Moore Place Golf Club, Esher. (1926

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Moore Place Golf Club, Esher. (1926 – 2019)

The club was founded in 1926. The nine-hole course had hardly changed over the years. The third hole was the only significant change when it was extended and became a par four.

It was reported in September 2019 that the course would be closing with immediate effect. The following statement was issued by the owners of the course - “The owner of the Moore Place Golf Course has taken the difficult decision to close the course, as without considerable financial support the club is not financially viable. Alternatives to its closure have been considered, but regrettably there is little prospect of the course being made viable in the long-term given the supply and offering of other local courses. The decision to close the course ensures the club has cash available to treat existing staff equitably, pay suppliers and refund unused season tickets pro-rata. Demand for golf in the local area and indeed nationally has fallen significantly in recent years. Accordingly, the decision was taken to close Moore Place Golf Course as we come into the quieter off season.”

In 1926 Harry Vardon, six times Open Champion, opened the Moore Place Hotel, Esher, course.

Harry Vardon at Moore Place.

From the 1937 to 1947 Golfer’s Handbook; Moor Place (Esher) Golf Club; Secretary, A E Everett; Prodessional and green-keeper, E C Roberts; Nine-holes, SSS 60; Visitors’ fees, 2s/6d a day, (4 shillings at weekend.)

Golfer’s Handbook 1951; Membership, 70; Secretary, F J A Stump, Moor Place Hotel, Esher; Green-keeper, W Rogerson; Visitors, 3s/6d a day, (5 shillings).

The 36-hole final for the Captain’s Prize was played in January 1951 and resulted in a win for T Davies who defeated D Law by two up.

Advert for the Hotel and Golf Course.

Esher News and Mail Friday 20 February 1959. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Advert for membership in June 1959

Esher News and Mail Friday 12 June 1959. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

December 1972 nine-hole medal result; John Longworth; 36-7-29; F Preston, 39-7-32; B Bateman, 39-6-33; T Baxter, 39-6-33; K Munro, 38-5-33; B Donovan, 41-8-33; Ladies medal; Mrs Geary, 46-12-34.

From the 1988 Golfer’s Handbook; Founded, 1926; Membership, 107; Secretary, J Darby; Professional, D Allen; 9-holes, 3,512 yards, SSS 58; Course records; Amateur – W Cavanagh, 29; Professional – P Loxley, 25. Visitors, £2.50 weekdays, (£3.50).

Golfer’s Handbook 1991; Hon. Secretary, K J Sargeant; Professional, D Allen; Visitors, £4, (£5).

Golfer’s Handbook 1994 - 1998; Public Course; Membership, 160; Manager, D Allen; Professional, D Allen; 9-holes,4,186 yards, SSS 58; Visitors, £5.25 (£7).

Advert for the club from April 1995.