Sandwich and Deal: a links weekend from London.
Royal St George's, Prince's and Royal Cinque Ports sit side by side on the Kent coast. Two days, three links and one very good pub.
The trip in a minute
Three championship links sit almost next to each other on the Kent coast near Sandwich, and all three have hosted The Open. Royal St George's and Prince's are neighbours, and Royal Cinque Ports is just up the coast at Deal.
It's the best links weekend you can do from London without getting on a plane. Book well ahead, check the handicap rules, and save one evening for the pub.
The courses
Royal St George's
Par 70 · about 6,630 yards off the medal tees, 7,200 from the back · founded 1887
The big one, and a regular Open venue. Visitors need a handicap index of 18.4 or lower, and visitor days are limited. Expect around £165 in winter up to about £330 in peak summer for 2026.
Prince's
27 holes: Shore, Dunes and Himalayas
Where Gene Sarazen won the 1932 Open. The Shore and Dunes nines make the championship course; the Himalayas nine was rebuilt in 2018. 2026 summer fees are about £175 midweek and £215 at weekends, less in winter.
Royal Cinque Ports, Deal
About 7,200 yards from the back · founded 1892
Hosted The Open in 1909 and 1920. A long, exposed links where the wind decides the score. Sources put the visitor fee around £185 to £210.
Which course to play on which day, the tees to pick for your handicap, and the holes you'll still be talking about at the bar.
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Been? Tell us the one thing you loved and the one thing you'd change. The best go up here with your name and handicap.
Send your love-hateKeep planning.
Northumberland, EnglandThe quiet links of the Northumberland coast
Big skies, short queues and green fees that won't start an argument.
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Las Colinas, Villamartin, Las Ramblas and Campoamor within a short drive. Paul's old stomping ground.
Murcia, SpainAltaona: the new course under the mountains
A modern par 72 in the foothills of the Sierra de Carrascoy, with a society scene to match.