Tamworth Municipal Golf Club, Eagle Drive. (1975 - 2014)
Tamworth Golf Course, designed by Hawtree & Son, was officially opened in August 1975 by the then Minister for sport The Rt. Hon. Dennis Howell MP.
There were men’s and ladies’ competitions including monthly medal, bogie and stableford competitions. There were also additional major club competitions which were played throughout the season. The course was popular with both experienced golfers and beginners. It hosted a number of Pro-Am and national junior and senior external tournaments.
Fixtures for 1976.
Running Medal result played in March 1976; T Black, 84-22-62; J Summerfield, 88-24-64; R C Williams, 91-24-67; K Walters, 93-24-69; V Hollyoake, 87-16-71; N G Williams, 95-24-71; P Rawlings, 95-24-71; G Hands, 90-18-72; K B Wood, 91-19-72; C R Stokes, 97-24-73.
The first major championship played on the course was the Tamworth Herald Spring Cup in April 1976. Leading scores; V Hollyoake (15) and T Black (19), 63; R W Sargent (5) and C R Wilson (24), 68; M Dayton (18) and C Williams (18), 69; M H Gregory (20) and A Lewis (24), 69; J Edwards (12) and C Summerfield (14), 70; T Hayley (15) and D Flynn (20), 70; G Hands (14) and P Feeney (16), 71.
From the 1982 Golfer's Handbook; Membership of 400; Secretary, E Lunn; Professional, C Christison; 18-holes measured 6,695 yards with a SSS of 72; course records - Amateur, S Atkinson and C Christison, jun., 72; Professional C Christison, 70; visitors' fees, £1.45 a day, (£1.90 at weekend.)
From the Golfer's Handbook 1988 - 1991; Membership, 400; Secretary and Professional was Barry N Jones; Course Records - Amateur, C J Christison jun., 67; Professional, B N Jones, 65; 18-holes, 6,695 yards, SSS 72; Visitors' fees, £3.35.
Moving trees in November 1993.
In December 1996 the club commissioned a trophy as a tribute to their much liked professional, Barry Jones, who had died earlier in the year. It was also to hold an annual competition in his memory.
In 1997 the professional was Daryl Scott. The 18-holes measured 6,525 yards with a SSS of 72. Visitors' fees were, £8.40p.
From the 1998 Golfer's Handbook; Membership, 500; Professional, Daryl Scott; course records - Amateur, C J Christison jun., 67; Professional, B N Jones, 65; Fees, on application.
From the 2004 Golf Guide; Secretary, Elaine Pugh: Professional; Wiyna Allcock; 18-hole Municipal parkland course, 6,525 yards, SSS 72; Green fees, £10.
From the 2006 Golfer's Handbook; Membership, 395; Secretary, Trish Norton; Professional, W Alcock; 18-holes, 6,488 yards, SSS 72; Green fee, £14, (£15).
From the 2009 Golfer's Handbook; Membership, 395; Secretary, Elaine Pugh; Professional, W Alcock; 18-holes, 6,488 yards, SSS 72; Green fee, £16.60, (£18.90).
The club was listed for the final time in the 2014 Golfer's Handbook, the secretary was Elaine Pugh.
It was reported in September 2014 that due to continued losses the local council had decided to close the course on the 1 October 2014. It was feared by local residents that the land would eventually be used for a housing development.
Flyover below courtesy of Steve Dobson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbgZSDm1R6k&feature=youtu.be