Early History

Extract from the book;
"Epsom, Its History and Surroundings, by Gordon Home"
First published 1901- Republished 1971.

Historical information, Courtesy of Rowland Wateridge.

Chapter XII. Golf at Epsom.

Though the Epsom Golf Club dates no further back than January, 1889, it may be interesting to place on record, before they are lost in oblivion, a few facts concerning its early days.

It is melancholy (for a golfer) to reflect upon the long- period during which the possibilities afforded by the beautiful Epsom Downs remained neglected. Towards the end of the "Eighties" however, came the "great awakening," in which Epsom was not slow to join. To whom belongs the honour of first wielding a club on Epsom Downs? That point will never be decided. Among the first outposts of the army of occupation must be mentioned Dr. Laidlaw Purvis (of the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club), and Mr. Richardson, of Sutton, who for some years before the formation of the Club had " knocked a ball " upon Epsom Downs. To Mr. T. W. Lang, brother of Andrew Lang, belongs the honour of first playing the game in any regular manner. Living at "The Uplands," and often accompanied by Mr. Walter Bovill and other Wimbledonlans, he began to play with some regularity about the year '86, playing on rough and ready greens between the Grand Stand and the Rifle Butts.

Somewhat later another Scotsman, a well-known resident of Epsom, Mr. P. Robertson Rodger, would also occasionally practise his national game; and a little later again appeared on the scene Mr. Felix Barry, Mr. F. H. A. Booth, Mr. Gordon Ruck, and other visitors.

The Growth of the Club.

Towards the close of '88 the Masters of the College, incited thereto by Mr. Mackey, a colleague from Malvern, mapped out a course near the Downs Station. Residents in Epsom began to try their hands by twos and threes, and a small subscription was collected by one of the Masters of the College to pay for rolling and sweeping the greens.

The time was now ripe for the formation of a Club, and at a preliminary meeting held at Bromley Hurst (then occupied by Mr. G. F. Burgess) on 25th January, 1889, it was resolved that a Club should be formed. The Club was soon in working order, with an annual subscription of 10 shillings and 6 pence (52.5 pence in new money)

The Lord of the Manor, Mr. J. S. Strange, readily granted the necessary leave to play, and accepted the position of president. No opposition was encountered from the Commoners, of whom several were elected vice-presidents.

It may at once be stated that throughout its history the Club has been treated with the greatest consideration by all those who have rights and interests in the Downs.

Mr. Alexander Patrick, of Wimbledon, was employed to survey and lay out a course, which when adopted included (roughly speaking) the College Masters' course and Mr. Lang's course.

The Club Room (next door to the present "Hussar") soon became inadequate, and it was resolved to rent the picturesque "Beech Cottage" from Mr. John Nightingall in the spring of 1890.

A resident professional was engaged in Arthur Jackson, soon to be succeeded by W. Dunn, and in October, 1890, by Thomas McWatt.

In 1892 the death of Mr. John Nightingall necessitated a move to another Club House. After a brief occupation of "The Bungalow," opposite Beech Cottage, the present excellent house, designed by Mr. J. Hatchard Smith, was erected and completed by October, 1893.

In April, 1893, it was decided to increase the number of members to 200, and to extend the course to Tattenham Corner and along the Race-course, abandoning the holes behind the Butts.

The Club has now 250 members, with a large waiting list of candidates. Residents within three miles of the Club House have the preference in election to the extent that two residents are elected for one non-resident. The annual subscription is £2 2s.(£2.10 in today's money) with an entrance fee of £5 5s (£5.25).

The present officers are:President, Hon. Mr. Justice Bucknill; Vice-Presidents, The Earl of Rosebery, Sir Allan Sarle, Mr. Herbert Brooks, Capt. W. R. G. Farmer, Rev. E. W. Northey, Mr. P. Ralli, Mr. J. S. Strange, Mr. R. Walters; Captain, Mr. E. P. Burd; Hon. Treasurer, Mr. A. E. Harter; Hon. Secretary, Jos. F. Smith ; Committee, Messrs. W. R. Burgess, A. W. Daniel, S. F. Jackson, R. A. Johnstone, C. P. C. Jones, F. McNair, D. H. Tomkins, H. F. Turner, C. Webb.

The Rosebery Medal (handicap) and the Brooks Cup (scratch) are played for twice a year. The course is one of the best inland courses, with plenty of variety, sporting greens, charming views, and the very best of air.

G. F. Burgess

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