9th Don Harradine Memorial Trophy
23rd/24th September 2008, Golf Club Bad Ragaz (Switzerland)
 

Rich golfing tradition in Bad Ragaz

 

150 greenkeepers and guests from eight different countries met in Bad Ragaz on the 23rd/24th of September for the ninth Don Harradine memorial trophy.

 
click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge  
 
The tournament is held every year to remember Don Harradine (1911-1996). The goal of the National greenkeeper’s associations of Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Slovenia is to remember Don Harradine’s commitment to greenkeepers by organizing the yearly tournament and get-together. The trophy rotates on a Don Harradine course in Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia.
 
click to enlarge click to enlarge      
 
Johannes Vogt, the president of the Swiss greenkeepers association organized the event this year with the help and support of the tourist office in Bad Ragaz and the sponsors.
 
click to enlarge        
 
On the first evening Johannes Vogt welcomed all the participants during a relaxed and casual aperitif which was followed by dinner and a musical entertainment by the Duo Sonnenklar at the Hotel Sandi. The choice of that hotel was of particular significance as Don Harradine was a regular guest there 50 years ago. The hotel is still owned by the same family and rumour has it that the IGA (International Greenkeeper’s Association) was actually born at the “Stammtisch.”
 
click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge
 
About 100 greenkeepers and guests played the tournament in excellent weather on the 18 hole course which is also the venue of the yearly Swiss EPGA senior event. The local greenkeeping staff headed by David Bigsby ensured that their colleagues played on a course that was in perfect condition.
 
click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge  
 
The day’s game was followed by reminiscing and socializing during the gala dinner which was held at the golf club house. Apart from the culinary delights, the highlight of the evening was the prize-giving presented by Johannes Vogt.
 
click to enlarge click to enlarge      
 
The tournament was played as a stableford with the following results:
 
Winner of the Challenge prize (Gross):
Name Points Club HCP
Peter Shaw 35 GC München-Riedhof (Germany) 5
 
click to enlarge        
 
Net prize (HCP 0-17.4):
Name Points Club HCP
Jakob Teufl 36 GC Salzburg Eugendorf (Austria) 13
Kevin Capels 32 GC Ostschweizer-Niederbüren (Switzerland) 10
Taoufik Ben Halima 32 Guest 12
 
Net prize(HCP 17.5-36.0):
Name Points Club HCP
Bernd Neuberger 41 GC Haghof (Germany) 25
Patrik Montagne 34 GC ASG Golfcard Migros (Switzerland) 21
Christa Teufel 33 GC Salzburg Eugendorf (Austria) 30
 
click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge    
 
Guests:
Name Points Club HCP
Florian Erhardsberger 36 GC Schlossberg (Germany) 25
Josef Kerschbauer 36 GC Stärk-Ansfelden (Germany) 37
Hein Zopf 36 GC Lungau (Austria) 19
 
click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge    
 
All the players were pleased with the event and the organization, although some of them were a little disappointed with their own performance.
 
click to enlarge        
 
Peter Harradine spoke on behalf of his family.
 
The Harradine family actually has a special relationship with Bad Ragaz as Don’s step-father re-modelled the old course in the 20’s, Don Harradine grew up in Bad Ragaz and even played in the local brass band. In 1957 he designed and constructed the existing 18 hole course. The founding of the IGA (International Greenkeepers Association) also took place in Bad Ragaz and the circle closed in 2005 with the opening of the 9 hole “Heidiland” course which was designed by Peter Harradine. Three generations of the same family designing three different golf courses in the same location over a period of 80 years, that is unique!
 
click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge  
 

The next trophy will be played on the 22nd-23rd of September, 2009 in Bled, Slovenia.

 

See you there!

Home Email Sitemap English Deutsch