This Is Jersey

When it comes to golf, Jersey has a bit of a reputation.

The Royal Bay of Grouville was a rich breeding ground for golfing talent in the early years of the 20th century, producing such champions as Harry Vardon, Edward ‘Ted’ Ray and Aubrey Boomer.

Vardon won the cherished claret jug in the British Open in 1896, 1898, 1899 1903, 1911 and 1914 and his record of six victories remains the best to this day and will take some beating. In 1912 Vardon was runner-up for the fourth time - to fellow Jerseyman Ray. After winning the third of his Open Championships, Vardon embarked on a 20,000-mile tour of America in the winter of 1900, culminating with his victory in the US Open. In the 1920 US Open he finished runner-up to Ray - the last Englishman to win until Jersey-resident Tony Jacklin half-a-century later.

Vardon is, arguably, the most famous Jerseyman in history, with 99 per cent of the golfers around the world today using the interlocking ‘Vardon Grip’, which he popularised and gave his name to, although he did not devise it.

Not suprisingly, the Island now boasts three challenging 18-hole courses and three nine-hole. The most prestigious - La Moye and the Royal Jersey Golf Club at Grouville - are open to members only (or visitors who are members of a recognised golf club). Both have very long waiting lists. However, there is a public access 18-hole golf course at Les Mielles, which in recent years has developed into a well-designed and challenging course with plenty of water features. There are also three public access nine-hole courses at Wheatlands, St Clement’s Recreation Grounds and Les Ormes Golf and Leisure Club.