The Internet's Most Comprehensive Guide

Sandringham Golf Course, Norfolk. (1890s - WW2)

The nine-hole course was laid out in Sandringham Park, adjacent to the gardens of Sandringham House. I have so far been unable to find out when the course was laid out, although it would have been after the Estate was bought by the Royal Family in 1862. There is a description of Princess Alexandra of Wales playing golf at Sandringham, which would date it to before 1901.

The course would have been mainly for the use of the Royal Family their guests and estate workers.

The course continued until WW2 when it was ploughed up for the growing of arable crops. It did not appear following the war. 

It was reported in November 1905 that “It has been decided that Prince Edward and Prince Albert of Wales are to join the Naval College at Osborne after the Christmas holidays. In the meantime the little Princes are enjoying their last weeks of liberty. With their sister, Princess Mary of Wales, they are out every day on the Sandringham golf links, in all sorts of weather, and are becoming quite expert at the game.”  

From The Sketch June 15th 1910. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Below, station master rewarded for long service, and a mention for the golf course. 

From The Dundee Courier November 24th 1924. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The golf course can be seen to the north on the 1928 Britain From Above image below.

Above image courtesy of www.britainfromabove.org © Historic England.

Below a report on José Jurado who visited Sandringham in June 1931. José was a professional golfer born in Buenos Aries he was the first Argentine to travel to play in major international championships and was often called the “Father of Argentine Professional Golf.” He is perhaps best known for losing by a stroke to Tommy Armour in the 1931 Open at Carnoustie. Jurado was a personal friend of the Prince of Wales who, it was reported, was enraged by his double bogey that lost him the championship.

Daily Herald Wednesday 10th June 1931. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The Google Map below pinpoints the location of the former course.