THERE’S VERY little about golf that’s uncontentious, including its origin, which some say can be traced right back to Roman times. But here’s one little-known golf fact there’s no debate about: the Continent’s first golf club was founded in the picturesque little French city of Pau, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, in 1856.
Not alone did Pau Golf Club have the first 18-hole course in Europe, but, more significantly, it was also, allegedly, the first golf club to admit women.
It all seems a bit unlikely, but in fact English links with Pau – known locally as " la ville anglaise" – date back to Wellington, who left a garrison there in 1814 after winning the Battle of Orthez during the Napoleonic Wars.
Pau’s mild climate became known throughout the 19th century for its curative powers, which were promoted in several books by a Scottish doctor named Alexander Taylor, who set up a surgery there. So popular was the resort that Queen Victoria of England became a regular visitor.
In the meantime Pau had two more firsts. In 1880 players wintering in the resort hired Joe Lloyd to tutor them. He became the first golf professional on the Continent – and opened the first pro shop in a cabin in the grounds, where it stayed until the end of the 1960s.
Lloyd was a friend of the legendary Morris family, and played with Old (above) and Young Tom Morris, who’ll need no introduction to golf aficionados. He competed three times in the British Open, and in January 1891 the Field magazine described his style as distinguished, smooth and gracious.
Visitors are always welcome at Pau Golf Club, which you’ll find, aptly, on Rue du Golf.
** Pau Golf Club, Billère, France, 00-33-5-59131856, www.paugolfclub.com
** Do you know of a hidden gem? E-mail us at go@irishtimes.com
