As you may recall Richard in his Club Update on 7th March asked for photos or stories regarding our history and input to make next year a very special year……………..the first story to publish is from Ian Newlove a retired partner and still technically a member of Winter Hill however due to health issues over the last two years has not played much golf.
The good news from Ian is that he has now been given the all clear and hopes to participate again fairly soon.
The course was first played on 15th May 1976 by Partners and it opened for general play on 22nd May when non Partners could play for £2.50 weekdays and £3 on Saturday, £3.50 on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Ian played on 15th May with his friend David Smith who was instrumental in him taking up the game.
David is sadly no longer with us but there is a trophy he instigated and paid for called the DT Smith.
Originally it was for 36 holes on one day but subsequently morphed into something different.
The club house at that time was in the Grange which was initially intended to be permanent.
However for various reasons this did not happen and the current building resulted. The official opening of the clubhouse took place on 23rd October with an exhibition match comprising Bernard Gallacher, Donald Steel, Bernard Hunt and Peter Hedges.
One thing that stands out in Ian’s memory with regard to the course was the 15th hole, in those days a par 3 but 182 yards up the hill!!
This hole was based on the 14th at Wentworth subsequently modified to its shorter length some 12 years ago.
The land for the golf course was originally purchased in 1938.
With it being designated as agricultural land and the advent of war the course could not go ahead and was deferred until circumstances within and out of JLP made it feasible.
Thank you Ian
