for this corner of Kent to attract golfers from around the world.
Lacks the drama and views of some of the Scottish/Irish courses, but still has sea views on the Himalayas, and makes up for its occasional lack of scenery with little touches like the railway sleepers, the quality signage, and the waste areas framing the holes. An Open venue which is extremely welcoming and proud of its history for encouraging new people to the game. A first-rate links which will test every club in the bag.
Prince’s is a great destination for an overnight stay with The Lodge and the three loops of nine. The facilities and experience are top class and the course is strong and presents a really tough challenge, particularly when the wind blows or if you are brave enough to venture to the back tees.
Prince's Golf Club Location
Prince's Golf Club Green Fees
Prince’s Golf Club Scorecard
Best Courses Near To Prince’s
Best Places To Stay Near To Prince's
The Lodge at Prince's Golf Club - Book now via Prince's
Simply the perfect base for golf at Prince's along with plenty of off-course fun including the Brasserie at the Bay.
The Bell Hotel - Book now via Booking.com
This recently refurbished traditional hotel offers an impressive restaurant and elegant, modern rooms. Stylish and comfortable, the Bell Hotel now has a chic, modern feel, while retaining its reputation for excellence.
The Blazing Donkey - Book now via Booking.com
This small boutique hotel is near Sandwich and its restaurant is intentionally not fine dining but is popular locally - deliciously unpretentious and unashamedly British.
Prince's Golf Club Gallery
Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I
- 2023/24 - 74
- 2021/22 - 76 New Entry
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best of the three nines at Prince’s?
Traditionally it was always felt that the Himalayas nine didn’t match the other two, but since the upgrade it is hard to choose between them. Golf Monthly currently evaluates the Shore/Himalayas combination, but the Dunes has plenty of admirers too!
Has Prince’s ever hosted an important professional event?
Only the most important tournament in the world - The Open! This was back in 1932, and it makes Prince’s one of the very select 14 host venues.
How close to Prince’s is Royal St George’s?
As with Royal Aberdeen and Murcar Links, the two clubs border one another. The 6th green on the Shore is about 60 yards from the 13th green at Royal St George’s.
