Play The Laddie

A New Championship Composite Course at Prince's Golf Club

At Prince’s Golf, our links have always evolved with the game while remaining deeply connected to the rich history of Sandwich Bay. We are delighted to announce the introduction of The Laddie - a new 18-hole championship composite course created from a carefully selected routing across our three renowned nines: The Himalayas, Shore and Dunes.

Developed in collaboration with The R&A and acclaimed golf course architects Mackenzie & Ebert, The Laddie has been designed to showcase the very best of Prince's. The routing brings together five holes from The Himalayas, six from The Shore and seven from The Dunes, creating a truly distinctive championship layout that showcases the very best of Prince's - combining natural variety, strategic design and the authentic links character that defines Sandwich Bay. The Laddie will serve as the dedicated championship course for select future events hosted at Prince's.

The Laddie places particular emphasis on strong par-4 golf, demanding accuracy from the tee, intelligent positioning and creative shot-making in changing coastal conditions. The routing has been carefully crafted to preserve the individuality of each nine while bringing together a cohesive championship experience that reflects the true character of Prince's.

The Story Behind The Name

The new composite course takes its name from one of the most remarkable figures in Prince's history - P.B. "Laddie" Lucas. Born in the old clubhouse at Prince's and raised on the Kent coastline, Lucas became one of Britain’s finest amateur golfers, captaining the Cambridge golf team and earning recognition as one of the world's leading lefthanded players in the 1930s. He later volunteered for the RAF during the Second World War, where he became a decorated fighter ace, commanding Spitfire squadrons during the Battle of Malta and earning the DSO and DFC for his bravery.

His story remains woven into the fabric of Prince's and includes one of the club's most extraordinary moments. In August 1944, after his Spitfire sustained severe damage during combat over France, Lucas famously navigated his way back across the English coastline using his intimate knowledge of Sandwich Bay and the Prince's links below him. Refusing to bail out, he used the clubhouse as a marker before skilfully crash-landing on the course itself, narrowly avoiding several fairways.

The remarkable escape became part of Prince's folklore and perfectly reflects Lucas's enduring connection to the club and its landscape.

It is this story that inspired the identity and symbolism behind The Laddie. The newly created logo - a broken Spitfire propeller - serves as a tribute to Lucas' wartime heroism and enduring connection to Prince's Golf Club. The emblem reflects both resilience and heritage, linking the club’s storied past with its exciting future.

A Lasting Walker Cup Legacy

Laddie Lucas' legacy extends far beyond Prince's and his wartime heroics. He was also one of the leading amateur golfers of his generation and played an important role in the post-war history of the Walker Cup.

Lucas was selected for the 1936 Walker Cup team at Pine Valley Golf Club shortly after turning 21, travelling to the United States with the side before illness unfortunately prevented him from playing.

He would later represent Great Britain & Ireland in the 1947 Walker Cup at Old Course at St Andrews, the first staging of the event following the Second World War. Played on the Old Course, the match marked the return of international amateur golf after an eight-year hiatus and saw the United States regain the trophy with an 8–4 victory.

During the match, Lucas partnered Leonard Crawley to secure an impressive 5&4 foursomes victory over Marvin Ward and Smiley Quick on the opening day. He later competed in the singles against Richard Chapman. The 1947 contest remains a significant moment in Walker Cup history and further cemented Lucas' standing within the amateur game.

Two years later, Lucas returned to the Walker Cup in an even greater role, serving as captain of the Great Britain & Ireland team at Winged Foot in 1949. Leading the side in New York against a formidable American team captained by the legendary Francis Ouimet, Lucas helped oversee one of the best-prepared GB&I teams of the era, arranging practice matches and building team cohesion ahead of the trip to the United States.

Although the USA ultimately claimed a 10–2 victory at Winged Foot, Lucas' leadership and influence on amateur golf were widely respected, and his connection to the Walker Cup remains an important part of his legacy. That connection makes Prince's relationship with the Walker Cup particularly meaningful today, with the club set to host the 2030 Walker Cup, bringing one of amateur golf's most prestigious events back to Sandwich Bay.

A New Chapter for Prince's

The creation of The Laddie reflects Prince's commitment to championship golf while honouring the unique heritage of the club and the natural character of its linksland.

Combining some of the finest holes across all 27 holes at Prince's, The Laddie offers a routing designed to challenge the world's best players while providing members and visitors with a truly memorable golfing experience.

We look forward to sharing more details, imagery and future opportunities to experience The Laddie in the months ahead.