An “albatross”, “birdie” and “eagle” are just a few terms to “fly the green” in golf, a popular sport in Normandy. Golf in Normandy offers breathtaking scenery, top-tier technical challenges and a warm welcome, making it a favourite destination for golf lovers. Augustin agrees. Whether you’re a fellow golfer or want to find out more about the sport, let’s here from a Norman sportsman who plays in Dieppe.
Going back to his roots
Augustin Pannequin is nearly 36. He left Marseille 4 years ago. Several generations of his family hail from Normandy and the former chef decided to move to Dieppe, where his great grandmother came from. “My job meant I could travel all over France, primarily the South, and overseas too.”
He’s currently busy helping his father renovate a house. But that’s not all: going back to his roots has introduced him to golf. He has always loved sport but knew next to nothing about golf: “it’s like tennis, which I play regularly.” One day, he joined his dad at a lesson: “Marco, the teacher, gave me a club to try it out and I never let go.”
Challenge and friendship
“Normandy? I spent almost every holiday here when I was little. I did a lot of sport back then, sailing, football, cycling etc. Golf is new for me.” Augustin soon got into the swing of things. “I love the atmosphere: it’s a real sports club with people who love the sense of competition but are friendly too.”
Augustin has a real passion for it and challenges himself two or three times a week, unless there’s a competition at the weekend. “People often say it’s a rich person’s sport: yes, it can be pricey but it’s fine once you’ve bought the equipment. It’s a real passion and you have to play it to see what you can get out of it.”
Competing with myself is an important aspect to it – it helps me progress. I may play alone, but I always want to do better.
Nobody judges you here. There’s a real sense of sportsmanship among “kind and friendly people.” It takes up to a hundred strokes to complete 18 holes. You have miles to focus your mind, challenge yourself and test out different moves. No matter your age or ability, everyone chats to each other. “That’s what made me stay. The teachers are kind and help everyone improve at their own pace, it must have something to do with people being so welcoming here.”
A great golf course
The Dieppe golf course, a highlight for golf in Normandy, is the oldest course in the region, dating back to 1897. Novices and keen golfers alike love it for its variety of holes which help hone their technique. “You can have a dozen holes with a similar trail at some sites with very long courses. Not one is alike at this one. It’s mad!” What sets it apart? The fabulous scenery and unobstructed sea views. And the light, which keen photographer Augustin loves the course for.
It can be raining at the 1st hole then dazzling at the 18th. I take a lot of amateur photos, I really notice the light and I think Normandy is incredible for it.
Focus, friendship, technique, strategy and more all whilst walking miles in the fresh air: the sport has much to offer. Augustin’s hobby sees him spend 2-4 hours a week (or more!) devoting time to self-improvement. “The more you progress, the more you try different strokes to hone your technique. No two holes are alike: you have to stop and think – you’re always improving.”
Did you know?
Dieppe golf course was founded in 1897 for the British colony that loved the city with four ports. It’s the oldest of Normandy’s golf courses and the seventh oldest in France.
There are forty golf courses in Normandy. Take your pick from 9, 18, 27 and even 36 holes!
Thematics
