TWO CELEBRATED JERSEY GOLFERS, Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, started out as young caddies on this 6,120 yd links course, and played here once a week on a Sunday afternoon, although they were actually members of La Moye golf club over on the west of the island. Vardon would go on to claim six Open titles and Ray would win the Open in 1912 and the US Open in 1920.
In 1878 a number of Jersey residents decided to lay out a small course on Grouville Common, a tract of sandy heathland with views of impressive Mont Orgueil castle. The club received its Royal warrant in 1879 from Queen Victoria. This members- only club, steeped in tradition, is known as a place where golf’s past and present meet. During WW2 the course was turned into a minefield during the German occupation.
Played along Grouville bay, the 1st tee shot must be placed between the stone walls of Fort Henry, a relic of the Napoleonic wars, on the left of the fairway, and two German gun emplacements on the right, a testing start to the round.
LA MOYE GOLF CLUB
Set spectacularly on sand dunes overlooking St. Ouens Bay, La Moye is an impressive links, measuring 6,797 yds. A great course for seaside golf, but the going is tough when the wind is up. The original course at La Moye was laid out in 1902 by George Boomer, Headmaster of the local school attended by both Harry Vardon and Ted Ray.
La Moye attracted members who were turned away by the Royal Jersey golf club, and it was recorded that Royal Jersey members were amused by the La Moye golfers, who, as tradesmen, played in what outdoor clothing they had, usually riding breeches and leather gaiters. The original clubhouse was the Boomers’ kitchen.
George Boomer’s sons were also excellent golfers, George became head professional at Sunningdale Golf Club, and Aubrey won the French Open five times.
La Moye was damaged to make way for fortifications in the war and the clubhouse was destroyed. The course was renovated during the 1960s under the guidance of Henry Cotton.
Two beautiful courses on a beautiful island where incidentally, I spent my honeymoon, although on that occasion I didn’t think I’d better take my clubs.
THE FALDO SERIES, the only global amateur series for boys and girls with handicaps from +4 to 12, was conceived in 1996, after Sir Nick Faldo’s sixth major triumph.
The non-profit making series consists of 40 events though 30 countries, and was a stepping stone in the careers of Rory McIlroy, Eddie Pepperell and Danny Willett. “We divided the UK into regions, playing on great courses like Royal St. Georges,” said Faldo, “the first Grand Final was won by Nick Dougherty.”
Faldo’s son Matthew who now runs the Series says: “We’re all looking forward to The 28th Junior Tour Grand Final on the 12th-14th November at the Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, where 65 of the world’s best young golfers will compete and our 2024 champion will be crowned.”
According to the blurb, spectators attending this year’s DP World Tour Championship, Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates, (Nov 14-17th) will have no excuse to be bored. While the top 50 battle it out “spectators can enjoy free swing clinics, the Trick Shot Boys will dazzle with their brilliance, the ladies will be spoiled at pamper stations and the kids will be entertained with glitter face painting.
Live music will be provided by the fantastic Greg Pearson, (never heard of him either) and the Red Light Party Band will continue the festivities in thrilling style.” They probably won’t even notice the Champion heading for the bus stop.
IN OREGON, USA, an eagle landed on the green, picked a player’s golf ball up in it’s beak and flew off. The surprised golfer said: “I’d been hoping for an eagle all day.”
Until next time: Happy Golfing.
Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. Tel 638 859 475.
