THE ISLE OF PURBECK (formerly Studland Bay) Golf Club was founded in 1892, when the coming of the railway led to hotels and summer visitors to this part of Dorset.
The contours and unforgiving nature of the 6,295 yd. heathland course, allegedly designed by Harry Colt, mean that anything other than straight accurate hitting is punished, especially on the par 34 back nine, and it’s easy to be distracted with breathtaking views of the Isle of Wight, Bournemouth, and Poole harbour.
In 1965 the club was bought by a retired director of The Wilkinson Sword Company, and members still play for swords in the annual trophy (and probably still duel with them if there’s a dispute.)
The original strict dress code has been relaxed under it’s present American owners, and course architects Lobb & Ptnrs and a new “Master of the Greens” are bringing it back to top condition.
One of the previous owners of the course was Dr. Darrell-Walters and his wife Enid Blyton, who’s treasured putter is still on display, and who based some of her books in the area, (remember her “Five Fall in a Bunker) although in those days the Famous Five, especially Timmy, would certainly have been banned from the clubhouse.
THE MENS’ AND WOMENS’ 2021 Australian Open tournaments have both been cancelled due to travel restrictions. Golf Australia had already pushed back this year’s mens’ event in Sydney from November to February 2022, but it’s now been called off entirely.
The womens’ 2022 tournament, scheduled for Adelaide in February, has now also been cancelled. It’s the second year in a row that the Australian Open has not been played. Not quite the Mick Dundee spirit!
RORY MCILROY’s DESOLATION after the Ryder Cup was lifted after he carded a final-round six-under-par 66 to finish 25 under and take the CJ Cup in Las Vegas, taking his career tally to 20 PGA Tour titles. Starting two behind leader Rickie Fowler on the Sunday, five birdies and an eagle gave him his second win of 2021 after the Wells Fargo Championship in May.
Matt Fitzpatrick was also consoled for his Ryder Cup disappointment by winning the Andalucia Masters with a 2-under 69 on the tough Valderrama course, making 15 straight pars, then two birdies on his last three holes. So Matt is all smiles again, and Rory has decided he won’t take six months off after all.
Rory can’t see players winning two or more Majors a year any more. He commented recently:
“I think the Tiger era is over, it’s too hard now.” Sitting at breakfast at the CJ Cup he asked Dustin Johnson: “Are you going to Maui (Tournament of Champions Kapalua) as usual?” Dustin replied gruffly “I’m not in.” “Oh, sorry,” Rory stammered. “I forgot” he said later, “but if World No. 3 Dustin Johnson hasn’t had a win this year it just shows how tough it is out there.” Rory winning the Cup that week probably didn’t help lift Dustin’s mood.
MUCH TO HIS CHAGRIN Collin Morikawa suffered a career first during the Zozo Championship in Japan, shanking his ball straight into the trees. “Welcome to the club,” Justin Thomas wrote, consolingly. Collin needn’t have been so embarrassed. Even Tiger has had the odd “J Arthur” although players take the “Shh – you know what!” seriously. Even we amateurs are reluctant to mention a shank; the equivalent of actors mentioning the ‘Scottish Play.’
THE TOP PRO GOLFERS don’t suffer too much. Courses are manicured and the weather is usually great. The sun-kissed course at the Zozo Championship was so perfect it looked computer-generated.
It’s all a bit samey, just for once it would be nice to see a shaggy course and a howling gale with players holding onto their hats. No chance, they will all be trooping off to Tiger’s Hero Challenge just before Christmas. Where? You guessed it – The Bahamas.
Until next time: Happy Golfing, and many thanks for all contributions to the RBL this month.
Contact Mick for your regripping and repairs. 638 859 475.
