WEST CORNWALL GOLF CLUB, established in 1889, is the oldest golf course in Cornwall. The local vicar is credited with it’s design, and the graveyard of little Lelant Church borders the fairway on the right of the 4th hole (The graveyard is OB.) Moulded around the dunes of the Hayle Estuary on the Lands End peninsula, WCGC is a classic links course, where both the conditions and the views on this magical 5,900 yd. Par 69 course change daily due to the sea conditions and the famous light. Local veteran Neil Hodding says: “It’s a tough challenge, if you can break 70 around here on a calm day, you’re a player.”
World Golf Hall of Famer Jim Barnes grew up in Lelant and caddied and played at West Cornwall. ‘Long’ Jim Barnes emigrated to America in 1906 and won the first two PGA Championships in 1916 and 1919, the U.S. Open in 1921 and the 1925 Open Championship at Prestwick. During a return visit to his home club in 1955 Barnes played a round in par using just a three iron.
With stunning views of St. Ives harbour and beaches and the Hayle estuary, WCGC is a perfect course to walk as the distances between greens and tees are minimal. As it’s close to the Carbis Bay Hotel, it will be surprising if a few of the delegates who come over for Boris Johnson’s G7 climate summit this month don’t sneak off for a few holes (and a Cornish Cream Tea!)
THE OLYMPIC GOLF TOURNAMENT (If it’s played at all) will be held on the East Course at the Kasumigaseki Country Club NW of Tokyo. One of Japan’s most exclusive clubs, opened in 1929, it was briefly taken over by American forces after WW2. The course has been lengthened to 7,466 yards — including the 640-yard fifth hole.
Rory McIlroy, asked whether he would be watching the Olympics said: “I’ll probably watch the events that matter, like swimming and track and field.” Pro golfers are divided on the subject of Olympic golf, it’s not that big a deal to American players in particular, although that may change when the 2028 Games are held in Los Angeles. The mens golf tournaments, due to be held July 29th – August 1st come smack in the middle of their busiest time of the year.
Will Justin Thomas, a top US Olympic pick, want to travel back through 12 time zones to defend his WGC-Fedex St Jude Invitational title in Memphis on August 5th? The Olympics come just before the Fedex Cup Playoffs, (Northern Trust won last year by Dustin Johnson) the BMW (Dustin just pipped by Jon Rahm) and the Tour Championship in September (Dustin Johnson again) who says he won’t be giving up his chance of winning another Fedex Cup $15 million to wave a gong in Tokyo.
DUSTIN JOHNSON is also finding it difficult to squeeze in a wedding with the mother of his two sons Paulina Gretzky. When asked whether the date is getting closer, 36 yr. old Dustin responded, “Yeah” with a noticeable lack of enthusiasm. Paulina, who has been engaged to Johnson since 2013, has posted videos of herself shopping for wedding dresses in New York. We all remember Waity Katy, if Dustin doesn’t bite the bullet soon it will be a case of very Upsetsky Gretsky.
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU, who increased his weight by 45lbs with a revolutionary training programme, admits he has reached his limit as regards driving distance. The 2020 Open champion, who’s maximum ball speed has risen from 174mph to over 200mph in little over a year, says: “I’ve reached a physical limitation that I don’t know how to get past. I”m getting stronger, but somehow it doesn’t produce swing speed.”
He was philosophical when his driver snapped at the PGA when he leant on it, saying: “It’s lasted over a year with my ball speeds, I’d say it’s done pretty dang well.” As Charlie Brown would say: “Good Grief.”
Until next time: Happy Golfing.
