The tournament is held every year to remember Don Harradine (1911-1996). The goal of the National greenkeeper’s associations of Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Slovenia is to remember Don Harradine’s commitment to greenkeepers by organizing the yearly tournament and get-together. The trophy rotates on a Don Harradine course in Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia.

Johannes Vogt, the president of the Swiss greenkeepers association organized the event this year with the help and support of the tourist office in Bad Ragaz and the sponsors.

On the first evening Johannes Vogt welcomed all the participants during a relaxed and casual aperitif which was followed by dinner and a musical entertainment by the Duo Sonnenklar at the Hotel Sandi. The choice of that hotel was of particular significance as Don Harradine was a regular guest there 50 years ago. The hotel is still owned by the same family and rumour has it that the IGA (International Greenkeeper’s Association) was actually born at the “Stammtisch.”

About 100 greenkeepers and guests played the tournament in excellent weather on the 18 hole course which is also the venue of the yearly Swiss EPGA senior event. The local greenkeeping staff headed by David Bigsby ensured that their colleagues played on a course that was in perfect condition.

The day’s game was followed by reminiscing and socializing during the gala dinner which was held at the golf club house. Apart from the culinary delights, the highlight of the evening was the prize-giving presented by Johannes Vogt.

The tournament was played as a stableford with the following results:

All the players were pleased with the event and the organization, although some of them were a little disappointed with their own performance.

The Harradine family actually has a special relationship with Bad Ragaz as Don’s step-father re-modelled the old course in the 20’s, Don Harradine grew up in Bad Ragaz and even played in the local brass band. In 1957 he designed and constructed the existing 18 hole course. The founding of the IGA (International Greenkeepers Association) also took place in Bad Ragaz and the circle closed in 2005 with the opening of the 9 hole “Heidiland” course which was designed by Peter Harradine. Three generations of the same family designing three different golf courses in the same location over a period of 80 years, that is unique!