Bonsoir Estelle

. . . and now to the golf!

Day one at Hardelot les Pines

Anxiety levels reached an early morning crescendo when 15 golfers duly arrived at the allotted time at Le Shuttle only to find that the departures had all been delayed. Numerous calculations took place to ascertain whether we would make our first tee time at Hardelot Pines and if not how many hours that would mean in the bar!

Fortunately someone pressed the ‘Boarding Now’ button in the nick of time and we arrived at Hardelot Pines with a full twenty minutes to spare and just enough time to bag a sandwich for sustenance.

The forecast had been a cause for concern but as the first group launched their first drives down the middle (other than Jerry who traditionally calves his right ) the skies began to clear and for the first 9 holes or so, we endured some very pleasant conditions. Sadly the back 9 brought harsher conditions with a consistent drizzle made colder and wetter by the 20mph winds. But we’re an intrepid lot and everyone finished their round in reasonable time. That being said the course was in excellent condition with some tricky pins and tough bunkers ensuring the usual mixed results.

Given the conditions, it was straight off to Montrueil Sur Mer and our accommodation for the next couple of nights at the Hermitage (Best Western) to dry out and prepare for the evening.

Numerous pre drinks were enjoyed at the local Gambetta bar before we arriving at Froggies, a lovely little bistro in the centre of town where we enjoyed some fine, though slightly limited food options. Amidst the usual banter our tour handicap secretary, Richard Hannam announce the results of the day and the all important handicap changes for the next day which ranged in some instances from plus 4 to minus 4 for others!

First		Second		Third
Andrew Jenner	38pts	Alan Bigley	37pts	Jerry Watkiss	33pts

Average for the day 28pts

As per previous years there were a few who who could not resist the temptation to embibe with one or two extra post dinner ‘digestifs’ while others wisely got a good nights sleep in preparation for the the second round at Belle Dunes.

Day 2 at Belle Dunes

A reasonably leisurely start to day 2 with first tees not until 10.50 so a decent time for breakfast and general preparation for one of the most popular courses in the area.

Once again the forecast looked pretty ominous but for once we were spared any downpours. Frustratingly, what we saved in dampness was swiftly replaced by a strong breeze/wind which was a real battle especially when emerging the relatively protected treelined holes to the eighth hole protected only by a German gun emplacement. A real challenge! It was no surprise then to see the average of the day being a rather disappointing 24pts. It was a real delight to play the course once again and for those who had felt a tad queasy at the start of the day, had definitely walked off any residual malaise. For the fitness fanatics in the group and those in the buggies, the step count to walk Belle Dunes was in the region of 17,000 steps – probably far more for those of reduced height!!!

First		Second		Third
Andrew Burnett	31pts	Tony Willmott	29pts	Richard Hannam	27pts (CB)

Average for the day 24pts

With a little down time available for those who needed it, it was the usual pre dinner drinks followed by the eagerly anticipated repeat visit to La Dartenal or ‘Estelles’ as it has become fondly named. Can’t think why it’s so popular with all us chaps – must be the food!!

Needless to say though, Estelle was outstanding once again with her hospitality and we were provided with a superb meal and great value wine. Not sure if the final ‘digestif’ was very wise – rather nicely poured though!

Your roving reporter was not present at any post dinner drinks so cannot comment, but, entre toi et moi – it involved a group of lady golfers – allegedly!!

Day 3 at Hardelot Dunes

Unusually for the last day we had early tee times for the Dunes starting at 8.50, so it was a rather subdued 7am breakfast before heading out once again to Hardelot and the eagerly anticipated final round.

Coming into the last day there were six or seven who were in with a realistic chance of competing for the 2026 title and the course was in excellent condition for everyone to play their best. Visually the course looked a picture and immaculate in its presentation. The general consensus was it was terrific with greens that tested the best and lush fairways which we might be hard pressed to experience back here in Blighty.

It can always be a bit of a hard slog on the final day of a tour, but the average of 29 was actually the best of the three days. It was Keith who triumphed for the individual win of the day with a terrific 35pts but it was the ever steady Alan Bigley who triumphed in the end to win the trophy with a total score of 96pts over the three days. Many congratulations to him.

There is always a lot of background work involved and this tour was no exception, so on behalf of all those taking part a huge thanks once again to Alan for all the organising – it really is greatly appreciated. Also to Richard for deciphering the cards and looking after the handicaps, and last but not least, to all those who signed up and took part, a tour which couldn’t take place without you! Great fun.

Next year? Who knows.