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Bleakdown Golf Club, Byfleet, Surrey. (1905 - 1922)

Professional from 1905 to 1907 was Cuthbert S Butchart (who designed the course), and from 1907 until 1913 F H Frostick. 

In January 1907 C S Butchart (Bleakdown) played with P Wynne (Tooting) in the London Professional Foursome Tournament.

In March 1907 it was reported that the new Bleakdown course at Byfleet had recently opened. A reputable golfer stated that “it is the finest inland course he had ever played on.”

Pre WW1 postcard of Bleakdown clubhouse and course. Image courtesy of Frank Accleton.

On 28 August 1909 F H Frostick broke the record of the Bleakdown Golf Club course with a score of 69. 

From The Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic News Saturday 1 October 1910. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

From The London Daily News 25 July 1910. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In October 1911 the Royal Automobile Club held their annual contest for the scratch challenge trophy and momento given by H S Hele-Shaw, on the Bleakdown Club's course at Byfleet. The winner was D Crwowther, a plus two player, with a scratch score of 80.

The October 1911 monthly spoon competition was won by Mr Moore-Brabazon, 86-7-79. 

Thanks to Jeremy Fradgley who sent us the images below of the “Bleakdown Golf Club Challenge Medal – 1913”. Jeremy believes that it was won by his great uncle, Arthur Davidson Fradgley. The splendid medal is made by Vaughtons, Birmingham. The centre is 9ct gold with a BGC monogram, set in a sterling silver cross.  

Result from the Spring Meeting played in May 1913; Gore Brown Challenge Cup and momento and gold scratch medal - A D Fradgley, 70 scratch; R G K Finlay (3) 78, net; H D Robson (6), 81; M B Burch (10), 81; N Twitchen (12), 81; J B Walker (10), 81.

Result of the July 1913 monthly medal; Capt. S Clark, 88-18-70; Capt. Spencer, 78-2-76; L Howell, 77 scratch.

In 1914 the secretary was F M Ashley and the professional was C Tooley, who took over in 1913 and remained until 1917. An 18-hole course laid out on undulating ground with sandy soil which meant that it was always dry even in very wet weather. The hazards were numerous and natural. The length of the course was over 6,000 yards. There was a membership of 350. Entry fees for gents were £10/10/0. There was no entry fee for ladies. The Subs were gents £5/5/0 and  ladies £4/4/0, five day members paid £3/3/0. Visitors’ fees were 2/6 a day, 2/6 at weekends, on introduction only. No Lady visitors were allowed on Sundays. Sunday play was allowed with caddies. The Station at Byfleet was a 5 minute walk away.

In May 1914 L Howell won the scratch gold medal with 82. The Gore-Brown Challenge Cup was won by A Beddington, 88-14-74.

In July 1914 the Woking Ladies beat Bleakdown Ladies in the Pearson Trophy at Woking.

Patriotism before golf. The course was turned over to agriculture during WW1 with the clubhouse being used as an hospital. 

From The Sketch 20 February 1918. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The clubs last appearance was in 1922 when the secretary was Montague B C Church, Tattenhall, Byfleet, telephone 162. The professional was J Boylett, who had arrived at the club in 1920. Membership was now 125 gents and 110 ladies. Visitors’ fees were 2/6 a day.

Ordnance Survey Map showing the Bleakdown Golf Course.

O.S. Map Revised 1912 © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1920}.

It was reported in the Daily Herald in May 1922 that from 1 July the club would be known as the West Byfleet Golf Club and it was hoped that the full 18-hole course would be opened shortly.