Sark Open will be first for island's new course
WORK is being carried out to transform part of Sark into a nine-hole golf course for its first open golf competition later this month.
The event is on Saturday 29 April and will see participants take on nine par three holes, using only four clubs, to support two charities, the Sark Sports Club and the Ray Lowe Sporting Foundation.
They aim to promote and support sports to young people who may not get the opportunity to participate.
‘It’s in aid of two charities and there’s never been a golf tournament in Sark, I’m very pleased to be able to do this,’ said Ray Lowe, event organiser and vice-president of the Sark Sports Club.
His uncle, the late Ray Lowe, founded the RLSF.
The course is spread around Sark’s fields, each hole being around 120 yards long.
Alongside views of the islands, the unique course will contain hay bales and cattle troughs, water hazards and some surprise distractions.
Mr Lowe said preparations have been going well as the organising committee entered the final phase of its project.
‘We’ve mainly been cutting the grass, which the sheep have been helping with,’ he said.
‘We will be doing the digging for the greens this weekend.’
L’Ancresse Golf Club captain Brian Queru and Sark Sport Club chairman Dave Cocksedge make up the committee with Mr Lowe.
As well as a perpetual trophy for the winning team, there will be prizes for best-dressed golfer and for the player to put his shot closest to the hole.
Participants will get a souvenir bag tag, Caragh Chocolates truffle golf balls and lunch, all included in the £250 entry per team.
Spectators are welcome and there will be bar with drinks and light refreshments available.
Around 55 teams have signed up, with entries now only open to Sark-based teams.
Sark Shipping has offered discounted fares for visitors on the day, with La Beltane Fete at La Seigneurie also taking place, featuring may-pole dancing, folk customs, live entertainment and games for the family.
The discount is available by using the code Golf23 when booking at sarkshipping.gg/book-online.
