16/08/2026
Well it took a while to get to these two golf courses, but courtesy of DFDS Ferries, the journey was made pretty straight forward, and no doubting that it was worth the wait to experience La Moye and Royal Jersey Golf Clubs.
These two famous links are great experiences and excellent tests of golf. La Moye is very much a links despite being positioned high above sea level, evidenced by the sandy soil and natural dunes. It is definitely more of a Championship style course reaching just short of 7000 yards off the tips.
Its positioning above the sea gives it some great views down the coast and across St Ouen's Bay, and exposes it to the wind in a particularly acute way. This course could play very tough, but fortunately we only had a light breeze.
A modern and beautifully located clubhouse, which is obviously used as a local restaurant, given how busy it was and the quality of the food.
Only a few holes do not have a sea view, and there are some great holes, so a hugely satisfying visit.
Royal Jersey is another wonderful links, but this one right alongside the coast. The moment you arrive and notice the statue of the famous Harry Vardon, you sense you are entering a historic golf club. Indeed, the man responsible for the grip used by so many is not the only renowned golfer who grew up on Royal Jersey and who won the US Open, played in dozens of Exhibition matches in the early 1900's and was regarded as one of the greatest players of their times; Ted Ray, Harry's travel and competing companion also graced the Club.
Other nods to history are the coastal fortifications that dominate the view from almost anywhere on the course. Mont Orgueil Castle or Gorey Castle, a medieval castle, and Fort Henry an 18th century coastal fort are spectacular, and the fact that you have to consider how to avoid Fort Henry on your very first shot is amazing. The scale of the fort makes the distance between it and the sea seem incredibly narrow, and even Jack Nicklaus has said that it is one of the most intimidating 1st hole tee shots in golf.
The course itself is shorter than La Moye, and very tricky in places, but it is a fabulous links in a stunning setting and a joy to play.
The Clubhouse is special and again, the food astonishingly good. The Seafood salad was exceptional.
Hugely enjoyable visit to the island, and one that I will want to do again soon.