However good your memory is it’s unlikely that you’ll remember one of Jersey’s favourite sons, the legendary Harry Vardon. It was a century ago that he was clinching the fourth of his record six Open titles. He was also the first Englishman to win the US Open (the most recent is also a former resident of Jersey, Tony Jacklin). Sandwiched between them is yet another Jerseyman, Ted Ray, who won the US Open in 1920.

It could be the air, the cream or possibly the tomatoes that have helped the largest of the Channel Islands to produce such brilliant golfers, to which must be added the great Tommy Horton, who has been such a dominant force on the Seniors Tour recently. Another explanation is that Jersey is blessed, not only with enviably low income tax but with some outstanding golf courses. Royal Jersey, where Horton was head professional, is one such magnificent links. With a statue of Vardon at the entrance and a stone commemorating Ted Ray on the 15th tee, the place is as steeped in history as the air is laden with the invigorating smell of the sea.

For most tee shots the recommended line is often a fort or mediaeval castle. Lower-handicappers take precise aim on a turret or keep, while higher handicappers are generally less specific about their intended target. Even if your drive is somewhat wayward, there’s a reasonable chance that a benign breeze will blow it back on line.

La Moye, perched 250 feet above beautiful St Ouen Bay, also benefits from a more or less constant wind that ensures that the course presents a new challenge each day. Perhaps the biggest challenge is to concentrate on your shot and not be too distracted by the spectacular views and pounding surf. Corbierre Lighthouse, La Rocco Tower and the tiny isles of Sark, Herm and Jethou are the landmarks to note on those rare moments you’re not worrying about which club to choose or what line to take.

This is natural seaside golf at its absolute best with well-contoured greens, a generous sprinkling of strategically placed bunkers and gloriously springy turf. As you stroll up the 18th fairway towards the vast bowl that is the final green, it’s easy to imagine past winners of the Jersey Open like Sandy Lyle, Tony Jacklin and Ian Woosnam, acknowledging the applause. Woosie, by the way, is another who has made his home on this delightful island and is now a regular at La Moye. Find time before you go to enjoy the clubhouse and the splendid views from the lounge over the course and out across the Channel.

Back down to see level, and almost directly below La Moye, is Les Mielles Golf and Country Club. A little more than a decade old, this proprietary club may not be quite so steeped in history as its more illustrious neighbour but it has already witnessed some remarkable golf. Playing the 252-yard par-four 3rd hole in last year’s Channel Islands Players Championship, Paul Simpson scored a two in the first round, a two in the second round and had a hole-in-one in the third and final round, leaving him seven under par for the hole. Your correspondent took precisely the same number of shots (five) when playing the hole just once.

More believable, perhaps, is the story of another professional playing in the same competition who walked in halfway through his opening round having run out of balls, for water is an ever-present danger. Somewhat less threatening are the flocks of geese, ducks, swans and other wildfowl that wander about the fairways.
If this tight and demanding course leaves you somewhat stressed by the end of your round, then be sure to unwind on the adjacent miniature course. Called Breakers, it’s crazy golf without the windmills. Instead, there are subtle borrows, fiendish hazards and nightmarish slopes that create an experience as agreeable as the Channel Islands themselves. Visit - www.lesmielles.com
They’re not very far away; they’re like being in Britain and abroad at the same time. They’re fabulous.