Jersey golfing – jumper board!
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Golfing in Jersey is a sport of pleasant contradictions.
The island has a strong community of enthusiasts so the courses can afford to keep themselves exclusive with strict fair play rules, but have to work at keeping the locals happy. Their links, therefore, are meticulously maintained and have a fantastic variety of hazards.
The unique geography also helps keep things fresh: soothing, beautiful scenery hides challenges worthy of the seasoned golfer. Many a par has fallen prey to the sea breezes that whip round the gorgeous coastline.
From Heathrow, the flight takes less than two hours, and as part of the UK, hidden holiday costs like travel insurance are at a minimum. Jersey’s history is mainland Europe’s history though, and you won’t forget you’re in transient territory.
It has a culture, a flag and a sterling currency all of its own. And getting to the fairway can be expensive – get your travel money sorted so you can tip your caddie in retro pound notes.
Below, a quick overview of the three 18 link courses to be found on Jersey:
La Moye
Over a hundred years old, well loved and with an uncontrollable wind problem– in other words, the great-grandmother of Jersey golf. Appropriate for all handicaps, tough spots and tricky shots make this buzzing course a satisfying one to wrestle with for old hands as well as the less experienced.
Les Mielles
An extensive dress code guards this course from the scruffy, and it’s rich in hazards enough to keep the neatest golfers entertained. It’s made clear to patrons that if their game falls below the expected standard they’ll be asked to improve or to leave – maybe use the room left in your suitcase to pack a thick skin instead of your jeans.
Royal Jersey
The biggest (and most expensive) course is also the most exclusive. It may not be the most challenging of the island’s courses, but your £62 buys an expansive, easy game and some of the best views to be had on Jersey. Moreover, the high prices keep less experienced golfers off the links, so it’s quiet and the golfing is world class.
The Grouville course is steeped in history: you’d never know it, but during Jersey’s occupation in WWII its luscious and rolling greens were part of a German minefield; though the bombs are long gone a handy concrete wall remains along the first four holes, an effective bar to Jersey’s biggest water trap: the English Channel.
