The course that has become a Prince among layouts
Prince’s Himalayas – the major changes
1st – The wide fairway has been re-introduced but a very small central pot bunker was put in to give players something to think about off the tee.
2nd – The old hole is replaced by using the second tee and the third green to create a slight dogleg par 5. A sand area was restored.
3rd – What was the old fourth has been extended with new back tees, bunkers down the left and an extended wetland on the right. It shares a double green with the eighth.
5th – An entirely new hole – a short par 3 with a view of the ocean, a large contoured green with run off areas and extensive wetlands in front.
6th – The green was extended up to the left and the hole was re-bunkered.
8th – Now a much shorter hole, it poses a question for the longer hitter who needs to decide whether to try and blast at the green or play it as a two-shotter. Those who misjudge the drive can find water, bunkers or a large run off area. The wetlands have been brought in towards the fairway.
9th – The old Himalayas bunkers are reinstated, if not in play, and the old Sarazen bunker close to the green remains a feature of a great finishing hole that’s a challenge into the wind.
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Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.