Thursday 29th September 2022 will go down in golfing history as the first International, Multi Course, Open, Eighteen Hole, Fours competition held at Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club (WKGC) and Walmer Adventure Golf (WAG).
As a result of this ground breaking international tournament, England Golf members (the sports governing body) are considering making WKGC the fifteenth official Open Championship course. Although not strictly a links course, being on chalk rather than sand and being 70m above sea level rather than at sea level, the winds off the Channel give it a suitable links course difficulty. This bunker on the ninth green indicates the severity of the course In addition, it is rumoured, that on his coronation, King Charles III is likely to confer the title of Royal on the club
The event was organised by the Deal/Saint-Omer Twinning Society with the aid of grants from Deal Town Council and the generous assistance of WKGC
The water obstacle on the seventh - with Calais, a good wood shot in the distance.
The matches were between the Deal Twinning Society`s team (The Deal Twinners) and a team from our twin town in France, Saint-Omer (The Stomer Jumelagers)
Both teams, their partners and friends gathered at WKGC at about 10.00 for a pre-match breakfast provided by the Club. The Stomerians having arrived individually by car and le Shuttle
The fours match started at about midday with six groups of four - two Stomers and two Dealers per group. The last group back in the club house arrived at about 18.00. The result was a six/five win to the Dealers with one draw
Meanwhile the AdventureGolf match got under way on the Roman landings themed Adventure Course adjacent to Deal Castle, appropriately, in Walmer.
Something very strange happened during the miniature golf match
This match involved the participation of fourteen individual players and three spectators (match referees?)
Some spectators were overcome with mirth over a number of shots played by the competitors.
After this match and a quick stroll round Deal town centre, the golfers(?) were invited to tea and biscuits in Deal Town Hall with the Mayor, Councillor Chris Turner, the Deputy Mayor and the Town Sergeant. During the tea the Mayor gave the players a short history of the town and exhibited the different mayoral robes used for formal occasions
Both teams reunited at the Royal Walmer and Kingsdown for an excellent carvery provided by the club. Formal speeches emphasising the harmony between the towns of Deal and Saint-Omer and indeed between France and Britain were followed by the prize giving. Honours were even with the English winning 6-5.
The Tremendous Trio From left to right, Claud Baron (representing the Saint-Omer team), Ernie Couchman (representing the Deal team and event organiser) and Councillor Chris Turner the mayor of Deal (whose Council helped fund this event)
Like the America`s Cup and the Ashes, this Trophy will be fought for with nationalistic fervour with no holes barred (but maybe reduced in diameter) annually, alternating between the two towns
The visitors left at 20.00 to catch the Shuttle back to France.
Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club - The Club on the Cliffs is perched on top of White Cliffs of Dover, with sea views from every hole. The unique location of this course delivers stunning views across the English Channel to the coast of France. Walmer and Kingsdown is not only the closest British course to Europe, but one of only a few in the world where golfers can see another country while enjoying a game The White Cliffs and sparkling sea provide the setting for the perfect sunny Spring or Summer day – their chalk delivers rapid drainage to ensure year-round golf, regardless rainfall. Located between Dover and Deal and Sandwich, the Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club is just 70 miles from London. Access from Europe is easy too, via the Channel Tunnel and cross-channel ferries, which makes the course a popular destination for visitors from France, Belgium, The Netherlands and beyond.