Bangor Golf Club, County Down. (1903 - 1933)

The club was founded in 1903.

Mr F C Doran was one of the founder members of the club and he was also the first secretary. The first captain was Mr T C Connel. A ladies’ club was also formed in 1903, Miss H E McGuire was the inaugural captain.

Report on the new club in March 1903.

 

Bangor Golf Club, County Down. Report on the new club in March 1903.

 

Bangor Golf Club, County Down. Report on the new club in March 1903.

North Down Herald and County Down Independent Friday 20 March 1903. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

It was reported in April 1903 that Bangor was no longer "out of it" as far as golf was concerned and can now claim to be the near neighbour of the Royal Belfast Golf Club, whose home is at Carnalea. The Bangor course is an eight-hole one and extends from the park near Six Road Ends, the entrance being in Hamilton Road. A club with a membership of 300 was formed, Turnbull who was formerly at Malone, was engaged as professional. The course is not quite complete as yet but will be ready for opening in June.  

The original nine-hole course opened on 13 June 1903 with a match between Harold Reade, champion, and F B Newett, ex-champion.

The course was extended to 18-holes in 1904 when a new clubhouse was also opened. 

 

Bangor Golf Club, County Down. The clubhouse and eighth green in the early 1900s.

The clubhouse and eighth green in the early 1900s.

 

Bangor Golf Club, County Down. The clubhouse and course on a postcard stamped 1905.

Bangor Golf Club, clubhouse and course, with horse drawn mower to the left centre (posted 1905). Authors Collection.

 

From the Nisbet’s Golf Yearbook 1905; Membership of 278; Hon. Secretary – F C Doran, “Glenfarne,” Bangor; Captain – F C Doran; Entrance fee £2/2s and subs £1/11s/6d; 18-holes; Professional – F Smyth; Station – five minute walk; Terms for visitors – 1s a day, 5s a week, 15s a month; A good course playing over 78 acres with some very tricky holes, and a magnificent view.

Also listed was the Bangor Ladies’ Golf Club; Membership of 140; Hon. Secretary – Miss L K Campbell, Princeton, Bangor; Captain – Miss G A Walters; 18-holes; Entrance fee £1/1s and subs 10s/6d; Professional – F Smyth; Visitors – 6d a day, 2s/6d a week, 7s/6d a month, not allowed to play Saturdays or General Holidays. 

Competition result played on Boxing Day 1905.

 

Bangor Golf Club, County Down. Result of the Hunter Challenge Cup played in December 1905.

County Down Spectator and Ulster Standard Friday 29 December 1905. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

Below is a gathering for the Lady Captain’s Prize Day in 1931.

 

Bangor Golf Club, County Down. Lady Captain's Prize Day June 1931.

From the Belfast News-Letter Wednesday 17 June 1931. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

In 1933 the club moved across the lane (Broadway) to its present location

The new course was laid out by James Braid.

 

Bangor Golf Club, County Down. James Braid pointing the way on the new course in June 1934.

Belfast Telegraph Wednesday 13 June 1934. Image © Independent News and Media PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.