Henry Longhurst
Name:
Henry Carpenter LonghurstCountry:
EnglandLived:
[1909-1978]. Born on March 18, 1909 in Bedford, England. Died on July 21, 1978 in Cuckfield, Sussex, aged 69.Original/Home Club:
Bedfordshire GCOccupation:
Accomplished amateur golfer, golf writer, radio & TV commentator, politician.Turned Pro:
n/aGolf correspondent of the Sunday Times of London for 45 years. German Amateur Champion (1936). Honorary Life Member of the R&A (1977). World Golf Hall of Fame (inducted in 2017). Member of Parliament for Acton (1943-45). Appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, CBE (1972).
During an excellent amateur career, in which he captained the men's golf team in his final year at Cambridge University (1931), Longhurst became German Amateur champion (1936) and runner-up in the French Amateur (1937).
Beginning his career in golf journalism for a small monthly golf magazine, Longhurst's wit and astute observations impressed the editors at the Sunday Times of London, who offered him the opportunity to become the newspaper's golf correspondent. He held that position for the next 40 years, while also contributing regular features to Golf Illustrated magazine.
From the late 1950s to the end of his life in 1978, Longhurst was BBC Television's senior golf commentator. Of his many quotes, perhaps the best known is “they say 'practice makes perfect.' Of course, it doesn't. For the vast majority of golfers, it merely consolidates imperfection.” His shoes as BBC's lead commentator were filled by Peter Alliss.
Sony Open in Hawaii: played at Waialae Country Club near Honolulu, the Sony Open takes over the spotlight from The Sentry as the PGA Tour’s calendar-year opening event (Jan 15-18). The Sentry (not being played in 2026) was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions, with a field typically restricted to golfers who won a PGA Tour event in the previous calendar year.
Dubai Desert Classic: the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event of 2026, is contested for the 37th time (Jan 22-25). First won by Englishman Mark James in 1989, it now boasts a four-time winner, Rory McIlroy. Played on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, this once desert-surrounded course is the long-time flagship for Golf in Dubai.
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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