Lately, I have been finding myself glued to the Military Channel more than usual. From the secret Special Ops classified missions that are now well…declassified, to the battle at Gettysburg. There’s some interesting stuff I learned that was never taught in any of my history lessons. In fact, if they would have gone over some of these things I’m sure the interest level would have gone from snoozing with my eyes open to listening with my ears open. I’ll tell you, the eyes open thing took practice.
One of the shows was about the D-Day invasion during World War II. For the most part, the U.S. did a great job tricking the Germans into thinking the invasion was at Calais and not so much the Normandy coast. We all know the story and how it ended but what caught my attention was when one of the scenes had a birds eye view of Normandy from a plane. As it passed over the land I could have sworn I saw a golf course. I thought to myself “A golf course? In France? During World War II?” Thanks to modern technology, I was able to rewind and replay live TV a few times but still couldn’t really make it out. It looked like a golf course but from that altitude and it was black and white I couldn’t really say.
This further brings the use of more modern technology – google! I tried researching golf courses in France during WWII but to no avail. However I did come across sites with modern day courses. The more I think about it the more I think it would pretty cool to visit Normandy and see where it all went down and while I’m out there why not squeeze in a round or two. Companies like Brittany Ferries have some great holiday packages if you’re thinking about it.
I never thought visiting France would make me feel patriotic. Even moreso, I can play golf where the Allied forces commenced pushing back the evil Axis and began its assault to rid Europe of Nazi rule. I’m getting goosebumps thinking about it, I could only imagine the emotion when I’m actually there! So,if there are any willing to donate to the “Golfstinks Invades Normandy” fund please let me know.
Hit’em long…yell FORE!!!
There could have been a golf course on the Normandy coast before the War. Wherever British and well-heeled American tourists went, clever locals tried building golf courses to get them to come back.
Before the Riviera, the Normandy coast was popular with rich Parisians, continentals and Brits with it’s easy rail proximity to Paris and the ferries from the British channel ports. Deauville was famous since the mid-19th century for its upscale hotels, the casino and it’s racetrack…several golf courses…and the scene of the action in the book “Casino Royale”.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deauville
You might find this article I’ve attached interesting…this is a links course in the Netherlands that was occupied by the Germans, who built many bunkers on the course…http://www.golfclubatlas.com/courses-by-country/netherlands/kennemer1/
France also has beautiful golf course in the south east. Although more difficult to access for English but the journey is worth it: the Cote d’Azure knows also dress these beautiful green scenery of the golf course 🙂
You should come check out the golf course I’m a regular at if you ever decide to come up to Cannes.
Regards
Jerome