Prince’s Dunes and Himalayas Golf Course

History:

Located on the scenic coast of Kent, near Sandwich, The Prince’s Golf Club is one of England’s most celebrated golf courses, known for its dramatic links terrain and rich heritage. The club was founded in the early 20th century and has since established itself as a favorite among links golf enthusiasts. The Prince’s Golf Club was officially opened in 1906, developed as part of the growing popularity of links golf on the southeast coast of England. The course was designed by the renowned golf architect Harry Colt, who was instrumental in shaping many of the classic courses in the region. Colt’s design at The Prince’s took full advantage of the natural undulating dunes and coastal heathland, creating a challenging and picturesque links layout. The course quickly earned praise for its natural flow, strategic complexity, and breathtaking views over the English Channel.

In 1925, the club expanded with the addition of the Dunes Course, designed by Tom Simpson, another legendary golf architect of the era. This course complemented the original

The Prince’s Golf Club has a rich tradition in hosting significant golf tournaments, further cementing its reputation in the golfing world:

• The club has been a venue for various European Tour events, including the European Open.
• It frequently hosts qualifying stages for The Open Championship, given its proximity to the famous links courses at Royal St George’s, Royal Cinque Ports, and Royal Dover.
• The Prince’s has also staged important amateur championships and regional events.

The courses at The Prince’s are prized for their authentic links characteristics: firm, fast fairways, deep bunkers, natural dune contours, and exposure to coastal winds. The design philosophy emphasizes minimal earth-moving, allowing the natural landscape to dictate the routing.

Description:

The Dunes Course

• Holes: 9
• Par: 36
• Yardage: Approximately 3,400 yards

Designed by Tom Simpson and opened in 1925, the Dunes Course is a challenging 9-hole layout that emphasizes accuracy and shot-making. Nestled among natural dunes, it features narrow fairways and well-protected, undulating greens.

The course requires careful navigation through tight corridors framed by native grasses and natural sand hollows. Despite its shorter length, the Dunes Course offers a true test of links golf skills, with firm fairways and the ever-present challenge of coastal winds.

The Himalayas Course

• Holes: 9
• Par: 35
• Yardage: Approximately 3,200 yards

The Himalayas Course is a classic 9-hole links layout offering a shorter but challenging round. Its name reflects the dramatic dunes and elevation changes that characterize the course, providing spectacular views across the surrounding landscape.

Despite its shorter length, the Himalayas demands precision and control. The undulating terrain and well-placed bunkers challenge players to navigate strategically, and the greens require careful putting. It’s ideal for a quick round or warm-up and showcases true links golf in a condensed format.

 The Shore Course

• Holes: 9
• Par: 36
• Yardage: Approximately 3,400 yards

Also a 9-hole course, the Shore Course offers a complementary experience to the Himalayas. It features gently rolling terrain closer to the shoreline, with open fairways and natural sandy hollows.

The Shore is slightly longer and more open than the Himalayas, emphasizing smooth shot-making and adaptability to coastal winds. The course is known for its relaxed but engaging character, making it popular for casual play or a leisurely nine holes.