In writing this article, I have been fortunate to play three golf courses boasting bunkers of a ‘different’ kind.
When I say a ‘different’ kind, I am not referring here to the traditional sand-filled bunkers but concrete bunkers.
“Concrete bunkers?”. Yes, concrete bunkers and defence bunkers built during World War 11.
There is the strong remnants of an anti-aircraft bunker still in position at the back of the seventh green on the Craighead Links course and my home club in Crail, Scotland. This anti-aircraft bunker is located on the edge of the cliff face, looking out in the direction of the North Sea and is among a number of bunkers still present at the former RNAS Crail and also known as HMS Jackdaw, a naval air station just outside of the village of Crail.
The air station closed in 1961 however each time you drive past the site, it’s like a time warp with the quintessential-looking WW2 air control tower still in place, along with the majority of out-buildings. As well, the runways remain in superb condition and are put to good use with car racing and the occasional charity car boot sale days.
If playing the Gil Hanse-designed Craighead Links, and if time permits during your round, it’s fascinating to take a closer inspection of the bunker and note, as is common, how this bunker is in direct line with a second bunker located slap bang in the middle of a farming field to the right of the seventh hole, and both in line with the control tower that you can see in the distance.
A World War 11 air defence bunker still in place at the back of the 6th green on the Craighead Links course at Crail in Scotland. (Image GolfByTourmiss)
Ted, and Bernie’s famed headcover, in front of the former WW2 bunker on the Craighead Links course. Image – GolfByTourMiss
A second golf course I’ve played with air defence bunkers is the Stromness Golf Club, located in the Orkney isles on the northern tip of Scotland. The bunkers, and there is many, were built early in WW2 to protect the UKs naval base at the famed Scarpa Flow, the body of water that was such a key anchorage in both world wars.
Your author standing atop of one of the many bunkers present on the edge of the Stromness Golf Club and overlooking the Scapa Flow at the northern tip of Scotland.
Stromess GC – Image Stromess GC
Concrete bunkers abound at a third golf course and it is the Omaha Beach Golf Club in the Normandy region of northern France.
The club is perched high on former farmland and commands stunning views out over the beaches and the English Channel.
However mention Omaha Beach and thoughts quickly come to mind of the pivotal events of World War 11, and the 6th June, 1944 D-Day landings.
Omaha Beach was among five Normandy landing beaches chosen for the landings, a move that heralded the beginning of the end of Nazi rule in Europe.
In playing the Omaha Beach course, there is so many reminders of the monumental events of so many decades past, including a massive German-built bunker set into the cliff face behind the sixth green (see images hereunder). Look closely at the sixth green, as there is actually nine bunkers surrounding the hole – eight golfing bunkers and this former German bunker.
There’s also the moving sight of a French and British flag side-by-side, as further reminder of those events.
Then and now – June 6th, 1944 Allied landing at Omaha Beach and the Omaha Beach GC in these more peaceful times
Omaha Beach Golf Club overlooking the village of Port-en-Bessin.
Wonderful overhead shot of Omaha Beach GC.
The view into the sixth green at Omaha Beach GC
The France and UK flags flying high at the back of the sixth green at the Ohama Beach Golf Club, and with the German bunker beside the flags. (Image – Omaha BeachGC)
A very stark and intimidating reminder in playing Omaha Beach GC of the events of over 80 years ago. Image – GolfByTourMiss
A reminder of the events of over 80 years ago still present along the Normandy Beach coastline. Image – GolfByTourMiss
Portion of the American cementary close to the Omaha Beach GC. Image GolofByTourMiss
The peace and tranquility of Omaha Beach nowadays – Image GolfByTourMiss
The Omaha Beach Golf Club is located on the sea front bordering the town of Bayeux, and only a few miles from the American Military cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer and the D-Day landing beaches.
First opened in 1981, Omaha Beach boasts two courses – the “La Mer” course overlooks the village of Port-en-Bessin and offers views of the English Channel, while the second course, “Le Manoir” (Par 71, 5863 meters), is more hilly and takes you through woods and ponds.
On-site amenities include a hotel and a residential hotel. One unique feature of the golf course is that each hole is named after a known and recognized military figure, such as a General or Colonel, and what better person to be honoured on the first hole than the overall commander of the Allied forces – Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Eisenhower was the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe and achieved the five-star rank as General of the Army. He planned and supervised two of the most consequential military campaigns of World War II: Operation Torch in the North Africa campaign in 1942–1943 and the invasion of Normandy in 1944.
He was also 34th president of the United States, serving from 1953 to 1961.
One of the early historical moments in the club’s history was in 1994, and on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings when the golf club proudly hosted the D-Day Senior Open.
To celebrate this occasion the second eldest son of the Supreme leader of the Allied Forces, John S. D. Eisenhower, officially declared open the par-5 first hole (see image below).
John S.D. Eisehower, the second son of Dwight D Eisenhower present at Omaha Beach GC in 1994 for the unveiling of the naming of the first hole.
General Charles De Gualle – the third hole at Omaha Beach GC
The ninth and 18th holes are named after Lt. Colonel James A. Rudder
Many U.S. Officers such as but not limited to Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, Admiral Husband E. Kimmel, Commander in Chief of the United States Navy’s Pacific Fleet, General Anthony McAuliffe of the 101st Airborne Division, who replied to a German surrender demand with the famous word “NUTS” in Bastogne (Battle of the Bulge). Also honoured is James A. Rudder, a lieutenant colonel who commanded the Pointe du Hoc battle during the Invasion of Normandy.
Looking back down the 9th hole – a hole named after James A. Rudder. Image – GolfByTourMiss
In the lobby of the clubhouse is an American flag (see hereunder) with a certificate from one of Normandy American heroes guests, Ken D., former member of the Kiwanis club in Suisun City, California.
The club donated the flag to the owner Mr. Thierry DuPont in the late 1990s. They did that through Gene Dellinger who was the American superintendent at the Normandy American Cemetery at the time.
Over the years Major Golf Competitions were played at Omaha Beach Golf Club such as the:
- Omnium National
- French Senior Doubles Championship
- French Open Seniors
- French Mid-amateur Internationals
- French Open Seniors Men
- Jean Lignel Trophy – French Clubs Cup
- French Corporate Team Championship
Years later in 2006, the Manor House was created and in 2008, 9 additional holes were added.
For Normandy American Heroes the creation of this Golf Club has a profound meaning! Why? by Pierre Fallet WWII Trainee of Normandy American Heroes
Golf is a sport really impregnated in the American culture, it directly participated to the war effort during the First and Second World War! i.e., Golf balls are made of rubber, the balls were broken and rubber was taken to create tires and other equipment…
What was a farm in the 1960’s became over the years a golf course really important for the American golf players. Playing a sport was really important to Eisenhower and other WWII key players overlooking the sea where thousands of men died for duty, is truly a real privilege!
