Jersey golf icon Harry Vardon is to be celebrated with a one-off charity golf day to mark the 150th anniversary of The Open Golf Championship this year.
The event in July is being organised by Jersey Heritage and sponsored by Oakbridge.
Celebrating Harry Vardon’s achievements, participants will play the course at the Royal Jersey and be able to view his original Open medals whilst raising money for Jersey Heritage.
Jersey born Harry Vardon was a golfing great, amongst his many career highlights he won the Open six times. His unique overlapping hand grip – the ‘Vardon Grip’ and fluid swing earned him the nickname ‘the Stylist’.
Guests will have a unique experience as the medals are rarely removed from display at Jersey Museum and players will be able to have their photograph taken with them, creating a lasting memory of the day.
Jersey Heritage is a charity that works to protect, preserve and promote the island’s important heritage and aims to be 50% self-funding, however like many in the third sector their income been hit hard by the pandemic and funding streams have been reduced.
Jon Carter, Chief Executive of Jersey Heritage said: “As a charity, we rely on the support of our corporate community and are grateful to all the teams taking part in Harry Vardon Golf Challenge. This is a one-off event and the fact that it sold out so quickly is a reflection of the popularity of golf as a sport in the Island, as well as the importance of the legacy left by Vardon, one of Jersey’s golfing greats. We wish all the players the best of luck and hope they enjoy the magnificent view of Mont Orgueil Castle while they are taking part in the challenge and the sight of Vardon’s impressive collection of medals afterwards.”
Jamie Crawford, Managing Director, Oakbridge said: “We are delighted to support this event. Jersey’s sporting heritage is a very important thread of island life and we are so proud of Harry’s achievements. We are looking forward to celebrating a legend, raising money for Jersey Heritage and entering into some friendly competition with peers.”
For more information about the Harry Vardon Golf Day you can email: golf@ jerseyheritage.org.
Image: Harry Vardon Open Medal from 1896, credit Jersey Heritage.