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 2025/26 - 73
Four 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 Golf Courses UK & Ireland 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. I have been playing here for more than 40 years and witnessed a regular and steady improvement in everything.
The course is 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.
Now, thanks to Martin Ebert’s excellent recent work, the links looks very different and is one of the best golf courses in England.
All 27 holes have changed way beyond my original memories 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. I think that both are excellent additions to the golf offering here.
Prince’s has changed out of all recognition over the last decade or so, is home to one of the best golf courses in Kent, and is one of my favourite places to stay.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said...
Wonderfully natural feel to the golf course and a real commitment to keep this going. This is solid links golf with the occasional stand out hole. Whilst I’m not wowed by the routing of the Shore 9 or the land it sits on, I wouldn’t argue with a Top 100 ranking for the combined Shore/Himalayas. A place, a setting and a welcome which you’ll hope to return to time and again.
There are nice views of the sea to be taken in on the Himalayas nine and many of the holes are attractive from the tee, but can feel slightly repetitive. The course does feel very natural, like many links' courses do.
A first rate former Open Championship venue where every time you visit you are likely to notice some incremental improvement. The attention to detail is as good as anywhere, and it is a really fun and varied course to boot!
I feel that filling in some of the sand scrapes may be better going forward, as when left to nature too much, it makes the course look scruffy… it made it feel like the MOD had been brought in as the new course architect for the Shore nine!
Prince's Golf Club Location
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
- 2025/26 - 73
- 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.
