AROUND THE CLUBS

Solheim surprise

The Netherlands will host the Solheim Cup for the first time after Bernardus Golf was chosen as the host venue for 2026. The heathland course, located in Cromvoirt, close to Eindhoven, only opened in 2018 but has hosted the Dutch Open twice on the DP World Tour and will do so again in 2023. Two-time winning captain Catriona Matthew has already compared it to Sunningdale, except it costs a lot less to play it. Indeed, for £180 you get full access to the course, facilities and amenities for the whole day. bernardusgolf.com

Lesson No.1: Learn to swim

Golfers in Scotland are a hardy bunch. They’re also pretty creative when it comes to making the best of a bad situation. At Glenrothes Golf Club in Fife, assistant pro Jamie Barr managed to keep members entertained by stripping down to his shorts and swimming through a massive puddle behind the 9th green. Head pro Josh Anderson captured the moment and won social media with the caption: ‘Pro Shop will remain open on reduced hours. Swimming lessons available.’

Reckless driving costs club

A man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after driving a Skoda onto Southport’s oldest course and getting stuck on the 17th hole. Hesketh Golf Club had to close the 17th and 18th while they repaired “significant damage” to the respective fairway/green and tee box. It comes less than two weeks after four fires were ignited on purpose across the Burnside Course at Carnoustie Links, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage over a three-day period.