The iconic 1964 film ‘Goldfinger’ first associated Bond (played by Sean Connery at the time) with the game of golf, in the high stakes round against possibly the most renowned Bond villains ‘Auric Goldfinger’. It was in fact this role in Goldfinger that gave Sir Sean Connery the golfing bug.
In the novel the course is set on fictional ‘Royal St Marks’ which was based heavily on Royal St Georges (Host of The Open Championship a record 14 times). Fleming was actually a competent golfer with a handicap of 9 (which just so happened to be the same as Bond) and was a member at Royal St Georges for many years, and in fact lunched at the club the day before he died of a heart attack, aged 56 in August 1964. Golf was always a passion for the creator of 007, with his wife Ann even complaining he spent too much time at Royal St Georges both on the course and in the 19th hole, where he was fond of the odd pink gin. Unfortunately, even though Ian Fleming’s description of Royal St Marks acts as a guide book for Royal St Georges, it was not chosen as the setting for the golf match in the film. This privilege was instead given to Stoke Park due to the convenient location for Mr Connery and the production team, near Pinewood Studios.
Royal St Georges – Bond’s creator Ian Fleming was a member here and a frequent patron of the 19th hole!
Early on during Bond’s high-stakes round of golf Fleming writes the famous quote ‘The difference between a good golf shot and a bad one is the same difference between a beautiful woman and a plain one – a matter of millimetres.’ As Goldfinger looked to increase the stakes, with the scores at all square with two to go, from the original ‘shilling a hole’ to Bond’s £5000 gold bar. Goldfinger states ’Strict rules of golf?’, Bond replying ‘But of course’. Contrary to this, cheating tactics continued to follow from Goldfinger, after he had lost his ball in the heavy rough his caddie ‘Oddjob’ dropped a ball through his trouser leg. On the 17th green James switched Goldfinger’s ball from a ‘Slazenger 1’ to a ‘Slazenger 7’ with Bond proclaiming that he wins on a technicality on the 18th green as Goldfinger must have played the wrong ball from the fairway. James Bond had no regrets when he switched Goldfinger’s golf balls, since to be cheated is the just reward of the cheater. Goldfinger reluctantly writes the £5000 cheque to Bond and has his henchman ‘Oddjob’ drive him away.
Stoke Park – The setting for Bond vs. Goldfinger…more tense than any Ryder Cup match!
Technology in the game of golf has progressed significantly since the 60’s, and as I’m sure everyone would agree, Bond would be using the latest in customised gadgetry should he choose to play another match in a future film. Here is a list of potential golfing gadgets that Mr Bond might use if he were to find himself involved in another high-stakes match play game.
The Stewart Golf X7 – Remote controlled with a 50m range is sure to be the trolley of choice for Bond as he looks to manoeuvre his clubs round the course in style. Perhaps Bonds version would have some secret missile launchers and the ability to turn invisible should M catch him on the course during office hours!?
Senso Glove – This glove has an LED display which is designed to give the wearer real-time audio and visual feedback to promote a proper grip needed to deliver a smooth, powerful swing. Bond’s would obviously have the ability to steer his golf ball should the odd putt go astray as well!
Rock Form Golf Shooter – Smart phone case mount that aims to correct your golf swing through video, and identifying where you have been going so horribly wrong.
Garmin Approach S3 – This gadget has over 27,000 courses preloaded to the touch screen device, with a detailed breakdown of the greens and other information it is sure to shave a few shots of your round. The watch design of the Garmin Approach S3 would be the perfect, as the watch is a defining part of the character of 007. Obviously Bond’s Garmin would feature a laser for sharpening the grooves in his clubs!
Bushnell Tour Z6 – This tournament legal range finder helps add yardage to the amateur game. It can inform you of distances of a range of 5-1300 yards, so Bond will be able to find the flag amongst the bunkers and water hazards. It is small and light so should suit the gadget loving golfer. Bonds Bushnell would no doubt feature a sophisticated recording device which could be used to spy on his sinister playing partners.
Ballfinder Scout – A lost golf ball costs you time and penalty points, as well as the frustration of searching while others are waiting to continue play. The Ballfinder Scout would be a valuable asset for 007, as he keeps cool, calm and collected even if he does end up in the rough.
The Electronic Drink Caddie – If Bond fancies some sauce on the course he need not look any further than The Electronic Drink Caddie. It disguises itself as a driver so is easy to sneak onto the course and the beverage is dispensed at the push of a button. If Bond fancies a covert Martini whilst playing then surely this is how he would pour one.
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