Staff WriterIf golf clubs were judged by character as much as condition, Prince’s Golf Club would already have a cabinet full of trophies.
The iconic Sandwich Bay links — host of the 1932 Open Championship and future stage for the 2030 Walker Cup — has been shortlisted as one of just four finalists for England: Golf Course of the Year at the 2025 Golf Course Awards.
It’s a nod not only to the Kent coast’s golfing heritage but also to the club’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Since launching a sweeping redevelopment programme in 2017 under the guidance of architect Martin Ebert, Prince’s has quietly — and confidently — transformed itself from a historic venue into a modern masterpiece.
The 27-hole layout across the Shore, Dunes, and Himalayas loops has been reshaped and refined, with every bunker, contour, and line of sight reconsidered. The result? A course that’s as strategic as it is scenic — and one that demands both precision and nerve from anyone who dares to take it on.
“This shortlisting is a testament to the passion and hard work of our entire team,” said Rob McGuirk, General Manager at Prince’s Golf Club. “The ongoing course development with Martin Ebert, the improvements to our facilities, and the honour of hosting the 2030 Walker Cup all reflect our determination to keep Prince’s evolving while respecting its unique heritage.”
The club’s evolution extends well beyond the fairways. This year saw a major clubhouse refurbishment and significant investment in upgraded hospitality and practice facilities, due for completion this winter. It’s all part of ensuring the visitor experience matches the calibre of the course itself — a balance few clubs manage as elegantly as Prince’s.
The Golf Course of the Year award, one of the most coveted honours in the sport, recognises venues that set the gold standard in presentation, innovation, and guest experience. The winners will be unveiled at a ceremony later in 2025, but for Prince’s, this recognition already feels like validation for nearly a decade of meticulous work.
Steeped in history yet unafraid of progress, Prince’s Golf Club remains one of England’s true golfing treasures. From Gene Sarazen’s Open triumph in 1932 to its upcoming turn hosting the Walker Cup, the club continues to prove that tradition and innovation can — when handled with care — share the same fairway.
For more information, visit www.princesgolfclub.co.uk.
