Prince’s (Shore and Dunes)

Sandwich, Kent.

Par 72, 3,638/3,637 yards.

Designer: Charles Hutchings.
Green fees: £80 Mon-Thu, £90 Fri-Sun (unlimited holes).
Tel: 01304 611118.

The lesser-known of Kent’s three Open venues perhaps, but Prince’s is a wonderful venue in its own right. It was here in 1932 that American Gene Sarazen won the Claret Jug, helped on his way by inventing a type of club which now sits in everyone’s bag; the sand wedge. Prince’s was first mapped out by former Amateur champion Charles Hutchings but required a redesign after it was used by the military in the Second World War. Lord Brabazon said its rebuffing of German attacks were like “throwing darts at a Rembrandt”.

Aynsley Bridgland was charged with the refresh and he has left three fine loops of nine – Shore, Dunes and Himalayas – which begin and end at the clubhouse.Most regard the Shores and Dunes as the premier combination but the Himalayas is far from second-string – especially as it has benefitted just as much as its sister loops have from a significant refresh of the course in recent years. Over £350,000 has been spent on bunker renovation, revetting all 97 traps across the facility. There has been a substantial increase to greenkeeping budgets too, allowing for, among other things, regular top dressing and brushing as well as further investment in machinery and irrigation. Prince’s agronomy program is in keeping with Natural England and The Environment Agency to encourage indigenous grasses and wildlife. The changes have not merely been superficial; two fairways – the 4th on the Dunes and 6th on the Himalayas – have been re-routed while additional tees have been built in time for the co-hosting of The Amateur this June.

Off the course, the addition of The Lodge, gives a ‘Stay and Play’ option for golfers as well as a Two Rosette Restaurant. You notice the accommodation as you make your way to Prince’s clubhouse on a charming little track which runs between Pegwell Bay and Royal St George’s. During The Open, you get quite a good view of the 5th at Sandwich!. You also see some large chunks of the course you are about to play, so by the time you have pulled up the handbrake in the car park, you are eager to get on the 1st tee.