Who's who: Henry Longhurst

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  • Padraig Harrington
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  • Ludvig Aberg

Who's who: Henry Longhurst

  • Name:

    Henry Carpenter Longhurst
  • Country:

    England
  • Lived:

    [1909-1978]. Born on March 18, 1909 in Bedford, England. Died on July 21, 1978 in Cuckfield, Sussex, aged 69.
  • Original/Home Club:

    Bedfordshire GC
  • Occupation:

    Accomplished amateur golfer, golf writer, radio & TV commentator, politician.
  • Turned Pro:

    n/a

Roll of Honour

Golf 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).

Did you know?

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.

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Tournaments

Presidents Cup: Geoff Ogilvy’s International Team take on Brandt Snedeker’s USA Team at the revered Medinah Country Club, near Chicago. The Internationals are trying to halt a run of 11 consecutive American wins. (Sept 24-27).

French Open: Continental Europe’s oldest national championship, dating from 1906, is once again staged on the Albatros Course at Le Golf National, near Paris. Defending champion is America’s Michael Kim. (Sept 24-27).

Recently visited

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 GC, The Netherlands

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.

Prince's Golf Club, Kent (UK)

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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