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South Herts Golf Club

 
 

Course Status

The Vardon Course - OPEN. Trolleys are permitted, however buggies remain off the course until conditions improve to allow them. Halfway House Open. Updated: 11th Dec 2024

The Rees Course - OPEN. Trolleys are permitted, however buggies remain off the course until conditions improve to allow them, Updated: 11th Dec 2024

Dai Rees CBE

Dai Rees was the professional at South Herts for 37 years. Dai, who was born in Fontygary, Glamorgan, on 31st March 1913, described himself as having been born with hickory in his hands. His father was the professional at The Leys Club and Dai became his assistant after the formers move to the Aberdare Club.

In 1932 he competed at the British Assistants' Championship, which was held at South Herts. After the competition Harry Vardon commented "There's only one real player among that lot - the young boy Rees. He'll do well."

In 1946, with Vardon's posthumous endorsement, Dai was appointed the professional at South Herts where he stayed until his death in 1983. In the preceding war years Dai met and befriended Field Marshal Lord Montgomery; indeed they were playing golf together in Eindhoven when 'Monty' was called on by General Eisenhower to lead the Allied Forces for what was to become known as 'The Battle Of The Bulge'. Such was the relationhip between Dai and Lord Montgomery that 'Monty' agreed to attend a Charity golf tournament at South Herts in 1948, soon after Dai's appointment as professional.

During a long career Dai won a total of 39 major tournaments, finished second in the Open Championship on three occasions, played in nine Ryder Cups, captaining the side no fewer than five times and leading the team to victory at Lindrick in 1957. Soon after that famous victory he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He also won the coveted "˜ BBC Sports Personality of the Year' award in 1957; one of only two golfers to have won that accolade to date. Despite being showered with honours, and having a very busy schedule as Chief Ambassador of the PGA, Dai was always close to the Club's members.

He died after a short illness in 1983, and his ashes lie in the graveyard of St Andrew's Church, close to Harry Vardon's grave.

In 2013, Dai's daughter Gill Williams was elected Club Captain, the first lady to occupy this position in the Club's long history. She has twice been Captain of South Herts Ladies - in 2008 and again in 2017.

Click on following link for more history and pictures:

Dai Rees career achievements
A History in Pictures
Dai Rees and the Ryder Cup Squads
  • History

    South Herts Golf Club was founded by the Committee and members of Muswell Hill Golf Club.

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  • Golf

    The 18-hole 6,435 yards Vardon Course is one of the longer courses in the local area.

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  • Visitors

    We are currently welcoming visitors weekdays only.

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  • Pro Shop

    Pro staff are always happy to advise members and visiting golfers on the most appropriate equipment.

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  • Our Courses

    The Vardon Course was originally designed by the twice Open winner Willie Park Junior.

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  • Clubhouse

    The bars and lounges provide comfortable surroundings in which to enjoy a drink with friends after a game.

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South Herts Golf Club , Links Drive, Totteridge , London, N20 8QU
Telephone: 020 8445 2035 | Email: secretary@southhertsgolfclub.co.uk




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