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Kenilworth Golf Club, Castle Farm Course. (1889 - 1937)

Founded in 1889.

The original nine-hole course was laid out on Castle Farm by Hugh Kirkaldy and Jack Barnes.

It was extended to eighteen-holes in 1906.

The following is from a report on the opening of the club which took place on Thursday 12 February 1891. In fine weather the new golf links adjoining Kenilworth Castle were opened, about 40 people were present at the opening. Among them were; Mrs Smith-Tuberville; Mrs Minton; Misses Whalley; Mrs and Miss Midddleton; Misses Sidebotham; Mrs and Miss Jones (the Vicarage); Miss Gem; Dr F Smith; H Clarke and others. Mr H Smith-Tuberville, the Hon secretary, declared the links open and then invited the captain of the club, Mr T Latham, to hit the opening drive in a friendly foursome match, played between Mr Latham and Dr Bourne against Harold Smith and W Hillman, representing the neighbouring club at Coventry. The captain’s first drive was “far and sure” the outcome of the match was a victory to the visitors. The secretary had gone to great lengths to make sure the course was in good order, and the putting greens were excellent for a new course, reflecting to great credit the local well known cricketer Tom Mitchener (who must have had some input on the laying of the greens). The course was described as an interesting one, there being a 10 foot hedge to be “carried” on most of the nine holes. Supposing these be successfully negotiated the course of 18 holes should be done by a fairly good player in 95 to 100 strokes. The club had about 70 members but they were hopeful this figure would quickly grow.

Result of a ladies match played against Royal Leamington Spa Ladies at Kenilworth on Wednesday 17 June 1891.

Below is a report on the arrangements for competitions in October 1892.

It’s also interesting in as much as it mentions a Royal Warwickshire Golf Club, and, what would be, an early Forest of Arden Golf Club.

From the Leamington Spa Courier Saturday 1 October 1892. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Below is the result of a match played against Arden Golf Club at Solihull on Saturday 15 October 1892. 

Results from the golf week which concluded on Saturday 7 October 1893; Open Silver Challenge Shield (scratch) Rev R Moncrieff, Warwickshire Golf Club, 87, Harold Smith, Coventry GC, 88; Ladies’ Silver Challenge Shield, Miss Drake, North Warwickshire, 105; Gentlemen’s Captaincy, Dr Bourne, 91 scratch; Ladies’ Captaincy, Mrs Frank Smith, 99 scratch.

On Tuesday 17 October 1893 Kenilworth visited the Warwickshire Golf Club and played on the opening day of the Autumn Meeting, result of the one sided match, played in torrential rain, below.

Competition result from March 1894.

“Golf" Friday 23 March 1894. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Report on the club and course in June 1894.

Birmingham Mail Friday 15 June 1894. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

On Tuesday 7 May 1895 the ladies’ played a match against Hagley at Kenilworth, result below. 

On Thursday 9 May the ladies’ played for the monthly prize, result as follows; Mrs Carter, 116-38-78; Mrs Mayfield, 134-44-90; Mrs Smith-Turberville, 100-9-91; Mrs O’Leary; 102-8-94; Mrs Mitchell, 105-10-95; Miss Gem, 115-19-96; Miss Sidebottom, no return. 

Result of a match played at Wolverhampton in June 1895.

"Golf" Friday 28 June 1895. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Result of a one sided match played at Coventry against Kenilworth on Wednesday 12 September 1900. 

Result of the president’s prize played on Saturday 15 September 1900; H R Hands (11), all square; G J Homfray (7), 1down; H Walker (8) 1down.

Ordnance Survey Map from the 1900s showing the golf course and clubhouse.

O.S. Map Revised 1903; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1906}.

Below, result of a match played against Atherstone on the Castle course on Saturday 19 February 1904. 

The following information is taken from the 1905 Nisbet's Golf Yearbook; Nine-holes; Membership of 150; Secretary, H R Hands, "The Hollies," Kenilworth; Captain, Dr E Kemp Bourne; professional, J Hubbard; Amateur record, H H Hilton, 71; Entrance fee, £1/1s and subs £1/10s; Visitors' fees, 1/- a day and 2/6 a week. "The course is situated in very pretty scenery with a good view of the old historic castle. There is a most comfortable clubhouse, heated with hot water. Telephone, and all conveniences. Hot and cold luncheons can also be obtained."

Also listed was the Kenilworth Ladies' Golf Club; Instituted in 1890; Hon, secretary, Mrs W H Mitchell, Elmdene, Kenilworth; Captain Mrs H Hinks; Entrance fee, £1/1s and subs £1/10s. "The ladies play over the gentlemen's course."

Coventry Herald Saturday 3 February 1906. Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Kenilworth Advertiser Saturday 13 April 1907. Public domain.

Leamington Spa Courier Friday 15 November 1912. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Below, result of a home match played against Leamington on Saturday 12 April 1913. 

At the annual meeting in November 1916 it was generally felt by members present that if the club closed down it would probably be restarted, and therefore it was advisable to keep going until the war was over.

In 1917, for reasons which would have be easily would understood at this difficult time, it was found necessary to close the course. 

At a general meeting held in April 1919 it was unanimously resolved to reopen the course at the earliest date. The services of a good groundsman were secured, and under the able direction of the captain, R H Clive, progress had already been made and it was expected that the course would be open for play at Easter.

It was reported in April 1921 that over £500 had been subscribed to a fund on behalf of D F James, the former Kenilworth golf professional, who lost both legs as a result of wounds sustained on active service.

Coventry Herald Friday 5 May 1922 .Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Warwick and Warwickshire Advertiser Saturday 17 June 1922. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Coventry Herald Friday 9 November 1923. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Coventry Herald Saturday 20 February 1926. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

From the 1928 Golfer's Handbook; Membership 140; Secretary - Major A G P Fayerman, Latimer House, Kenilworth; Professional, George Allcorn; Visitors, 2s/6d a day, 10s a week; Sunday play with caddies.

Result of a match played at Kenilworth against Coventry Hearsall Golf Club on Saturday 4 August 1928.

From the 1933 Golfer's Handbook; Membership 200; Secretary - R Hole, Spencer House, Kenilworth; Professional, C Smith; 9-holes; Amateur course record; F H Clive, 70; Visitors; 2s/6d a day, 5s on Sundays, 10s a week.

Coventry Herald Friday 22 June 1934. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Leamington Spa Courier Friday 24 July 1936. Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

After nearly 50 years at the Castle Farm site, and with the need for more space, the club moved to Villiers Hill in 1937.

Warwick and Warwickshire Advertiser Saturday 26 September 1936. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Location of the Castle Farm course.