Channel Cup 2019 Belle Dune & Hardelot

After an absence of a decade, the Channel Cup returned to the Côte Opale end September, all the more enjoyable as the forecasters of dismal weather were confounded. Well ok, it was a little windy at times, but that only serves to heighten interest, or provide excuses. And yes, Sunday morning proved a little wett-ish, but that did not damp the prevailing high spirits. But what will remain imprinted on our memories is the wild beauty of Belle Dune with the soaring herons, wildfowl gliding over the ponds, and goldfinches flitting about; the glorious sunshine on Saturday afternoon at Hardelot Les Dunes, driving downhill to the green across the water reminiscent of the 18 at the National; and the Hemmingway-like odour of pine at Hardelot les Pins. Les Pins is the only one of the three without the epithet “Dune” in its name, but did in fact contain several, affording the impression of a visit to the beach, complete with English weather!

The Petesomes on Friday recorded excellent scores despite the wind, and despite the unnerving first drive across a chasm. Tim Armstrong emulated Jeremy Davidson’s hole in one, celebrated in fitting  manner, and leaving us and him richer in golfing lore, albeit a little poorer financially, especially as he repeated the feat the following week. Brenda Eman on her maiden appearance, ably abetted by Jean Caillou, chalked up 46 stableford points, followed by Colette Aubin & Jean-Pierre Leguay, 2 point adrift.

 The Matchplay on Saturday started unpromisingly beneath lowering skies and towards a green on top of a mountain in the middle distance, was rather foreboding. But the competing teams, a record 22 players on either side, rose to the challenge, with three draws and most matches not finishing until the final green. As for the result, the Continent retained the Cup by the narrowest of margins, a tribute to the leadership of their new captain Jean-François Schock, also a founder member of our Society,  stepping in for the magnanimous Tim Morris who accepted to reinforce the Islands team. Jean-François even managed to match the rhetoric of Torquil, the inspirational leader of the Islanders, who still hold a lead of one match in the series, adding extra interest to next year.

Our thanks to Florence from Open Golf for her good humoured organisation and TLC, and as ever to our generous sponser Henry, who also added class to the tournament with his choice of colourful plus fours, Virginie Nantas from Entre Deux Retros for the elegant bags manufactured entirely from recycled matter www.entre2retros.com  and to Olivier de La Giraudière of Lanson who hopefully will find time to join us next year upon retirement. We hope too to have Françoise and Bernard Montenay back with us, as well as our former Vice Président and Treasurer Philippe & Jacqueline Sevin, after recuperating we hope from their various afflictions.

Score sheets