Staff WriterThe Walker Cup is set to make its grand return to the Kent coast in 2030, when Prince’s Golf Club plays host to the 53rd edition of this storied amateur showdown.
In what promises to be a feast of fierce foursomes and gripping singles, Prince’s Walker Cup will welcome the finest young talents from Great Britain and Ireland and the United States of America to its celebrated links for the very first time.
A New Chapter on the Sandwich Links
Nestled along the windswept shores of Sandwich, Prince’s Golf Club boasts a pedigree few venues can match.
After famously staging The Open in 1932—when Gene Sarazen wrote his name into golfing folklore with a 319 total—the club has continued to etch its history in championships large and small.
From hosting Final Qualifying for The Open between 2018 and 2022 to the Women’s Amateur Championship in 2023, Prince’s has proven itself more than capable of rising to the occasion.
Since 2017, an ambitious redevelopment programme has breathed fresh life into the venue.
The clubhouse has been modernised without losing its timeless charm, and the 27 holes have been tweaked and tested to enhance every undulation, bunker lip, and green complex.
It’s these very features that Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, believes will elevate the Walker Cup to new heights.
“The Walker Cup provides the opportunity for elite amateur golfers to perform on a world-class stage and Prince’s will certainly continue that rich tradition in 2030.
“It is a venue which boasts an impressive pedigree, from the facilities off the course to the challenge on the wonderful links, and it promises to be a fantastic occasion when the match is played there.”
Privilege and Pride at Prince’s
For Prince’s, hosting a Walker Cup has long been a dream. Rob McGuirk, the club’s affable General Manager, could barely contain his excitement:
“It’s an absolute privilege to be invited to host the Walker Cup in 2030.
“To be among the esteemed hosts of what is perhaps the most revered men’s amateur competition in the game is a source of immense pride for everyone associated with Prince’s Golf Club.
“We have worked closely with The R&A on a number of championships in the past and we look forward to continuing that relationship in the years ahead to ensure a great match is held.”
McGuirk’s words capture the very essence of Prince’s Walker Cup: tradition mingling with modernity, camaraderie fuelled by competition, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Looking Ahead: Dates and Destinations
While the precise dates for the 2030 encounter at Prince’s are yet to be unveiled, the Walker Cup calendar is already mapping an epic journey:
- 2025: Cypress Point Club, California (September)
- 2026: Lahinch, Ireland
- 2028: Bandon Dunes, Oregon
- 2030: Prince’s Golf Club, Sandwich, Kent
Each venue brings its own flavour—Cypress Point’s Pacific panoramas, Lahinch’s Atlantic swells, Bandon Dunes’ rugged beauty—and Prince’s will add its unique Kentish character to the mix.
Why the Walker Cup Matters
Beyond the scores and silverware, the Walker Cup is golf’s ultimate coming-of-age for amateurs.
It’s where future stars sharpen their skills against peers from across the Atlantic, forge lifelong friendships, and test their mettle under the spotlight.
For Prince’s, hosting the match isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s a chance to inspire the next generation of champions against the backdrop of its legendary links.
Whether you’re a lifelong member, a local supporter, or a globetrotting golf aficionado, mark your diaries: The 2030 Walker Cup promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the annals of amateur golf.
For more information on the Walker Cup and how to follow the action, visit www.walkercup.org.
