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Aberavon and Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. (1906 -1947)

The club was founded in 1906.

The club seemed unsure of its title, at various times it used; Aberavon, Port Talbot, Aberavon & Port Talbot and Port Talbot & Aberavon.

The following is from the Evening Express January 1906; "The newly formed Aberavon Golf Club gives promise of becoming a great success. The site has been given by Sir Arthur P Vivian, K.C.B. at a nominal yearly rental of £5, which sum he returns as his annual subscription. The committee have been active in laying out the grounds. The Porthcawl professional, Hutcheon, inspected the site, and declared it to be an excellent one. The links will be ready for play in a few days but they will not be opened until Sir Arthur Vivian can make it convenient to attend. Sir Arthur has been appointed president of the club; Lieutenant Pryce Jones, secretary; W H Gabriel (Lloyds Bank), treasurer; Committee - E G Richards, Sidney A Jenkins, W H Gabriel, Oliver Adams, J Mackintosh. At the moment the membership is 50. There is every prospect of procuring a commodious club-room overlooking the links on the premises of the new Vivian Hotel." 

A typical seaside links situated on Aberavon Burrows it was laid out by J G Hutcheson of Porthcawl. Originally 9 holes - 1st 410 yards; 2nd 210; 3rd 315; 4th 145; 5th 305; 6th 260; 7th 235; 8th 440; 9th 215;  (2535 yards, bogey 40) it was later extended to 18, together with a completed clubhouse. Membership at the time was 120, rising to 150. There was no entry fee. Subscriptions were £2/2/0. Visitors’ fees were 1/6d a day, 5/- a week, 10/- a month.  Sunday play was not allowed.  Aberavon Seaside station was alongside the course.

Interesting to note that at the first annual meeting held in January 1907 that the club was called Port Talbot & Aberavon Golf Club. The club had a membership of 45 and the course had considerably improved. Sidney Jenkins proposed that ladies should be allowed to become members.

In July 1908 the Gibb Bowl of the Port Talbot Golf Club, previously held by Glyn Jenkins, was played for on the Aberavon links. In the final J H Conrid beat P Bevan on the final green. Mr Conrid had also recently won the Longdon Cup.  

Below is a plan of the proposed new eighteen-hole course in 1909.

 

Aberavon and Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. Plan of the proposed 18-hole course April 1909.

 

Aberavon and Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. Plan of the proposed 18-hole course April 1909.

From the South Wales Daily News Friday 23 April 1909. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

Report on the business meeting in January 1910

 

Aberavon and Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. Report on the annual business meeting in January 1910.

Western Mail Thursday 20 January 1910. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

Below is the result of a match played at Aberavon against Blackpill Golf Club in September 1910.

Aberavon & Port Talbot Golf Club   Blackpill Golf Club  
J H Cound 1 H B Thomas 0
R P Bevan 0 C Johnson 1
M Gwyn Jenkins 1 T D Thomas 0
E M Jenkins 1 S Osborn 0
J E Jenkins 1 R A Jones 0
E T Tennant 1 S Jones 0
W R John 1 J Williams 0
Percy Jacob 1 T Cobb 0
W F Gibb 0 T Sims 1
S G O'Sullivan 1 B Jones 0
  8   2

Leading scores in the 1910 September Tankard Competition; J Emlyn Hughes (18), 3up; S G O'Sullivan (14), 2down; J E Jenkins (7), 4down; E M Jenkins (8), 4down.

 

Aberavon and Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. Edward Lowther captain in 1912.

Western Mail Saturday 20 January 1912.Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

At the annual meeting in January 1914 it was stated that the position of the club was improving with each year and that 30 new members had joined in 1913. The committee had decided to extend the course to eighteen-holes with reasonable terms being reached with the tenant of the land. Expert advice had been sought and twelve new greens had been completed. It was hoped that the whole course would be ready for Easter. The chairman spoke of the satisfactory position of the finances, the profit for the year being over £39. The ladies’ section was also enjoying improved numbers and it was hoped to form a ladies’ team. In view of the additional expense of the extended course it was decided that an entrance fee would be payable by new members. On the motion of Mr L Jones, seconded by Mr Mr Knoyle, Sir A P Vivian, K.C.B., was re-elected President. Mr Fred R Jacob was re-appointed Captain. Other officers were; Mr S G O’Sullivan, match captain; E G Richards, treasurer; E Marchant Jenkins, secretary; L A Williams, auditor. Dan Perkins (solicitor) and L A Williams joined the committee.

 

Aberavon & Port Talbot Golf Club. Fred R Jacob club captain.

Fred R Jacob the club captain 1913/14.

 

In May 1914 it was announced that the qualifying rounds for the Lowther Cup and Gibb Bowl were to be played.

Result of a match played at Barry Golf Club (also now defunct) in June 1914.

Barry Golf Club   Aberavon & Port Talbot Golf Club  
T H Williams 1 J H Cound 0
W Price Jones 0 E M Jenkins 1
J E Morris 1 S G O'Sullivan 0
R F Illingworth 1 Percy Jacobs 0
N Middle 1 R T Price Jones 0
F W Alexander 1 E T Tennant 0
E M Griffiths (half) 0 Dr Richards (half) 0
T James 1 E O'Sullivan 0
  6   1

It was reported at the annual meeting in March 1915 that the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway had purchased a portion of the links which meant that holes 2 and 3 would be lost. Due to this the committee had made satisfactory arrangements to take over land towards Britonferry which would bring the course up to its full complement of eighteen-holes.

Ordnance Survey Map from the time of WW1 showing the golf course, clubhouse and the Seaside Station.

 

Aberavon (Port Talbot) Golf Club, Neath. O.S. Map from the time of WW1 showing the course.

O.S. Map Revised 1913 to 1914; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1921}.

 

  Secretaries Professionals/Greenkeepers
1910-13   Harry Williams (p)
1914 (joint) S G O'Sullivan, "Mayfield"
E M Jenkins, "Springfields", Aberavon.
R Harry (p)
1922 E M Jenkins R Harry (p)

In 1922 it was listed as Aberavon & Port Talbot Golf Club (telephone number 152).

In 1923 the secretary was E T Tennant, a solicitor from Port Talbot. It was planned that the 9-hole course would be extended to 18-holes, although there is no evidence that this extension took place. Club membership stood at 150. Visitors’ fees were gents 2/6d a day, ladies 1/6d a day. Sunday play was not allowed until after WW2. The railway station at Port Talbot was one mile away. (It is interesting to note that the Aberavon & Port Talbot club listed earlier had a station adjoining). Local hotels were the Grand and the Walnut Tree. 

 

Secretary

Professional/Green-keeper

1923 - 1931

Ernest T Tennant.

T Le David (g)

1931 - 1940

Tom E Owen, Exchange Buildings, PT.

T Le David (g)

1947-WW2

E Watson.

I G Roberts (p and g)

 

At the end of May 1923 Port Talbot made the long journey north for a club match. It must have been a very tiring trip for the visitors who lost by 5 games to 1.

Colwyn Bay Golf Club   Port Talbot Golf Club  
H R Parry 0 M Gwyn Jenkins 1
D Hall 1 E T Tennant 0
R T Johnson 1 C Walsh 0
T Parry 1 E S Rowe 0
Mr Green 1 W W Hillzer 0
G E Sharp 1 T Walters 0
  5   1

 

Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. Competition results from June 1925.

Western Mail Saturday 20 June 1925. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. Competition result from May 1927.

Glamorgan Gazette Friday 20 May 1927. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

Result of a four-ball match played at Maesteg in June 1927.

Maesteg Golf Club   Port Talbot Golf Club  
A King Davies and W H Davies 0 M G Jenkins and C Walsh 1
Dr. Gwyn Nicholas and H G Treharne 0 M Jenkins and T Parker 1
R S Hynd and F A Grice 0 E S Rowe and E H Jones 1
E A Thomas and R Dooner 1 T E Owen and G Wheeler 0
E Tucker and G Williams 1 J M Turnock and T Gibbs 0
  2   3

Results of ladies' competitions played in June 1930; Williams Cup - Miss Eunice Stevens, 96-29-67; Gabriel Bowl - Miss Hilary Jenkins (9), 1down; Ladies' foursomes - Mrs Torbock and Miss Hamilton; Putting competition - Mrs George Bidder. 

In the final of the Borough Bowl Played in July1930, G G Mullins beat B C Davies (12) by 3 and 2.

Results from the Autumn Meeting played in September 1930; Glenavon Bowl - F C Pierce (13), 1up; J Williams (14) all square; Bryn Davies (2), 1down; Cyril Walsh (6), G T Wheeler (9), Dr Hellyer (14), 2down.

Golfer's Handbook 1928 - 1933; Port Talbot Golf Club, Glamorganshire; Membership 150; Hon. Secretary - E T Tennant, Solicitor, Port Talbot; Green-keeper, T Le David; Nine-holes being extended to eighteen; Visitors (intro. by member), gents, 2s/6d a day, ladies, 1s/6d; No Sunday play.   

Picture taken at the annual dance in January 1931.

 

Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. Picture taken at the annual dance in January 1931.

Western Mail Monday 19 January 1931. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

Progress at the club in August 1931.

 

Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. Report on the club in August 1931.

 

Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. Report on the club in August 1931.

Neath Guardian Friday 28 August 1931. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

New professional and match played in November 1931.

 

Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. Match played in November 1931.

Wales Daily Post and Cambria Daily Leader Monday 23 November 1931.

 

In November 1931 Edgar Jones was appointed professional.

Results the Bunker Cup played in November 1933; First round; T E Owen beat B Davies 3 and 1; G Wheeler beat J O'Donovan 4 and 2; E T Tennant beat G Baird 2up; S C Corr beat O Rogers 2 and 1.

The club championship in June 1934 was won by Ivor Roberts who beat E Marchant Jenkins by 3 and 2. The club appointed Fred Hazell as the new professional in succession to Edgar Jones who moved to the new Neath club.

Report on the annual meeting in August 1934.

 

Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. Report on the annual meeting August 1934.

Western Mail Saturday 18 August 1934. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

The following officers were elected at the annual meeting in April 1935; Patron, Mrs Graham Vivien; President, Capt. A M Talbot-Fletcher, Margam Castle; Vice-presidents; T Gibb, J M Turnock, E T Tennant, G G Mullens, E S Rowe, Dr R W Hellyer; Captain, G T Wheeler; Vice-captain, Fred Taylor; Treasurer, H H Busher; Secretary, J O'Donovan.  

Report on the annual meeting in April 1936.

 

Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. Report on the on the annual meeting  in August 1936.

Western Mail Monday 27 April 1936. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

From the 1937 Golfer's Handbook; Membership 160; Hon. Sec., - T E Owen, Exchange Buildings, Port Talbot; Green-keeper, T Le David; Nine-holes, SSS 73; Visitors (intro. by member), gents, 2s/6d a day, ladies, 1s/6d; Sunday play. 

Fred Taylor presided in the absence of the captain, R M Gibb, at the annual meeting in April 1937. The appointed officers were; Captain, Fred Taylor; Vice-captain, Mr Hopkin Evans; Secretary, J E Torbock; Treasurer, Hugh H Busher; Match captain, Ivor Roberts; Committee - George Jarrett, G T Wheeler, George Baird; J P Drury, James Madden, John O'Brien and John Nicholas.

From the Wales Evening Post Thursday 17 June 1937 - "Ivor Roberts, who has held the championship of the Port Talbot Golf Club for seven successive years, has decided to turn professional. But he will not be leaving the town, for he has been appointed to succeed F Hazel, who has been the popular club pro. for the past three years. Hazel is returning to Tredegar Park, and on the 28 June the wedding bells will ring merrily for Ivor Roberts and his bride, Miss B Emmanuel of Margam. It is a golf romance, for they met on the links, and both have been active members of the club for many years. Their future home will be the clubhouse, for they will take over the management of an institution which has always been a "home from home" at Port Talbot." 

Result of a match played in June 1946.

 

Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. Match played in June 1946.

Neath Guardian Friday 21 June 1946.

 

From 1947 to 1970 Golfer's Handbook; Nine-hole course had a Par and SSS of 72. Membership in 1970 was 165.  Course records were amateur B C Davies (72), professional I G Roberts (70). Visitors’ fees were 2/- a day.

Although the club appears in the Golfer's Handbook from 1947 until 1970 (above) it was a repetitive entry, the club and course had closed in the late 1940s. 

Probably one of the last matches played over the course in June 1947.

 

Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. Match played in June 1947.

Porthcawl Guardian Friday 6 June 1947. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

The course closed in 1947 and the land was used for the Sandfields housing development.

January 1948 and the bulldozers move in.

 

Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. January 1948 and the Buzzdozers move in.

Herald of Wales Saturday 10 January 1948.

 

There were attempts to find land for a new course but the search proved fruitless.

For some time the club continued in every other sense, electing captains, committee meetings etc. Inter club matches were arranged and played over local courses. Report below on the annual meeting in April 1949.

 

Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. Report on the annual meeting in 1949.

Western Mail Thursday 7 April 1949. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

It was reported in November 1951 that the funeral had taken place of the well known South Wales and Pot Talbot golfer Ivor George Roberts. Mr Roberts had been professional at Port Talbot for 15 years.

Ordnance Survey Map from the 1940-50s showing the location of the course. The Jersey Beach Hotel and Victoria Road can be seen at the bottom of the map.

 

Aberavon and Port Talbot Golf Club, Neath. O.S. Map from the 1940/50s showing the location of the course.

O.S. Map Revised 1947; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1952}.