I recently finished reading David Dobby’s England’s Finest Links. It’s very well done, and I am really glad that I have it. Some interesting bits from the book
This great quote from Henry Cotton as he prepared to defend his Open title there:
“It is possible at nearly every hole to place a ball bang in the middle of the fairway and then find yourself in such an awkward position that a successful shot can scarcely be played. What is more galling than that?”
It’s impressive to read about the resilience of the club and its members, surviving floods and wars. At the onset of WWII, the club decided to try to stay open, but sent its staff from the ages of 18-40 out to look for work “of national importance.” They encouraged members leaving to support the war effort to maintain membership at a nominal fee. The course was essentially converted over to support the war, with sheep grazing and pillboxes installed. One of them remains along the 16th fairway, with plans to remove it not working out. I’m glad it’s still there.
After the war, this committee report got right down to the important thing:
Handicaps as allotted in 1939 will be in force. Members wishing to have their handicap adjusted are asked to take out 3 cards for submission to the Handicap Committee.
There’s one of the funnier caddie lines I’ve heard from Dicky Love. An American (of course) is hacking it up and in exasperation asks Love: “Caddie, what am I doing?” His response: “F…..g up the course, sir!”
There’s a story of a past Captain whose dog Badger might be better remembered than the Captain himself. Badger could be relied on to go ahead to the halfway house with a drink order tucked into her collar. There’s just enough of stories like this that provide some of the “color” of the club, but not so many that the reader tires of hearing about unfamiliar people.
There are loads of photos included. After reading David’s book, I’m dying to get back down to Kent. Those that are wise enough to buy this club history will want to join me.