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Potters Bar Golf Club, Darkes Lane Course. (1923 – 2018)
The club was founded in 1923.
The 18-hole parkland course was laid out by James Braid.
The course was officially opened on 24 September 1924.
Bill Shankland served as professional from the 1950s through to the 1970s. The assistant professional in the 1960s was Tony Jacklin, British and U.S. Open Champion in 1969 and 1970. In his autobiography Tony paid tribute to the encouragement and assistance he had always received from the members of Potters Bar club.
It was announced in November 2018 that after 95 years the club would be closing. The club ceased trading on Tuesday 20 November.
Report on the opening of the golf course in September 1924.
From the Hendon & Finchley Times Friday 26 September 1924.
It was announced in January 1925 that the secretary, R G McMillan, was leaving for the United States. He was succeeded by George E Rochester of Newcastle-on-Tyne.
On 15 October 1927 four prominent golfers; T H Cotton, H C Jolly, C A Whitcombe and J J Taylor, the home professional, would be competing for a record for the course.
Entry from the 1933 Golfer’s Handbook; Membership of 350; secretary, William Gent; professional, J J Taylor; green-keeper, L Hembling; course records – amateur; L A Wilson, 71; professional, H Cotton, 69; 18-holes; visitors’ fees, 2s/6d a day, 5s at weekend.
Report below from April 1937. Members discovered that two of the greens had Swastika signs on the grass, some type of acid had been used. Anti Jewish literature had been strewn all over the course. This continued to happen into 1938.
From the Aberdeen Press and Journal Monday 5th April 1937. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
In August 1939 eighteen year hold R J Taylor, son of J J Taylor, the Potters Bar professional, was second at the halfway stage of the assistant professional tournament at Holinwell.
The war had a devastating effect on the club. Membership fell and closure of the club seemed inevitable. Fortunately a small band of die hard members saved the club
At the time of WW2 the secretary was B R Ince; professional, A G Matthews; green-keeper, T Chamberlain; the 18-hole course had a SSS of 73.
In the early 1950s the secretary was Lt. Col. G A Voysey; professional, A G Mathews; green-keeper, E G Bigg; membership of 300; visitors, 5s a day, weekends £1. Course records as 1933.
In July 1954 Bill Shankland, Potters Bar professional, had a third round 67 in the Swallow-Harrogate 2,000 guinea professional tournament over the Oakdale course, Yorkshire. Shankland had been twice runner-up the Open Championship.
The trophy below bears the following inscription; MIDDX PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - POTTERS BAR GOLF CLUB - COURSE RECORD – 66 - R W HORNE – HENDON GOLF CLUB, 11 – 11 – 55.
Image courtesy of Colin Palmer.
In the mid 1960s the secretary was D H Fleming; professional, W Shankland; green-keeper, E G Bigg; course records – amateur; W Dubabney, 69; professional, R W Horne, 66; 18-holes measured 6,204 yards with a SSS of 70; membership of 300; visitors, 10s weekdays, £1 Saturdays and 30s on Sundays.
In the mid 1970s early 80s the secretary was D H Fleming; professional W Large; records – amateur; R R Davis, 66; professional; R W Horne, 66; membership of 550.
The green-keeper in the mid 1970s to early 1980s was John Ellis Cryer.
The later head professional and director of golf was Gary A'ris who had over 40 Years experience. Norman Greer was teaching professional with over 50 years experience.
