The Open Championship 2011
The Open Championship once again returned to our neighbour, The Royal St Georges Golf Club in July 2011. A tough week saw the weather turn over the weekend making play extremely challenging for all the players. Local Professional, Francis McGuirk, qualified round his home course to make a dream come true and play in the famous event at St Georges
Prince’s was pleased to welcome over 1000 guests for the week of The Open Championship, it was a great to see everyone stopping to see the top players in the event. The Shore and Dunes courses allowed players to see the play at the 13th and 14th holes, allowing them to get a few tips from the top players in the game and see some of their heroes. You cannot get closer to an Open Championship than Prince’s
Sunday 10th July 2011
The week started off quietly with Members getting in their last games before their marshalling duties and the influx of travelling Golfers. Some Members were ready for Marshalling, a few green jackets and hats were floating around. JB Holmes and Pablo Larrazabal stayed at The Lodge at Prince's, Pablo practiced at Royal St Georges while JB tried to play as many holes as he could fit in around Prince’s.
The Green Keepers from Prince’s put the finishing touches to their Bunker in the Tented Village, we hope you were fortunate to play out of the bunker and see the craftsmanship at the HSBC area which has gone in across the courses at Prince’s.
Monday 11th July
The Open Championship began, the draw was completed and local pro Francis McGuirk was given start times of 10.48 on Thursday and 15.49 Friday. This turned out to be a very tough draw, playing both days in the worst of the conditions.
Prince’s was completely taken over for an evening with Callaway Golf, Tour Players including Alvaro Quiros, Alex Noren and Danny Willett all took part in challenges around the clubhouse. The first challenge was for nearest the pin from the 1st Dunes to the 9th Dunes!! Alex Noren then showed off his short game, including the famous “Back Flipper” in the newly revetted bunkers on the chipping green. Alvaro Quiros then tried to smash the ball down the fairway for a long drive competition with the other Pros trying to keep up.
Tuesday 12th July
The Puma Cobra day, a fresh breeze picked up over night which made play over the Himalayas course very challenging. The Puma boys worked late in to the early hours to have the Puma Cobra Cube up with their products, check out our Facebook page to see all of the photos. Each player was kitted out from head to toe on Puma, The Puma Cobra Open saw them play 12 holes on the Himalayas including a Par 7 hole and two holes on the beach, everyone was trying to keep away from the joker cards which saw them playing the hole naked! Its was then on to the Casino where many of the teams lost all their points! Some were even fortunate to play Table Tennis against Ian Poulter.
Wednesday 13th July
The busiest day at Prince’s during The Open Championship, over 300 people visited the club. Golf Monthly held their Reader Forum Day, Golf Monthly’s Top 25 Coaches taught various aspects of the game across the Himalayas course. The wind was a challenge but it was a great excuse to show off some links golf specialist shots.
Thursday 14th July
The first official day of The Open Championship, It was a great day for Golf; warm and sunny with a fresh breeze which tested all of the players at Royal St Georges as well as our guests at Prince’s.
Prince’s hosted The Golf Monthly Centenary Party, the party was hosted by Editor Mike Harris and Andrew Boxer of Golf Monthly. Over 160 people visited the club for an evening of wine, local Beer as well as a “Taste of Britain” Canapé dinner including Welsh Rarebit, ForFar Bridies and local Cod and Chips. The party went on in to the early hours, with everyone wishing Golf Monthly the best of luck for the next 100 years.
Friday 15th July
Almost 100 members of the French club, Wimmereaux visited Prince’s for the Buffet Breakfast before watching the Open. A great start to the day with the Sun shining, Barclays Bank also held a small event for key clients.
Saturday 16th July
A very blustery and wet day on the Golf course, The Pro Shop was busy with people buying waterproofs for this unseasonable weather. The weather had been so cold for July there are even guests with woolly hats
Play did not stop at Prince’s Golf Club nor in The Open Championship, there were some brave souls on Sandwich Bay during the week
Sunday 17th July
The Shepherd Neame Open Challenge took place, 72 players had a day of Golf including 18 holes on Local Final Qualifying course Shore and Dunes, it was then off to The Open to see the final days play. The players started the day with a Buffet Breakfast and a packed Lunch to take to The Open, it was then back for a BBQ dinner to watch the speeches and prize giving.
It was fantastic to see Darren Clarke lift the Claret Jug, a very worthy winner. The celebrations went on in to the night, many local residents were fortunate to see Darren in his front garden in Sandwich and share the celebrations with a Guinness or two.
The Sarazen Bunker challenge came to a conclusion with a grand total raised of £370 for The Golf Foundation. It has been a great week in the bunker, players had taken the challenge to play a piece of history and walk in the footsteps of Gene Sarazen and Padraig Harrington.
Prince’s Golf Club would like to thank all guests for a truly memorable week and we look forward to welcoming you back soon
