2024 Tristan Open Golf Report
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Report from Kelly Green and Simon Butters |
| The annual Tristan Open Golf Championship was held on the afternoon of Sunday 22nd September 2024. |
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| Despite a rather damp start to the day, the sun was shining for the game and a fun afternoon of golf was had by all. |
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| Photos from Simon Butters unless stated |
The seven entrants for the 2024 Tristan Open gather before the start:
Left to Right - Shaun Kendall, Philip Kendall, Ian Cumming, Simon Butters,
Ian McClymont, Rob Pickering and Mikael Olafsson.
Teeing Off
Ian Cumming approaching one of the better prepared 'greens' with a clear run
without volcanic boulders and cattle dung in the way.
A local rule allowing mowing of greens within a yard of the hole has been abandoned through lack of a groundsman.
Pitching wedges are the most useful clubs and the canny golfer might leave the putter in the bag!
Philip Kendall driving off on the 3rd tee.
This is a particularly challenging hole that is parallel with the northern boundary wall of Hottentot Fence.
Any shot sliced to the right will either hit the wall or, more likely, fly over the wall
and either bounce on the boulder beach or land straight in the sea!
Pause on the 3rd 'green':
Left to right - Rob Pickering, Ian McClymont, Simon Butters and Mikael Olafsson.
Kelly Green captured this dramatic view from the 5th green. Yes, the dark patches are recent cattle dung turds.
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Golf Club Map and Score Card The Tristan da Cunha Golf Club was established over forty years ago when expat officers laid out a challenging 9-hole course on Hottentot Fence field. See more on - |
The final challenge is avoiding the dung on the 9th. A further local hazard are the exposed volcanic bluestone, lava boulders usually now rounded off by exfoliation. Balls striking these curved rocks may bounce off in any direction. Fortunately the Hottentot Fence is well grazed to a fairly consistent green sward although experienced golfers might consider the entire course to be 'rough'.
Ian McClymont became the 2024 Tristan Open Champion with a creditable score of 52, with Simon Butters in second and Mikael Olofsson third.
Other gallant competitors were Rob Pickering, Administrator Philip Kendall, Shaun Kendall and Ian Cumming.
Unfortunately there were no islanders competing in 2024. Robin Repetto managed the unique Hottentot Fence Golf Course on behalf of the Tourism Department until his departure from the island in 2020. He, and other islanders often played in this annual event always coinciding with the influx of visitors staying on Tristan for the three week Agulhas visit.
Visitors can arrange to hire clubs and have a game by contacting the Tourism Department.