Chester Golf Club - Founded 1901

The Chester Golf Club - Founded 1901

The Chester Golf Club as we know it has developed through many changes since its formation in 1901.

The Club officially came into being on 24th May 1901 when it was able to lay out a 6 - Hole Course on land owned by Farmer Ithell at Upton Hall. This was adjacent to, and just North of, the then County Asylum which later became the Deva Hospital, and is now part of the Countess of Chester Hospital.

The Club’s stay there was temporary, and short, and moved in 1902 to the Bache Hall Estate which was centred upon Bache Hall. The Hall and land was then tenanted by Major MacGillicuddy, an Irish landowner who was one of the Founders of the Bache Golf Club, which was the registered name.

There is very little record of the Club’s happenings in those early days, apart from a list of Club Captains from 1904.

Club minutes of 1909 show that the men’s entrance fee and subscriptions were both set at two guineas, and the Ladies’ at one guinea. This appears to be the earliest reference to a Ladies section of the Club, but it seems safe to assume that the Ladies were established before then.

Green fees were one shilling per day, with a maximum of six days; The Hon. Secretary’s honorarium was £25, and the Auditor’s two guineas. Horse grazing was let at an annual rental of £8.

An incident of those days is recorded as a “break in” when a bottle of ginger beer was taken. The Deputy Chief Constable “suggested the desirability of keeping a watch-dog”

In 1910 Major MacGillycuddy was elected President of the Bache Golf Club. It was around this time that the first suggestions that the Bache Hall Estate might be sold to the Asylum Committee arose. Major MacGillycuddy thought that the sale was improbable, but he promised that if the sale should come about he would do all that he could to protect the interests of the Club.

The fears of sale of the Bache Hall Estate were soon seen to be justified, for in May 1910 the proposed sale was advertised to be on 8th June 1910.

The Golf Club was naturally perturbed and set up a sub-committee to watch developments. There then followed a great deal of negotiating and activity by the Club, being concerned for its future. Before the end of the year the Club was earnestly seeking land around Chester which would be suitable for a new golf course and re-siting of the Club.

Early in 1911 the first positive reviews of possible sites commenced. A suitable area on Lache Lane was seriously considered, but when negotiations began, the landlord stated that the land could not be made available as he was not prepared to disturb the existing tenants. At this stage the Club was assured that there was no fear of having to leave the Bache before the end of February 1912.

 Viewing of other possible sites continued, including Butterbache Farm, Huntington, and land adjoining Eaton Road, Eccleston and Heron Bridge. The Butterbache site was considered to be a good possibility, but the Eccleston area site was thought to be less favourable owing to the cost of providing the Public services of water, gas and drainage. Another “minus” was that part of the course would be on Church Glebe Land and the Rector would not allow golf to be played before 1.00 p.m. on Sundays! Another site viewed at this time, and mostly favoured, was off Sealand Road, opposite to the old football ground down the present Bumpers Lane. The land was considered to be the most suitable, least expensive to lay out a golf course, and connection of Public services would be relatively easy. Although this site had the most support of the members, the Club needed assurance that the Corporation Tip would be discontinued “within a reasonable period”! (This was 1911 - “plus ca change --”) Hopes of development of the Sealand Road site were dashed in May 1911 when the chairman reported that the Medical Officer of Health for Chester had informed that under the Public Health Act of those days “no concourse of people numbering 150 could be held within half a mile of a Smallpox Hospital.” From this it was regretted that the pursuit of this site would have to be abandoned.

Older readers will recall that the building along Sealand Road, now known as the Mulberry Centre, previously Sealand House, was, before and after the ‘39 - ‘45 War, an Isolation Hospital owned by Chester Corporation, hence the M.O.H’s declaration. The abandonment of the Sealand Road site meant that the Club had to start afresh, in their search, and the sub-committee was requested to re-open negotiations for the Butterbache Farm estate. Within weeks of these activities (June 1911 ) the chairman of the sub-committee reported that they “were in Treaty for a ground which it was hoped would prove satisfactory, but regretted that, at present, he could give no further particulars”.

The following month, on 4th July 1911, the sub-committee reported on negotiations with the Butterbache Farm and Eaton Road grounds, and of rentals per acre which were expected. At the same meeting the first mention was made of Brewers Hall Farm, Curzon Park, and it was suggested that the Captain and Committee walk over the ground.

A Special Meeting was convened for 25th July 1911 to receive the report of the committee regarding Brewers Hall Farm site. It was reported that the site had been thoroughly inspected. The total acreage was 107.5 acres, part being under annual agreement from Lord Howe and the remainder from the Great Western Railway Company (G.W.R.) at a total rent of £188. per annum. The Chairman stated that he had knowledge that “certain gentlemen” were desirous of taking the land to use as a Private golf course. They wished the Bache Golf Club to assist them in financing the scheme or, alternatively, they would join the Bache Golf Club and assist it! The minute records that “the suggestion did not meet with approval”.

The Special Meeting resolved: the sub-committee be empowered to enter into negotiations for the purchase of the lease of the whole or such portions of the land as they considered advisable. It was stated that the agreement for tenancy of the Farm, at that time, contained a clause providing “that in the event of sale the agreement should terminate”. By 1st August 1911 the agents of Lord Howe let it be known that they were favourable to the granting of a lease for 14 years (with an option for renewal of 7 or 10 years) at £200. per annum. Of the 25 acres leased from the G.W.R. to Lord Howe, they believed that this could be purchased for £60. per acre.

Later in August the Club sought professional advice regarding the suitability of the land for use as a golf course. The report was most favourable, so the sub-committee were empowered to enter into negotiations for the purchase or lease of the whole, or such portions of the lands as they considered advisable.

It was not until the New Year of 1912 that positive correspondence was received from Messrs Brown and Co., Estate Agents. They reported that they had received correspondence from Lord Howe’s Solicitors announcing His Lordship’s intention to sell the whole of the Curzon property. Messrs Brown indicated that they did not think it fair to the Club that no definite reply had been given to the Club’s offer before any impending sale. Messrs Brown had written to the Solicitors accordingly, but, to date, no reply had been received. Because of this impasse the Committee decided that if no definite offer was forthcoming before the end of January, then negotiations should be re-opened with respect to the Eaton Road site.

In mid-March of 1912 the Committee reported on the efforts made to re-open negotiations regarding the Eaton Road site. At the same meeting it was explained that Lord Howe’s Agent had been on an extended holiday (honeymoon) which had led to the lack of communication with his office. On his return, hearing of the efforts for negotiations and being aware that the Club was not likely to bid at an open sale of Brewers Hall Farm, he was willing to Treat privately for purchase. He declared that Lord Howe expected to get £5000. for the land, but would offer it to the Club for £4000. Upon negotiation the price was lowered to £3750, with the Club making a counter-offer of £3325. The Club then resolved: negotiate at £3750 - but not exceed. The meeting was informed that another £750. would be required to prepare the new course, making a total of £4500. to be raised: £2500 from mortgage and the additional £2000. from a second mortgage or by Debenture Issue. Mr. P. Davies then offered £250. and with other offers a total of £1000. was raised at the meeting.

On 20th March the purchase price of £3750 was agreed and notice was received from the Lunacy Commissioners agreeing to extend the lease of Bache Hall course to 6th October 1912 but no longer. A special General Meeting of the Club was held at Clemence’s Cafe, Northgate Street, Chester on 27th March 1912. The meeting resolved: a) that the sum of £4500 (£3750 + £750) be raised by a mortgage of £2500 @ 4%, and the remainder by members. b) that a Company to be known as the Brewers Hall Estate Company be formed to purchase the land, and let the land to the Golf Club Committee. Following this meeting, the purchase of Brewers Hall Farm proceeded and the 1912 golf programme continued on the Bache Hall course.

At a meeting on 23rd September 1912 “it was decided to play the final match on the Bache course on Saturday 5th October 1912 between teams chosen from members over 40 and members under 40. It was suggested that the losing team should entertain the winning team to supper on the night of the match, and the winning team provide the liquid refreshments during the evening.”

The move from Bache Hall land to Brewers Hall Farm went ahead during the Winter of 1912/13 in January 1913 Mr. A. Hornby resigned as Secretary of the Bache Golf Club. Mr. Edward Andrews was appointed Secretary with an honorarium of £20 per annum. Mr. F. Small was appointed House Secretary with an honorarium of £15 per annum.

In February 1913 a General Meeting was held at Clemence’s Cafe, Chester, when the Club adopted the title of Curzon Park Golf Club, and the draft rules of the Club were submitted and adopted. On the 4th March 1913 the Club was registered at the bank on changing the bank account title from Bache Golf Club to Curzon Park Golf Club.

The first General Meeting of Curzon Park Golf Club was held in the golf Pavilion, Curzon Park, on 30th April 1913. R.A. Yerburgh, Esq., M.P. was elected President and P.S. Brook, Esq., was elected Captain. It was resolved that the Club pay to Brewers Hall Estate Company a rental of £220 per annum for ground and cottage. The first Monthly Competition was played on the new 9 hole course at Curzon Park in June 1913. A Head greenkeeper was appointed on 1st July 1913. A plan for an 18 hole course was approved and accepted in February 1914.

Following the move to Curzon Park, there is very little record of events. One item of excitment was an attempted break-in to the Club’s premises and a grant of 10/= given to the Police Constable who arrested the man responsible.

The Great War years brought about some happenings of interest to the Club. In September 1914 a deputation of Civic Guards, an Association of Riflemen in the City, were received at the Club. They had decided to have use of the lower field for a Rifle Range!

The Steward left in September 1914 to join H.M. Forces. On his leaving it was found that he owed over £13 to the Club for visitors and catering fees. It was resolved that unless the fees were paid to the Club “ his Commanding Officer be communicated with!” The money had not been recovered by December 1914, hence the C.O. of the Denbighshire Yeomanry was informed of the deficiency. No reply was received!

The Club granted temporary honorary membership to Military Officers tempoarily quartered in Chester. Wives and daughters of these Officers could join the Club as supernumerary members without entrance fee.

Club members away from Chester on War service were retained as honorary members.

Bar sales for the month of October 1914 were £6.16.11..

In 1915 votes of sympathy were offered to Mr. Vernon and family, and to Mr. Percy Davies and family, both having suffered the loss of a son at War.

Owing to the financial state of the Club, every member was asked to contribute 10/=. Increases in the cost of provisions allowed the Housekeeper to charge 7d per head for a Pot of Tea, with bread , butter and jam. The price of a single whisky was raised to 3.1/2d.

It was agreed that proceeds from some competitions and other fund raising events should be donated to various War Comfort Funds and to a Fund for Cheshire prisoners-of-war in Germany. The following articles were purchased and sent to the 1/5th Cheshire Regiment in France.  

In 1916 additional insurance was taken out to cover the Clubhouse and contents against damage by Aircraft and a woman was engaged to work on the course. In 1919 only 13 holes were being played. An 18 hole course was opened on 8th May 1920 with the playing of a mixed foursomes competition.

In the early 1920s certain members of the Club were anxious that the name of Chester be included, at the front, in the name of the Club, and in October 1923 a Special Meeting was called to give members the opportunity to consider a proposition to change the name of the Club. Mr. Percy Davies and Mr. A.W. Vernon reported that they had conferred with Chester Golf Club, then playing a course at Sealand, with a view to reaching an agreement over Club names. They stated that their meetings had resulted in deadlock. Upon a formal proposition it was resolved that the title of the Club be “Chester (Curzon Park) Golf Club.”

The A.G.M. of 1924 considered the provision of a suitable new Clubhouse to replace the present Clubhouse which had been brought from Bache Hall. The matter was referred to the Management Committee. Plans for a new Clubhouse were unveiled at the 1925 A.G.M. and approval given to the obtaining of estimates and the placing of a contract at a sum not exceeding £3000. The amount raised by Debenture applied for all members was deemed to be insufficient, hence the 1926 A.G.M. resolved that the plans for the provision of a new Clubhouse “not be proceeded with.”

Very little of note is recorded in the ensuing years apart from variations in subscriptions and the election of Officers. Electric light was installed in 1946 at a cost of £51. 18. 6.. Mr. Thomas Sarl-Williams was elected a Life member of the Club in 1947. In 1951 there was a proposition to change the name of the Club to Chester Golf Club, but it was not approved.

An Extraordinary General Meeting of the Club held at the Blossoms Hotel, Chester, on 15th February 1952 to consider subscriptions for the year. The proposition was, that Gentlemens playing subscriptions be increased from £6.6.0 to £8.8.0 per annum and Ladies from £4.4.0 to £5.5.0. There was much discussion. Concern was expressed for members on fixed incomes. Some thought the subscription rates were too low, and there was an amendment proposed for Gentlmens subscriptions to be raised to £10.10.0. This was defeated. Then followed an amendment of lasting significance for the Club - Members playing Monday to Friday stay with the present subscription of £6.6.0. They would not be eligible for competitions, nor entitled to vote. They would be known as five-day members. The proposition and amendment were ratified at the 1952 A.G.M.. This appears to be the inauguration of the five-day member category of membership, Ladies five-day membership was not introduced until 1957.

In 1954 the procedure for the election of Captain was discussed. It was agreed that a new position of Vice-Captain should be created, the Vice-Captain to be a committee member and Captain-in-waiting for the following year. It was also agreed that the outgoing Captain be designated Immediate Past Captain with committee membership. At the same A.G.M. consideration of the building of a new Clubhouse was mooted. Funding, as ever, was the thorny problem. Mr. Sarl-Williams promised to donate £250, and in addition would subscribe as much as members, as a whole, would contribute.

The A.G.M. of 1964 unanimously agreed that the name of the Club shall be “The Chester Golf Club.” There were subsequent moves, in 1967 and 1968 (twice) to have the word “City” incorporated in the Club’s name, viz.:

A.G.M. 1967 “The Chester City Golf Club”
A.G.M. 1967 “City of Chester Golf Club”
A.G.M. 1968 “The City of Chester Golf Club”

All of these propositions were defeated. Also:

A.G.M. 1972 “The Chester City Golf Club”
A.G.M. 1973 “The Chester City Golf Club”.

Both defeated.

An E.G.M. was called in September 1964 to again consider re-building the Clubhouse, the present building having been moved from the Bache in 1913, an estimated cost of £28300. The same meeting agreed to the introduction of a Veterans category for members over 65 with 10 years full membership.

In 1974 Clubhouse re-development was again discussed at a cost of £30000 this was abandoned in 1975.

In 1985 the need for Clubhouse improvements and refurbishment was discussed and costs were submitted. The scheme was approved and work went ahead to completion in 1988.

Following the overall improvements to the Clubhouse, attention was directed to maintenance of the course and the need for expenditure on more modern machinery. An increase in subscriptions for this purpose was agreed for the year 1991. Much work was done in 1990, with the re-laying of some greens and planting of trees, aided by a grant from the Countryside Commission and generous donations by members.

In the mid-1990’s thoughts turned to the necessity for a major reconstruction and refurbishment of the Clubhouse. A House Improvement Committee was set up to consider plans and costs with a view to completion before the Centenary celebrations in 2001. The results of that scheme can now be seen and enjoyed by members and visitors. To assist the Financial Funding required for this major development, approval was given for the addition of fifty full members, thus providing additional subscriptions and entrance fee income.