OHJGS Paris Tour 2019

OHJ PARIS TOUR 2019

August 26 – 30

Tour Report

Once again, blissful blue skies welcomed us as we navigated our way across northern France, some more successfully than others, along our now well-trodden golf route (even modern technology couldn’t save Fulch and friends from a two hour meander round the highways and byways of the Vexin in search of Villarceaux, nor Ruddles from a long deviation on the road to Belle Dune..).

Sadly GJ had had to withdraw from this tour at the last minute for personal reasons, so we were a merry band of seven, including for the first time as a guest (His Hon) Phillip Matthews.

The entertainment got under way in the mediaeval town of Montreuil-sur-Mer with a most agreeable dinner on the terrasse in the courtyard of the Coq Hotel, setting us up nicely for the testing challenge that is Belle Dune. It was our one misfortune of the week to find ourselves stuck behind two hard-case mixed fourballs, who remained unashamedly oblivious throughout five and a half long hours to anyone behind them and rather blighted the enjoyment. But nothing that a few demis couldn’t put right.

Onwards to the lovely if well-hidden Château du Landel, a privately-owned country-house hotel-cum-farm set in extensive grounds in the middle of the Normandy countryside. Time for a swim and an apéritif before a highly convivial four-course Taste of Normandy in elegant surroundings, and a comfortable night with only the sound of the wood pigeons, plus sundry noises, for company.

At Villarceaux, once everyone had found it, we came into contact again over lunch with the Paris British expat community, and enjoyed a hassle-free round, resulting in some good scoring.

En route to Chantilly for two nights in the Hotel Le Chantilly, an attractively restored old post-house situated right in the centre of town. A super breakfast and good personable service made this a very comfortable base.

The highlight as always was our visit to Morfontaine, unquestionably one of the best courses any of us has played and deservedly rated among the top courses in the world. What a privilege to play, with the course virtually to ourselves and in perfect condition. We were grateful again to David Lawday (elected hon member of the OHJGS in 2018) for his excellent hosting and affable company, both on the course and over another delightful lunch.

Three of our number then had to slip off early, so that Fulch could get home to look after some choirgirls, leaving four of us to finish the tour with an enjoyable final round at the Golf du Lys, in the outskirts of Chantilly. All in all, an excellent week – good company, good stories, good golf, gently fuelled by unusually moderate consumption of Armagnac.

Participants: Roger Goodacre, Dudley Stratford, Derick Fulcher, Bob Carter, Paul Ruddlesdin, Imtiaz Arian (guest), Phillip Matthews (guest)

Roger Goodacre TOUR 2019- SAUNTON GOLF CLUB, DEVON

This being the 90th year of the Society (OHJGS) I was hopeful that it should be as memorable as possible.

Therefore, on Friday the 13th September (we know no fear) 12 illustrious members and guests met at noon for a small lunch and then an afternoon of 18 holes on the West Course. A truly magnificent setting overlooking the North Devon coast and surely one of the finest links courses in the country.

The weather was superb with bright sunshine and a modest breeze blowing in from the sea. The occasion was the Lowe Cup and 9 members with 3 guests battled hard (well almost) during the afternoon till early evening. John Fraser (always thereabouts) was 3rd with 34 points playing off 16, with the solid Rick Holgate 2nd playing off 13 with 36 points, but the eventual winner with 37 points playing off 27 was your illustrious Captain (flukes do happen).

After a noisy dinner at The Thatch in Croyde where much fine vino was consumed, the party met the following morning (Saturday) for morning singles for the Etheldreda Cup again on the West Course. The highest score was recorded by a guest Robert Barnard Smith on 39 points playing off 15 with Jeremy Waud, 2nd on a count back from John Fraser on 32 points. No sooner had RBS caught sight of the fine trophy then “Waudo” claimed it back citing the rule that as a guest he apparently cannot win it! RBS was awarded with wine and a load of balls instead!

The afternoon saw the Piggott Box Foursomes (played as Greensomes) on the fabulous East Course. The wining pair were Graham Negus off 23 and Rick Holgate off 13. A total of 34 points.

The evening saw the party emblazoned in club colour blazers (much to the mirth of the local surfers) dining at the Manor House. Great prizes, great company and fine food. What could be better?

The weather over the weekend was simply perfect and the venue at Saunton Golf Club and The Thatch Hotel ideal. Huge thanks to the Golf Club and hotel who were so busy but treated us very well. A befitting occasion for such an important event. I was sorry that more members didn’t turn up as you missed a peach! These events do need all our support.

The 90th year draws to an end as does my Captaincy. A big thanks to all for coming along and for your company.

Attendees; Captain Tims, Rick Holgate, John Fraser, Patrick McGahan, Dudley Stratford, Nick Budge, Jeremy Waud, Graham Negus, Martin Dennis (G), Max French (G), Robert Barnard-Smith (G), Robert Scull (in part).

Sincere thanks.

Michael Tims

Captain OHJGS