Hindhead Golf Club

Heritage

1903

The founding fathers of 'The Hindhead Golf Club'were Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who created the character Sherlock Holmes in 1887, Edward Turle and other local luminaries. 143 acres were leased from Lord Ashcombe. Hindhead, being 750 feet above sea level was called ‘Little Switzerland’ for its clean air. Turle was Secretary 1904-1922 and President 1923-25 and 1928-30.

1904

Under the leadership of Ingham-Whitaker, Squire of Grayshott, a 1-acre plot was bought for £200 and the development of the clubhouse began. The course was laid out under the eye of J.H.Taylor (an Open Champion) for a fee of £4 10s, with Turle and his pupils from Hindhead school doing much of the groundwork. An initial 12 holes were opened and membership subscription was set at two guineas.

1905

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, was the Club's first President 1905-07 (shown teeing off in 1907). The 18 holes were opened with a match between two of the great Triumvirate, James Braid and J.H.Taylor, that Braid won. Cows grazed on the course and damage was common. Conan Doyle later encouraged David Lloyd George to move to Hindhead in 1921.

1907

The first Club House build was to cost £1,450 with a mortgage from Cubitt Estates, and Percy Smith, a founder member, advanced a loan to complete it. Pictured is George Pownall, the longest serving Professional 1905-35, teeing off the 1st.

1910

The architect's original design was completed and, with donations from its 132 members, the Club paid its way. Members’ generosity has continued throughout the club’s history. The car pictured is a 15HP Daracq owned by a member.

1919

Canadian Forces were stationed at Bramshott with our own troops. They were given temporary membership for a guinea with half back if sent to the front. This tradition resumed in 1939-45 when they played for free. In 1919 they presented the Canada Cup to the club for the annual match play competition. In the same year the Village ‘Artisan’ Club was formed with a subscription of 5 shillings.

1921

David Lloyd George, Prime Minister 1916-22, bought a 60-acre estate at Churt close by and built a house ‘Bron y De’. He was later elected an Honorary Life Member in 1922, was renowned for his fast pace of play. A man with quick feet to match his quick mind.

1928

The mortgage loan from Cubitt Estates remained in place until the freehold was acquired in 1946. In 1951 the hugely wealthy member, R.C.Betts, took on a £3,466 club mortgage, waiving the interest, and his legacy in 1965 freed the club from almost all its debts leaving just £3,150.

1930

Costing 100 guineas in 1928 The Devil’s Punch Bowl took its name from a famous local beauty spot. Winners of this Open Scratch Meeting include Justin Rose in 1995. The cartoon depicts eminent members, including the bearded, pipe-smoking W.E. Muir (President) who gifted the secretary’s house, Golf Lodge, along with George Pownall (lower right) the Club Professional since 1905.

1931

The Ladies’ Open Meeting: Miss Diana Fishwick aged 19, the 1930 British Amateur Champion from Foreland, with playing partner, Mrs.Barrington-Ward, a Club Member. Diana became Mrs.Critchley and her son, Bruce, was a Walker Cup player and then golf commentator. Diana played Curtis Cup 1932 & 1934 and was Captain in 1950. Ladies' golf plays a big part in the success of Hindhead.

1932

James Braid played Sandy Herd. Many other Open Champions played here: Harry Vardon, Ted Ray, A H Padgham, R A Whitcombe and Max Faulkner. Dai Rees, who won the World Matchplay four times and led the Ryder Cup team to victory in 1957, was Club Professional from 1936-47. By the end of his career Dai Rees was second only in tournament wins to Henry Cotton.

1957

Post-war rationing and petrol shortages badly affected income and there was talk of the Club having to close. The above shows full subscriptions at £10 10s. In 51 years it had increased 5-fold yet over the next 57 years it would increase 143-fold. The worst was over and P.M. Harold MacMillan famously stated “most of our people have never had it so good”. The 1960’s brought prosperity and membership grew.

1997

Colonel Tony Duncan OBE (1914-1997) came to Hindhead as a giant of amateur golf from a formidable Welsh golfing family that won the Welsh Championship 14 times; he won 4. He had an army career of distinction and served in the Normandy campaign. He was member of the R&A from 1948, Captain of the 1953 Walker Cup team, and Club President 1988-94. He had a love for the game and was one of the club’s most distinguished Members.

2000

Hindhead was made an Open Championship Regional Qualifying venue for 2000-05. Notwithstanding the efforts of numerous professionals and top amateurs during this time, the course record remained intact. The quality of the course and its renowned greens continues to attract competitive scratch and plus handicap golfers who have won prestigious events, some as county players.

2004

This was Hindhead’s Centenary Year and was marked by a host of special events: a Summer Ball was held in a large marquee when everyone danced the night away: the Conan Doyle Invitation was initiated: Men’s and Ladies’ Centenary Competitions, cocktail parties and social events - the list goes on. The ladies triumphed in particular by making an amazing 100-year cake (pictured).

2009

Peter Alliss opens the refurbished clubhouse with the late and highly respected Dick Hartley, then President. Peter was an Honorary Life Member and often mentioned the Club on TV. His humorous observations at AGM’s made us realise golf should be fun to play, but not slow. In 2014 the lounge was renamed Alliss’ Bar and pictures there showcase his great career as a golfer and the 'Voice of Golf'.

2016

Ruth Hartley joined the Club in 1982, was Ladies’ Captain in 1999-2000 and for part of that time was in office alongside the then Club Captain, her husband Dick Hartley. Ruth went on to be elected as the first female Club President in January 2016, Ruth served in the role of Club President for three years.

2017

Jean Coombes joined Hindhead in 2000 and served as Ladies’ Captain in 2015. After being elected as a member of the committee in 2016 Jean was appointed Chairman of the Committee in 2017, the first female to hold this position. Jean went on to be appointed as the first Chairman of the Board October 2017 following incorporation of the Club.

2020

In 2020 Gerry Marvell became Hindhead’s first female Club Captain. Gerry joined Hindhead in 2004, was Ladies’ Captain in 2014 and was elected to the role of Club Captain in January 2020.

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