This famous corner of Kent can boast no fewer than three Open Championship venues, all within a couple of miles of each other: Royal St George’s, Royal Cinque Ports and Prince’s.
The latter, the 1932 Open Championship host venue, boasts 27 holes in three loops of nine. The Dunes and Shore nines make up the Championship course, while the members’ favourite is the shorter Himalayas. Above all, a warm welcome awaits everyone, much as it did when Prince’s first opened, more than a century ago.
You approach the club on a road that runs between Pegwell Bay and St George’s – the first hole you will see is the fifth at St George’s – and your first sight of Prince’s comes in the form of the newly-restored Dormy House that now offers guests first-class on-site accommodation.
By the time you have reached the clubhouse you will have seen several holes from the Shore nine and be licking your lips in anticipation.
History
At the turn of the 19th century, it was decided that a new links should be built at Sandwich, next door to Royal St George’s. The new Prince’s Golf Club would welcome men, women, and juniors.
Originally laid out in 1904 by Charles Hutchings, a former amateur champion, and Percy Lucas on land donated by the Earl of Guildford, the 18-hole course, stretching out to almost 7,000 yards, opened for play in 1907.
The military commandeered the course during the both World Wars and it was virtually obliterated during the Second World War. Lord Brabazon memorably described the German attacks it withstood as akin to “throwing darts at a Rembrandt”.
However, in 1932, Prince’s Golf Club proudly hosted its first and only Open Championship. ‘The Squire’, Gene Sarazen, was the eventual winner. Sarazen continued his winning streak, becoming the first player to win all four majors.
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Not only that, on his way to becoming the first man to claim the Grand Slam, he invented a club specifically to recover from the punitive Prince’s bunkers. It became known as it is today as the sand wedge.
Why it’s special
The course shows-off its unique ability to think ‘outside of the box’ with each nine providing its own set of challenges and opportunities.
Where does it rank?
81st in GB&I, 92nd in England, 3rd in Kent
Where is it?
Prince’s is located in the historic town of Sandwich in Kent, on the South-East coast of England.
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Get in touch with Prince’s
For more information about the club and course, visit their website or call them on 01306 611 118.
Have you played Prince’s? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us.
