South Herts Golf Club Official Corporate Brochure 2015

home of the Vardon Grip

O fficial

corporate

Brochure

2015 South Herts Golf Club | 1

Make your Ad Garden antoExtension of your Home Sunshine your Garden - Design & Build

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2 | South Herts Golf Club

Contents Welcome The Courses The Vardon Course The Rees Course Take The Course Tour The Location & Wildlife Membership

LUDIS P u b l i c at i o n s

www.ludis-publications.co.uk 01273 616477 info@ludis-publications.co.uk

05 06 07 09 10 15 16

Professional & Pro Shop Lessons Practice Facilities Visitors Society & Corporate Days The Clubhouse Social Events

21 23 25 29 31 35 37

History Harry Vardon Dai Rees Hudson Trophy Recent Times How To Find & Contact Us

39 42 45 47 49 50

South Herts Golf Club & Ludis Publications would like to thank all of the businesses that appear in this publication for their support and wish them continued commercial success. The content of this brochure is believed to be correct at the time of printing but we cannot endorse individual statements and readers should not rely solely upon the continued accuracy of any individual claims contained herein without consultation with the service provider. Designed and Printed by Maverick Design and Communication on behalf of Ludis Publications 2015.

South Herts Golf Club | 3

4 | South Herts Golf Club

Welcome S

outh Herts Golf Club is a friendly, vibrant club with a distinguished history. Golf has been played at South Herts for well over a century and the Club has had long associations with both six times Open winner Harry Vardon and winning Ryder Cup captain Dai Rees, two of the country’s greatest professionals.

Originally arable farmland, an intensive tree planting programme throughout the last hundred years has produced a wooded landscape as breathtaking to look at as it is challenging to play.

Only eleven miles from central London, and a short walk from Totteridge and Whetstone tube station, the courses extend across nearly 140 acres of peaceful, undulating parkland, free of the noise that blights so many golf courses these days.

The 18-hole Vardon course, 9-hole Rees course, practice ground with covered bays and a short game practice and warm up area ensure that every type of golfer is catered for, from those just taking up the game to the most competitive and ambitious of low handicappers.

Off the course, the well-appointed clubhouse, attentive staff and outstanding catering combine to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for individual visitors, societies and corporate visitors and, of course, our members.

Come and play the course, and view the extensive collection of memorabilia on display in the clubhouse.

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The Courses O

ver the years, the courses at South Herts have benefited from the input of some famous names: Willie Park Jnr., Harry Vardon, James Braid, Dai Rees and, more recently, former Ryder Cup Player, Ken Brown.

The Vardon Course was originally laid out by twice Open winner, Willie Park Junior, a pioneer of parkland courses at a time when most courses in the British Isles were seaside links. Of the approximately 170 courses he constructed, probably the best known inland course is Sunningdale Old. He also designed links courses, notably

6 | South Herts Golf Club

at Glasgow Gailes and Gullane (No. 2) and worked extensively in the USA and Canada, both on the coast and inland.

Harry Vardon was responsible for many improvements during his 37 years as Professional and Head Green keeper at the Club, and James Braid was consulted on the bunkering in the 1930s. More recently, substantial further improvements and up-dates have been carried out under the supervision of architect, Ken Moodie, and former Ryder Cup player, Ken Brown, to ensure that the course will continue to provide an enjoyable

challenge to all standards of golfers for many years to come.

The Rees Course is a testing 1582 yard, par 28 course. With no significant carries it provides an excellent introduction for those just starting the game or for whom 18 on the Vardon is too much. A round or two on the Rees is also an ideal way for experienced golfers to sharpen up their iron play.

The Vardon Course T

he Vardon course is a challenging 6429 yard course with undulating fairways, wellsited bunkering and relatively small greens, several of which slope steeply from back to front. Constructed to USGA specifications, the greens are maintained to a high standard, providing fast, true putting surfaces throughout the season, and landing areas that will hold a well-struck shot, but will be somewhat unforgiving of misshits.

With our own borehole and a full irrigation system we are able to maintain a high standard of presentation even during the hottest summers and our fairways and greens are renowned as being amongst the best in North London and Hertfordshire.

At first sight, the course may look relatively open, but correct positioning off the tee and careful assessment of distance on the approach are essential if a good score is to be returned.

Put all these factors together and perhaps it’s no surprise that South Herts has regularly been chosen by the R & A as an Open Pre-Qualifying venue.

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The Rees Course O

riginally opened in 1934, the ‘short course’ was abandoned during the Second World War when it was given over to the “Dig for Victory” campaign.

It re-opened in the early 1950s, as a six-hole course designed by Dai Rees, and was extended, under his supervision, to nine holes in 1969.

At 180 yards uphill to a small green set into the hillside, the ninth is as testing a hole as any of the twenty seven at South Herts.

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Take The Course Tour Hole 1 A gentle downhill start, but beware of the pond on the left and trees and ditch on the right. A good tee shot leaves a tricky pitch to a firm and steeply sloping green. Aim to leave an uphill putt.

Hole 2 A challenging uphill tee shot. With trouble left and right, and positioning important to leave a clear shot to the green, a three wood or rescue club may be the wisest option. Beware out of bounds immediately behind the firm green.

10 | South Herts Golf Club

Hole 3 Our longest hole at 574 yards, but it’s all downhill to the distant green.

The longest hitters can get up in two, but for most it will take two good shots to set up a tricky pitch to a firm green that tends to throw the ball forward and away to the left.

Hole 5 A sharp dog-leg right with a tight drive between the poplars to the right, and the out-of-bounds on the left. The green is heavily bunkered on the right so the second shot should be played to the left of the fairway to open up the green.

Hole 4 A right-to-left uphill dog-leg to a well-bunkered two tier green. The second shot always plays longer than you think.

Hole 6 A tough par three at nearly 200 yards. The green sheds both left and right, so wherever the pin is, the smart golfer will aim at the tallest oak tree behind the green.

Hole 7 Our toughest hole requires two excellent shots to reach the small green that slopes both back to front and left to right. Whether going for the green in two, or accepting that it is a three-shorter, keep the ball below the hole to have a good chance of putting. A five is not a bad score here.

Hole 8 This green slopes severely from back to front so keep your ball short of the pin for an uphill putt.

Hole 9 Aim the drive at the left edge of the office block in the distance. The green will often be reachable in two in the summer, but the steeply sloping green makes it essential to keep the ball short of the hole, so laying up to provide an easy chip may provide a better opportunity for a birdie.

Hole 10 An attractive hole that curves gently to the left, often leading golfers to drive into the right-hand rough or behind the oak tree. Take care to line up to drive to centre, or slightly left of centre to set up a straight approach.

Hole 11 Our longest par 4 but, unlike the 7th, it’s downhill, so two shots will get you home. A ridge that runs back to front on the right third of the green makes the second shot particularly tricky when the pin is on the righthand side.

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Take The Course Tour Hole 12 An attractive par 3 downhill to an island green. Plays shorter than the yardage and over-hit shots leave a tricky chip back.

Hole 13 Short, but not easy, this par 4 requires a straight tee shot to set up an approach to a steeply sloping green. Very narrow at the front, the green widens the further you hit the second, but shots hit beyond the pin for safety leave a frighteningly quick putt back down the hill.

12 | South Herts Golf Club

Hole 14 Our shortest par 3 played to a heavily bunkered plateau green. The green slopes from back to front, so check the pin position and aim to be below the hole.

Hole 15 After a good drive the player has the option of taking on the approach bunkers and carrying the green, or playing a running shot between them. Shorter hitters should lay up on the left half of the fairway to leave the easiest pitch.

CONTINUED Hole 16 A very sharp dog-leg left which some see as our signature hole. The green is guarded by two tall willow trees, and to avoid having to carry them, aim at the conifer from the tee.

Shorter hitters may have to accept that this is a three-shotter, and play around the willows. Canny golfers sometimes set up a par by playing right of the right-hand bunker, leaving a short chip on to the green.

Hole 17 A daunting blind drive over a hill. A good drive aimed at the tree over the brow of the hill sets up the approach to a firm raised green. Although there is out of bounds on the left, a drive which favours the left half of the fairway sets up a much easier approach for those brave enough to take the shot on.

Hole 18 Many players choose to take a three wood or rescue club to take the bunkers out of play. Left side of the fairway sets up the best approach to a green that is very fast from back to front. Short of the hole is best, but beware, the shot is uphill, so think carefully about the clubbing if you want to set up a chance of a birdie.

South Herts Golf Club | 13

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The Location & Wildlife D

espite its central location, our beautifully kept golf courses and greens at South Herts have a surprisingly tranquil feel. Occupying 140 acres of undulating parkland in Totteridge, North London, and with spectacular views of parkland from many holes and a stunning array of plants and wildlife, it’s no surprise that South Herts is viewed by many as a very special golf club - one where members and visitors alike can get away from it all, as well as improve their round of golf.

Originally arable farmland, an intensive tree planting programme throughout the last century has produced a breathtaking wooded landscape. At the end of 2008, a long term Woodland Management Plan, designed to enhance the landscape and playing quality of the course, and phased over three years, was completed. Our South Herts landscape provides vital habitats for declining species as diverse as song thrush and stag beetle as well as the white admiral and purple emperor butterfly.

In the 1990s, the addition of both fairway watering (fed by the Club’s

own borehole) and substantial drainage infrastructure have resulted in a flourishing landscape as well as a playing surface that, even during the hottest summers, ranks with the best. This is why South Herts has regularly been chosen as an Open Championship pre-qualifying venue.

Most recently, further improvements under the supervision of architect Ken Moodie have seen all the bunkers rebuilt and re-positioned to provide a strong strategic challenge to today’s long hitters, as well as enjoyable golf for club golfers with more modest skills.

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Membership A

t South Herts we are always happy to welcome new members. We have only two provisos: firstly, we’d like applicants to understand that they are joining a club where the enjoyment of golf with fellow enthusiasts is a primary focus, but that there is a lively social side too.

Secondly, we’d like them to recognise that in becoming a member of South Herts, they are not just buying a season ticket to access the facilities; they are becoming part of a club which combines a long and

16 | South Herts Golf Club

proud history with a confident and progressive outlook.

So Why Join South Herts?

• Outstanding par 72, 6429 yard course originally designed by twice Open winner Willie Park Junior, improved by Harry Vardon and updated and improved by Ken Moodie and Ken Brown (2006 – 8) • Selected by the R & A many times for‘ The Open’ pre-qualifying rounds • Exceptional 9-hole ‘short course’, and comprehensive practice facilities

• Active membership of 700 from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds • Full competition and match calendars for men, women and juniors • Frequent social events: dinners, dances, quizzes etc, which are invariably sold out

• Excellent clubhouse – superb restaurant, four lounges, bars open pub hours, snooker room (two tables), widescreen TVs with all sports channels • All land and buildings are freehold and owned by the Club • Debt free with ample reserves • Great value for money

Full Membership (Seven Day) Full members of South Herts have unrestricted access to all Club facilities. There are a large number of medal, stableford and match play competitions for all sections of the Club throughout the year, and a full programme of inter-club matches for Men, ladies and juniors. Traditionally, South Herts has had a strong scratch team that competes at the highest level in Hertfordshire amateur golf.

Candidates for Full membership must have a handicap of at most 24

for men or 36 for ladies and must either be proposed and seconded by existing members, or be a current or recent member of another golf club. All prospective members are interviewed by two senior members of the Club as part of the entry process.

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Membership Five Day Membership Five Day membership offers all the advantages of Full membership with the exception that the Vardon course may not be used at weekends or on Bank Holidays. The entry process is similar to that for Full members, but there are no handicap restrictions although candidates will be expected to have some golfing ability and demonstrate an awareness of the importance of abiding by golf etiquette. A Five Day member who achieves a handicap of 24 for men or 36 for ladies may apply for transfer to Full membership.

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CONTINUED

Intermediate Rates Reduced subscription rates are available for Full and Five Day members between the ages of 18 and 28.

The Vardon Academy The Vardon Academy offers people a practical way of starting the game, and can also be a route to Full membership.

Membership of the Vardon Academy offers 6 months unlimited play on the Rees Course, 6 lessons with our PGA qualified professionals, and use of the clubhouse (with the exception of the restaurant).

The lessons cover not only the techniques of the game, but also the common sense basis of golf etiquette.

Achievement of an adequate standard of play and demonstration of an understanding of the need to abide by the etiquette of the game will enable the professional staff to recommend candidates for Full or Five Day membership of the Club.

Junior Membership The Club actively encourages juniors (under 18s) to join, whether or not they already have family connections.

Junior members have full use of the Rees course, and may play the Vardon course at certain times. A popular event is the regular Monday ‘Junior Evening’ at South Herts during which junior members meet and play the Vardon course. The Clubs PGA qualified professionals support the junior coaching scheme run in association with the Golf Foundation.

Junior members who show sufficient enthusiasm to improve may be offered free coaching with the head

professional. There are numerous junior competitions throughout the year, and the Junior team plays in a number of inter-club competitions during the season.

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Professional & Pro Shop Bobby Mitchell, Club Professional Bobby was appointed Club Professional in 1994 after competing on the European Tour for five years. Both Bobby and Head Assistant, Michael Cutmore, are fully qualified PGA professionals and available to give lessons to all standards of golfers, members or non-members alike.

Bobby runs a fully stocked shop including clothing and club-fitting.

He and his staff are always happy to advise golfers on the most appropriate equipment to meet their particular needs.

Bobby is part of the Foremost Buying Group, which gives him access to all leading brands at the most competitive prices. Brands stocked include: Callaway, Titliest, Taylor Made, PING, POWAKADDY, POLO and Ralph Lauren.

New stock arrives daily.

The professional staff at South Herts welcome the opportunity to pricematch if customers have seen a product at another outlet or on the internet and, of course, buying from Bobby guarantees a responsive aftersales service.

Other services include the full range of club repairs and alterations, and the hire of buggies, although during the season it is always advisable to book these in advance.

Pop into the shop, or call us on 0208 445 4633. Alternatively, you can email proshop@southhertsgolfclub.co.uk

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Lessons A

t the South Herts Academy, Bobby Mitchell and his PGA staff welcome all standards of golfers from complete beginners to the most accomplished. Their aim is always the same: to help each golfer achieve his or her potential and, as a result, get maximum enjoyment from their game.

Equipped with the latest technology, including the GASP video analysis system and Explanar simulator, they also recognise that golf is as much about the mind as the body. Friendly and understanding, they will analyse your particular strengths, weaknesses

and physical capabilities and from there, arm you with the most appropriate drills to improve your swing and build your confidence.

Junior golfers are also well catered for. The Junior Tiger Club offers children aged between 6 and 16 the best possible start to golf. The Tiger Club’s experienced coach creates an environment that makes learning fun as well as being a fantastic way for your children to make new friends.

Members and non-members are welcome either as individuals or groups, and lessons can be booked

either individually or as a series. To find out more about lessons for adults, or to enroll your child in the Junior Tigers, telephone the professional shop on: 020 8445 4633 or email Bobby Mitchell at proshop@southhertsgolfclub.co.uk.

Alternatively, go to our website and click on the “Professional” tab and then “Lessons”.

Rates: Bobby Mitchell Per hour £48 | Per half-hour £28 Playing 9 holes £60 Michael Cutmore Per hour £45 | Per half-hour £26 Playing 9 holes £60

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Practice Facilities L

earning new skills and then practicing them until they become second nature is the way to improve in any sporting pursuit, and golf is no different.

The practice facilities here at South Herts are a rare asset for an urban course and much appreciated by rabbits and tigers alike.

The Club boasts an excellent modern driving area with a number of covered driving bays which allow players to work on their game, whatever the weather. A short game warm-up and practice area, including a large practice bunker, is conveniently situated close to the clubhouse and first tee, and is an integral and popular facility.

As well as being appreciated by members and visitors, the wide range of facilities enables the professional staff to teach pupils all aspects of the game.

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Visitors W

e are proud of our course and facilities and pleased to share them with visiting golf enthusiasts.

Visitors may play the Vardon course throughout the week, but availability of tee times will depend on Club activities, so it is advisable to telephone in advance to avoid a long wait or, worse, a wasted journey. A handicap certificate is required to play the Vardon course.

As day members, visitors to the Vardon course are welcome to use all the facilities of the clubhouse. Visitors are also free to play the Rees course at any time without having to provide proof of handicap.

If you are planning to visit please check out the Dress Code on our website. The objective of this Code is to ensure that South Herts provides as pleasing an environment as possible for members and guests alike, both on and off the courses. Every attempt has been made to ensure a smart, but flexible, code, and we ask guests to abide by it in the same way that members are expected to.

To check availability and to book tee times on the Vardon Course, please telephone the professional shop on 020 8445 4633.

Vardon Course Per round £50 Per day (weekdays only) £60 Introduced by member £30 Rees Course Adult £15 Junior (under 18) £6 County Card £31 per round

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Society & Corporate Days S

ociety or corporate bookings can be made for any weekday, subject to availability. Our aim when welcoming groups to the Club is always to provide an outstanding experience for the players and a trouble-free day for the organiser.

We have found that flexibility and attention to detail are the keys to achieving success. An early discussion with the Secretary will help ensure that all the standard needs are met and will often identify additional opportunities to make the day special.

We can provide a host to assist in administration, golf clinics for established golfers and special lessons and competitions on the Rees course or practice area for non-playing guests.

Extras: Optional full English breakfast (minimum 8 people) - £6 per person Bacon rolls on arrival (minimum 20 people) - £2.50 per person

Example Packages: Option A: 36 holes, morning coffee, light lunch, 3-course dinner £83 Option B: 36 holes, morning coffee, light lunch, 2-course dinner £79 Option C: 18 holes, morning coffee, 3-course lunch or dinner £64

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Society & Corporate Days To discuss your requirements in detail and to order your society information pack please telephone the Secretary on 020 8445 2035 or email: secretary@southhertsgolfclub.co.uk

CONTINUED

Why book your day at South Herts?

• Superb 18 hole parkland course used for Open Championship prequalification

• Practice area with covered driving bays

• Well-appointed clubhouse with all modern amenities

• Great value for money

• Vardon/Rees associations and display of important memorabilia

• Excellent food with extensive choice of menus • 9 hole par three course for beginners and improvers

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The Clubhouse O

ur beautiful clubhouse, set high above the 140 acre parkland course, opens out onto a peaceful patio area which sits over the 1st tee and is shaded by willows. With an elegant glass wall along much of its width, there are also glorious views from inside its bars, lounge and restaurant across the terrace and putting green, to the undulating green landscape beyond.

Both the bars and lounge provide comfortable surroundings in which to enjoy a drink with friends after a game, or before lunch or dinner. Unlike many clubs in the area, we keep standard licensing hours (except Sundays, when the bar normally closes at 9:30 p.m.) and the two tables in the snooker room are in regular use in the evening. The friendly and attentive service provided by our clubhouse staff is frequently commented on by visiting golfers and much appreciated by members.

The Club has long had a reputation for its top-class quality catering, both for big events and for less formal lunches and evening meals. The delicious Sunday lunch carvery and Friday night fish and chips are particular favourites with members and our many social events are consistently well attended.

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Social Events S

outh Herts is not just a Club where you can enjoy an excellent round of golf in tranquil surroundings. It also has a lively side, with numerous events staged throughout the year, and enjoyed by members of all ages.

The Club organizes quiz nights, discos and musical entertainment, including a variety of tribute bands, all year round.

Members can let their hair down at the Summer Ball, and much fun is had at our regular Charity Balls. We celebrate the festive season in style with our Christmas Party - a popular event for both youngsters and their families.

Then we end the year on a high note with a traditional black tie dinner and dance, having a great time bringing in the New Year!

At South Herts we aim to provide an environment where members can enjoy time with each other, both on and off the course. Whether it’s in the clubhouse bar or restaurant or attending one of our many lively social events, they can pass pleasant and comfortable times together, whatever the time of day or season.

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History Origins In 1899, faced the prospect of being expelled from its grounds and clubhouse, members of Muswell Hill Golf Club founded what would become South Herts Golf Club. Holding a Special General Meeting, during which a ‘New Course Loan’ fund was set up, the Committee charged to investigate what land might be available.

Various farmlands were identified at Totteridge, during which time, a meeting was held wherein it was resolved ‘that the Club be called the South Herts Golf Club’. At this time, the new ground lay just within the

southern boundary of the County of Hertfordshire (although, as a result of later boundary changes, it now lies within Greater London). The Captain of Muswell Hill in 1898/9, Mr Walter G Greenwood, chaired the meeting, and became South Herts Golf Club’s first Captain. Leasehold contracts for a total of 112 acres of land were signed on 21st December 1889 at a cost of £1,242, plus an annual rental of £331.10s. 0d.

Willie Park Junior, winner of the Open Championship in 1887 and 1889, was contracted to design the course. The course informally opened for play on

1st October 1900. The formal opening was delayed to coincide with the opening of the first Clubhouse in March 1901.

A Century of Golf Following its formation, the Club flourished. Over time, various parcels of land were acquired as the leases on others ran out, or were given up. By 1928, the Club was in the position to purchase all the land it occupied at that time, together with a new field, for the sum of £21,500. In 1935, a further field was purchased which brought the total land in the Club’s possession up to the 147 acres, which is still owned today.

South Herts Golf Club | 39

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40 | South Herts Golf Club

History The expansion of its land allowed the main course to be lengthened and improved a number of times – today’s layout is the fourth.

The first Clubhouse, built at a cost of £2,991, was extended over the years to provide spacious accommodation for members. However, on 25th October 1959 a fire destroyed all but a few parts of the building. Within hours a Reconstruction Committee had been formed, and a new Clubhouse opened in December 1960, constructed at a cost of £47,037. This is essentially the building that exists today.

CONTINUED

Over the years, South Herts has hosted a number of professional tournaments, and many pre-qualifying competitions for The Open. The US Ryder Cup team first visited the Club in 1937, and returned many times to practice before subsequent competitions on this side of the Atlantic. South Herts’ own annual competitions, The Vardon Open and The Hudson Trophy, also saw many fine players visiting the Club.

Because of these associations, the list of great players who have graced the Club’s fairways reads as a ‘who’s who’ of Golf – James Braid, J H Taylor, Sandy Herd, Ted Ray, Abe Mitchell, Walter

Hagen, Arnold Palmer, Sam Sneed, Billy Casper, Bobby Locke, Peter Townsend, Gary Player, Tom Weiskopf, Tony Jacklin, Nick Faldo, Bernard Gallagher, Peter Alliss, Christy O’Connor, Ronan Rafferty, and many more.

Joe Carr, three times British Amateur Champion and Captain of the R&A in 1991/2, was an honorary member of South Herts. David Harrison, Captain of the R&A in 2007/8, is a former member.

South Herts Golf Club | 41

Harry Vardon H

arry Vardon, professional at South Herts for 35 years, was born in 1870 at Grouville, Jersey. The son of a gardener, he was introduced to golf aged seven, when he saw the golfers at the newly opened Royal Jersey Golf Club, and where he soon became a caddy. Harry became a gardener himself, working for a Major Sopworth, who, when short of a golfing partner, took the talented youngster to play with him. ‘Henry, my boy,’ said the Major, ‘take my advice, and never give up golf - it may be useful to you some day.’

42 | South Herts Golf Club

In 1890 Harry left Jersey and became a professional at Ripon in Yorkshire, moving the following year to Bury Golf Club, Lancs, and playing his first Open Championship in 1893. This period saw the emergence of the Great Triumvirate - Vardon, James Braid, and J H Taylor - who between them won 21 Opens between 1894 and 1914. Harry won in the years: 1896 at Muirfield, 1898 at Prestwick, 1899 at Sandwhich, 1903 at Prestwick, 1911 at Sandwhich and 1914 at Prestwich.

In 1900, during an extended trip to North America to promote Spalding’s golf equipment, he won the US Open.

After eight years as professional at Ganton Golf Club, Harry Vardon became the professional at South Herts in 1902 where he was to remain until his death in 1937.

Harry Vardon’s legacy to the golfing world lives on. The overlapping ‘Vardon Grip’ that he popularised, now the symbol of South Herts Golf Club, remains the most commonly used method of holding a club. The trophies for low scoring average on both the PGA and European Tours were named in Vardon’s memory. His record of six Open Championship wins is still to be beaten.

A ‘Blue Plaque’ can be found on Harry’s house around the corner from the Club, in Totteridge Lane. Every year, on the day of the Vardon Open - the Club’s open competition - the Captain of South Herts lays a wreath on Harry Vardon’s grave at nearby St Andrews Church.

South Herts Golf Club | 43

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44 | South Herts Golf Club

Dai Rees D

ai Rees, professional at South Herts for 37 years, was born on 31st March 1913 in Fontygary, Glamorgan. His father was the professional at The Leys Club, and Dai described himself as having been born with hickory in his hands.

A promising golfer, Dai became assistant to his father, who had moved to the Aberdare Club.

In 1932 he competed at the British Assistants’ Championship which was held at South Herts, after which Harry Vardon commented ‘There’s only one real player among that lot - the young boy Rees. He’ll do well.’ In 1946, with

Vardon’s posthumous endorsement, Dai was appointed the professional at South Herts, where he stayed until his death in 1983.

He died after a short illness in 1983, and his ashes lie in the graveyard of St Andrews Church, close to Harry Vardon’s grave.

During a long career Dai won a total of 39 major tournaments; finished second in the Open Championship on three occasions, played in nine Ryder Cups, captaining the side no fewer than five times and leading the team to victory at Lindrick in 1957.

In 2012, Dai’s daughter Gill Williams was elected Captain of South Herts.

Despite being showered with honours and having a very busy schedule as chief ambassador of the PGA, Dai was always close to the Club’s members.

South Herts Golf Club | 45

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Hudson Trophy R

obert A Hudson was a successful businessman of Portland, Oregon, in the USA. He was a great patron of professional golf on both sides of the Atlantic, being a vice-president of both the British PGA, and the US PGA. He was instrumental in reviving the Ryder Cup after the Second World War, and he sponsored the American team in the Competition played in Oregon in 1947, when Dai Rees, who was playing for the British team, met him.

In 1937, the American Ryder Cup team had visited South Herts and gone to the local parish church in Totteridge to place a wreath on the grave of Harry Vardon, who had died earlier that year.

When the Americans subsequently returned to Britain after the war to play for the Ryder Cup, they were invited to practice at South Herts, and a close relationship was built between Robert Hudson and the Club; this led to him being elected as honorary life member of the club.

Robert Hudson offered to sponsor a tournament at South Herts and, in 1959, the year of the Club’s Diamond

Jubilee he presented a silver casket to be played for by invited clubs as the Hudson Trophy. He continued to support the tournament and on the tenth anniversary of its start, the Club presented him with an illuminated address.

After the death of Robert Hudson, the tournament was supported for a number of years by the PGCA and subsequently by the PGA, but in recent years it has been run entirely by the Club, which is always delighted to welcome the participating teams and their supporters.

South Herts Golf Club | 47

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48 | South Herts Golf Club

Recent Times O

ver the last couple of decades, investment in the course and in the Club’s other facilities has been significant. Throughout the 1990s, the reconstruction of all of the greens, significant additions to the drainage system, and the installation of automatic green and fairway watering supplied from our own borehole have resulted in a considerable improvement to the quality of the Vardon course.

Most recently, a programme to rebuild all of the bunkers also provided the opportunity to engage an architect to propose improvements to the course, including the positioning and shaping of the bunkers, new tees, the re-siting and re-profiling of some greens, and the start of a long term Woodland Management Plan designed to enhance the landscape and playing quality of the course, and completed in late 2008.

A similar approach of consistent spending on the clubhouse has been followed. In the last six years, a programme to refurbish or redecorate all of the public areas has provided members with a contemporary setting to enjoy the social aspects of the Club’s activities.

South Herts Golf Club | 49

How To Find & Contact Us South Herts Golf Club Links Drive Totteridge London N20 8QU Telephone 0208 445 2035 Email secretary@southhertsgolfclub.co.uk Pro Shop 0208445 4633 Email: proshop@southhertsgolfclub.co.uk

50 | South Herts Golf Club

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52 | South Herts Golf Club