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Oh I do like to be beside the seaside ... so the song goes. The view as you approach Prince’s Golf Club, located on Kent’s east coast and set amongst the sand dunes of Sandwich Bay, brings the song’s lyrics to mind and sets you up for a great round of golf and a comfortable stay - beside the sea.

THE COURSES

Privately owned by the McGuirk family, Prince’s Golf Club, originally built in 1902 and renovated after being devastated during World War II, is steeped in history. Although immediately adjacent to its more famous neighbouring course, Royal St George’s, and along the coast from Royal Cinque Ports, Prince’s is a gem amongst them. It consists of three loops of nine holes - the Dunes, Shore and the recently refurbished Himalayas - each finishing at the clubhouse and handy for a quick pit stop at the halfway house. Whichever combination you play, each loop offers a challenging yet enjoyable 18 holes of championship links golf. Keeping the ball on the fairway, out of the rough and not underestimating the undulating but true greens is essential for a good score. If you’re not prepared for a long but pleasurable walk, then reserve a buggy prior to your visit.

The Himalayas has two new holes - the new par-5 2nd, a dogleg left which at 500 yards is a monster of a hole with some deep a bunkers to avoid, and the equally challenging par-3 5th hole, aptly named ‘Bloody Point’ after a great naval battle in Sandwich in AD851, which plays from a raised tee towards Pegwell Bay and its seal colony. Also of interest is the commemorative plaque on the 3rd tee signifying the spot where one of the club’s more famous members, Laddie Lucas, who was born in the old clubhouse, used his local knowledge of the course to make an emergency landing after his Spitfire was damaged during the war. Top tip: look out for the wild asparagus growing on the course - a tasty reminder of your visit!

ACCOMMODATION

Situated a few minutes’ drive from the clubhouse and at the entrance to Prince’s, is The Lodge and two adjoining Lodge houses, providing 38 comfortable bedrooms. The spacious two-bedroomed lodges with en-suite facilities, a lounge area and golf club storage, are particularly good for groups of up to four sharing.

DINING

The Lodge features The Brasserie on the Bay restaurant, which has a great à la carte menu for lunch or dinner and an adjoining bar in which to relax, whilst the clubhouse’s elevated Prince’s Suite is the place to enjoy a meal whilst appreciating the gorgeous views over the course and across Sandwich Bay to the white cliffs of Ramsgate.

ACTIVITIES

There’s history on offer a short drive away at Canterbury Cathedral, Dover, Deal or Leeds Castle, or the Westwood Cross Centre if you fancy a spot of retail therapy. If you’re feeling particularly lucky, pay a visit to the casino!

Although tucked away on the edge of the beautiful Kent countryside, Prince’s Golf Club is close to major road and rail connections and really is one of those courses that should be on your bucket list of links courses to play. As honorary life members, we’re sure Phil Mickelson and Gary Player will agree with us!

TRAVELLING TIME

London North - 2hrs 10 mins
Tunbridge Wells - 1hr 50 mins from Tunbridge Wells
Hastings - 1hr 50mins from Hastings
Basingstoke – 2hrs 10 mins

Until 31 October 2019 - 1 night lodge accommodation (twin occupancy) breakfast, 3-course dinner, 18 holes at Prince’s and Royal St Georges, £375pp - subject to availability and conditions apply. See website for offers- princesgolfclub.co.uk

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