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Saltash Golf Club, Cornwall. (1924 - WW2)

The nine-hole course was open for play on Monday 7 April 1924 when Dr H O Grenfell, club president and founder member, hit the opening drive. The first game was a foursome between Dr G Garland and Mrs Bawden and Lieutenant H Denton R.N and Miss Trenear. Among those present at the opening were; the Mayor of Saltash, Mr J Lander, a vice-president of the club; the Mayoress, Mrs Vosper; Lieutenant R H Spraggs R.N, secretary of the club. Following the opening the officials and members of the club had tea together at Warfelton Farm. Club membership at this time numbered over 100. The course was laid out on Warfelton Farm lying to the west of the road running from St. Stephen’s village and meeting the Callington – Saltash Road, the course was a lengthy 20 minute walk from the railway station. It originally only measured around 2,000 yards but was stated as being an “interesting course with the second, seventh and eighth greens being built on a marsh, which had been thoroughly drained, and these holes form the sporting element of the course, sufficient hazards being left to test the ability of the player to keep in the fairway and to judge the accuracy of his shots correctly. When on the third and sixth greens, which are in close proximity to one another, there is a splendid view of the church of St Stephen’s and the historic keep of Trematon Castle” The course was in the process of being extended to 18 holes, a large clubhouse was also under construction. The total length of the extended course would be approximately 4,500 yards , it was hoped the course would be completed July. With Plymouth in close proximity it was sure to prove a popular venue.

Saltash Golf Club, Cornwall. The opening drive.

The president hitting the opening shot in April 1924.

 

Saltash Golf Club, Cornwall. Members at the opening.

Members and guests at the opening of the Saltash Club.

 

Saltash Golf Club, Cornwall. The new clubhouse at the opening.

Western Morning News Monday 29 September 1924. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

In 1925 the secretary was Lieutenant H C Spraggs RN, Hill Park, Saltash and the professional J H Munday. An 18-hole course, professional course record by C H Reith with a score of 70. Visitors’ fees were 2/6 a day, weekends 3/- a day. Sunday play was allowed after 1 pm without caddies. The station at Saltash (GWR) was ½ mile away.

Playing on the improved course in April 1925.

 

Saltash Golf Club, Cornwall. Playing on the improved course in April 1925.

Western Morning News Tuesday 7 April 1925. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

Results from the autumn meeting in October 1925.

 

Saltash Golf Club, Cornwall. Results from the autumn meeting played in October 1925.

Western Morning News Tuesday 20 October 1925. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

In 1925/6 the professional was F W Hearn who also held the new professional record of 67.

 

Saltash Golf Club, Cornwall. Clubhead stamped F W Hearn - Saltash GC.

Clubhead stamped “Mashie Niblick – F W Hearn – Saltash GC”. Image courtesy of John Hooper.

 

Plan and description of the Saltash golf course in October 1926.

 

Saltash Golf Club, Cornwall. Plan of the Saltash golf course.

 

Saltash Golf Club, Cornwall. Description of the Saltash golf course.

Western Morning News Saturday 2 October 1926. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

Saltash Golf Club, Cornwall. Result of the 1927 February medal.

Cornish Guardian Friday 18 February 1927. © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

The annual meeting was held in April 1927. The secretary reported that improvements had been made on the course including the construction of new greens, tees and bunkers. Shelters had been erected, and a telephone had been installed in the clubhouse. The statement of accounts showed a substantial profit. Chairman, Dr. H G Robinson, on behalf of the members, paid tribute to the services rendered to the club by the hon. secretary, Lieutenant H C Spraggs, R.N. The following officers were elected; President, Dr. Grenfell; vice-president, Paymaster Rear Admiral Boyer; captain, W A R Wilkinson; hon. treasurer, M C Bawden; hon. secretary, Lt. H C Spraggs. 

Result of the August 1927 monthly bogey; W A R Wilkinson (3,) all square; K Bawden (15,) 2down; F St. G Fox, (12,) 4down; H J Sleeman (15,) 4down; Capt. M C Bawden (12,) 7down.

At the annual meeting in April 1929 the hon. secretary, in his report, stated that the decision of the committee to abandon the upper nine-holes and to concentrate on making a well kept sporting nine-hole course of the remainder was chiefly due to the recent largely increased assessment of the Golf Club, which would, in the near future, create financial difficulties too great to overcome. The nine-hole course reopened on April 1st, had been remodelled and improved, new greens and tees having been built and the length of the course increased. It was proposed to limit the membership to 120, and this number had nearly been reached. A new clubhouse was in the course of erection, which it was hoped would reach the requirements of the members. The following officers were elected; President, Dr. Grenfell; vice-president, Rear-Admiral Lanyon; captain, J A Baker; hon. secretary, Lieut. H C Spraggs; hon. treasurer, M C Bawden; committee - Dr. Robinson, Lieut. Com. Denton, Capt. Rendell, Messrs., Kitto, Ranwell, Rawling, Wilkinson, Wilson and Venn.  

In 1930 the secretary was Lt. H C Spraggs now of West Park, Saltash. The professional and green-keeper was F R Palmer (1929 to 1933). Visitors’ fees were 2/6 a day and 10/- a week. Sunday play was allowed without caddies. Local hotels were the Railway and the Commercial.

An interesting challenge match was played between the ladies' and men's section in April 1931. The ladies received six additional strokes on handicap and played from the men's tees. 

Saltash Golf Club Ladies' Section   Saltash Golf Club Men's Section  
Miss Evans (17) 0 W A R Wilkinson (3) 1
Mrs Robinson (24) (halved) 0 J A Baker (10) (halved) 0
Mrs Wilkison (17) 1 Lieut.-Com. H Denton (10) 0
Mrs Ralph (23) 1 L Mugford (14) 0
Mrs Luke (25) 1 J Jeffrey (16) 0
Mrs Stribbling (26) (halved) 0 J Kitto (16) (halved) 0
Mrs Lowe (33) 1 N H Luke (18) 0
Mrs Baker (33) 0 Com. Wyld (22) 1
Mrs Kitto (34) 0 R Lowe (24) 1
Mrs Newton (36) 1 H M Robinson (18) 0
Mrs Green (36) 0 C Prior (18) 1
Miss Jeffrey (36) 1 R H Wyld (18) 0
  6   4

Sad news in May 1931. The death was reported of Lieut.-Com. H C Spraggs, who had been secretary of the club since its inception.

Result of a match against Launceston played in June 1932.

 

Saltash Golf Club, Cornwall. Result of a match against Launceston played in June 1932.

Cornish Guardian Thursday 30 June 1932. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

At the annual meeting in April 1933 the following officers were elected; President, Dr. H O Grenfell; vice-president, T Lanyon; captain, Dr H G Robinson; vice-captain, W A R Wilkison; hon. secretary, Joseph Davies Kitto; hon. treasurer, Mr Nelson.

From 1935 to the clubs final year in 1940 the club address was given as St Stephens by Saltash. The secretary was J D Kitto and the green-keeper J Clack. Club membership was 100. Visitors’ fees were, 1/6 a round, 2/6 a day and 10/- a week.

In January 1935 Lieutenant Colonel T T O’Neill holed in one at the eighth.

The annual meeting was held in April 1935. It was stated that the club had over 100 members. The following officers were elected; President Dr. H O Grenfell; vice-president, T Lanyon; captain, M C Bawden; vice-captain, Lieut.-Co. T T O'Neill; hon, secretary, J D Kitto; hon. treasurer, M C Bawden. 

Result of a flag competition held in May 1935; Ladies, Mrs Jinman, 18th fairway; Mrs W Wilkinson, 17th green; Mrs M C Bawdon, 17th green; Men, W R Prynne, 19th green; W A Wilkinson, 19th fairway; R Rosewarne, 18th green; Junior, Keith Jinman, 17th fairway.

Eclectic competition for prizes presented by the Ladies’ President, Mrs L Greenway, played in June 1937; Ladies’ competition – Mrs Wilkinson, 72-9-63; Mrs Ralph, 79-14-65; Mrs Baker, 82-15½-66½; Mrs Kitto, 87-17-70; Mrs Bawden, 99-12-87; Gent’s – D Baker, 60-9½-50½; A Cleland, 70-12-58; J Reid, 61-2½-58½; J D Kitto, 67-8½-58½; P Lamey, 68-8½-59½; C J Phillips, 70-10-60; J A Baker, 66-5½-60½; M C Bawden, 68-6½-61½; H Denton, 70-7½-62½; R M Lippiatt, 74-10-64; R Reed, 71-6½-64½; H C Baker, 74-7½-66½; R A Rogers, 75-8-67; B Day, 81-7½-73½; R Rosewarne, 85-10-75; E Lockwood, 89-12-77.

The annual meeting was held on Friday 4th February 1938. Mr J D Kitto secretary, reported that competitions had been well supported, Mr Dingley (Launceston) gave a cup for competition between Launceston and Saltash, which was won by Launceston. Officers elected were; president, DR H O Grenfell; vice-president, Rear Admiral T T Lanyon; captain, R A Rogers; vice-captain, R Underhill; secretary, J D Kitto; assistant secretary, R M Lippiatt; treasurer, Major M C Bawden; auditor, C A Newman.

Below is the result of a club match played at Saltash against Bin Down in August 1938.

Saltash Golf Club   Bin Down Golf Club  
J Reed 0 W A R Wilkinson (1up) 1
J A Baker (5&3) 1 V T Higgins 0
R Hare (2&1) 1 D Drew 0
R A Rogers (4&2) 1 T Lewis 0
B Day (4&3) 1 D A Davey 0
A Lawrey (2up) 1 E Prynne 0
S R Underhill 0 D Pengelly (2up) 1
R M Lippiatt (2&1) 1 L Middleton 0
G L Walton (6&4) 1 H R Coad 0
A Cleland (half) 0 L Cook (half) 0
  7   2

The AGM was held on Friday 3 February 1939. Lieut-Colonel T T O’Neill was in the chair when the secretary, Mr J D Kitto, reported that there had been a number of resignations owing to members leaving the district, numbers had dropped to 70. The club had economised with labour, but the wet season had added to their difficulties. Green fees were up, and would have been good had there been favourable weather. The chairman made reference to the excellent work of the secretary and asked him reconsider his resignation. Major M C Bawden reported an adverse balance on the year of £14, plus repairs of £20 for the machinery. Officers elected were; president, Dr H O Grenfell; vice-president, Rear Admiral T T Lanyon; captain and assistant secretary, Mr R Lippeatt; secretary Mr J D Kitto; treasurer, Major M C Bawden. Messrs Cleland, Walton and Endean were elected to fill vacancies on the committee.

Result of the 1939 July monthly medal; A Cleland, 79-16-63; C Lamey, 80-13-67; G L Walton, 82-14-68; S E Nicolls, 88-18-70; H C Baker, 82-11-71; J Reid, 76-5-71; R Hare, 83-11-72; S F Machin, 81-7-74; E Martyr, 108-24-84.

 

Saltash Golf Club, Cornwall. Location of the former golf course.

Location of the Saltash course in the 1930s.

Grid reference SX41830,58935, co-ordinates 241830,058935.