PAST CHAMPS: A strong group of international golfers have won The OPEN at ‘Sandwich,’ including, Walter Hagen, Henry Cotton, Bobby Locke, Sandy Lyle, Greg Norman, Darren Clarke, and Collin Morikawa. PLACES OF DISTINCTION: Royal St. George’s is characterized by the thatched roof shelters dotted around the course, the red cross of St. George is prominently displayed on its pin flags, plus by the various names given to course features and holes. Golfers experience, The Kitchen at the 1st, the Valley of Sin on the 4th green, Campbell’s Table in the 5th fairway, the Tennis Court on the 9th fairway, the Suez Canal, which crosses the 14th fairway, and Duncan’s Hollow on the 18th green. Other monikers include, The Maiden, which is the term given to describe the entire 6th hole and the massive Himalaya bunker, considered the tallest one in England, which must be avoided, when striking your tee shot on the 4th hole. STRATEGIC TACTIC: Before arriving at Royal St. George’s practice your shots around the green. A solid chip-and-run game is a necessity at Royal St. George’s. TEE TIMES: Despite being a private club, tee times are available for the general public at various times during the week and can be booked online at: www.royalstgeorges.com. If you get a chance to play Royal St. George’s or any links course currently on The OPEN Championship rota, I hope you have a day of ‘millionaire’s golf,’ where no one is in front of you and no one is pushing you from behind, as it was for me. Enjoy watching all three Open Championships this year.
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