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Blyth Golf Club, Northumberland. (1905 - 1981)

There is evidence that golf was played  at two locations at Blyth prior to the clubs inception in 1905. The first was from the old Tile Shed to the Link House, the second was behind the Crofton Pit.

The first official course was situated on the links amongst the sand dunes to the south of the town. It was a nine-hole course which was leased from Lord Ridley. The MOD commandeered the links for defence purposes during WW1.

The second course, started in about 1916 and was on land adjoining the railway station at Newsham. There was an entrance from Plessey Road, and it was known as the Old Course. This was the clubs home until the new course was laid out in New Delaval in 1976. The Old Course continued to be used until about 1981 when it was closed due to the sale of the land for housing development.

Thanks to John Hall, Golf Club Manager at Blyth for his help regarding the course locations.

Report on the formation of the club in September 1905.

Morpeth Herald Saturday 23 September 1905. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The course is open for play in early 1906.

Morpeth Herald Saturday 24 February 1906. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Below is an extract from a report on the club and course from the Newcastle Daily Chronicle in March 1908. 

Newcastle Daily Chronicle Friday 20 March 1908. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Result of the monthly Bessie Thompson medal for August 1908; Winner, Mr J A Simpson, runner-up, Mr C Pill. 

Result of the bogey competition played Easter (April) 1911; J Storey (25) 2 up; Dr. McLachlan (12) 1 down; |W Hardy (8) 2 down; A Thompson (8) 2 down; J R Nixon (14) 2 down.

Competition results from September 1911.

Blyth News Friday 15 September 1911. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The final of the Rubislaw Challenge Bowl, presented by W Thompson, was played in September 1912. The result was a tie between William Hardy and Thomas Luke. 

Report on the annual meeting held in March 1913.

Morpeth Herald Friday 7 March 1913. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Potential new golf course following WW1

Blyth News Monday 26 May 1919. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

After years of deliberation a course was finally ready for play. The following report appeared in the Shields Daily News on Monday 9 June 1924 - "BLYTH GOLF COURSE - The Blyth golf course was open for play to the members on Saturday. Only temporary putting greens are at present laid, and the formal opening of the course is expected to take place next spring."  

Result of a match played at Rothbury in July 1925.

Blyth News Thursday 2 July 1925. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Below is a picture of the opening of the “New Golf Club” at Blyth September 1925.

From The Sketch Wednesday 30 September 1925. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

There was a large attendance at the formal opening. Viscount Ridley and Lady Ridley were accompanied on the platform by; George Cocks, chairman of the club committee, who presided; Councillor W Hardy, secretary and Coun. T W Crozier.

Immediately after Lord Ridley had driven off the first tee, a match between Mr Cripwell and J Tully (Harton Moor)  versus Mr Buglass and Pat Wynne (Wallsend) began and attracted a large gallery.  

Including in the opening speech made by George Cocks was the following - "The history of golf in Blyth, said Mr Cox, was a peculiar one and the current one was the fourth course which had been opened. The first was from the old Tile Shed to the Link House, the second was behind the Crofton Pit and the other one was along the Links from the Link House Burn."

Result of the September 1925 competition for the Bessie Thompson gold medal and silver spoon; G A Thompson, 78-10-68; W Hardy, 79-10-69; R Middleton, 88-18-70.

From the 1928 Golfer's Handbook; Newsham Course; membership 150; joint secretaries, J O'Neil and R Wilson; green-keeper, R Gibson; 12-holes; visitors, 2 shillings a day.

Match result and course opening in May 1928.

Blyth News Monday 14 May 1928. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Sunday Sun (Newcastle) 11 September 1932. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Golfer's Handbook 1933; Membership 250; joint secretaries were J O’Neil and R Wilson; green-keeper, W Rutherford; visitors, 2s a day; Sunday ply.

Result of a match played at Blyth against Seghill Golf Club (now defunct) in May 1935.

Blyth News Thursday 16 May 1935. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Golfer's Handbook 1937; Membership 250; hon. secretary - J E Cullum, 34 Hestley Avenue, Blyth; green-keeper, W Rutherford; 12-holes, SSS 71; visitors, 1s/6d a round, 2s/6d a day.

The following officers were elected at the annual meeting in March 1938; President, Viscount Ridley; vice-presidents, G Cox and ld. A Walton; captain, Dr. W I Gordon; hon. secretary, T P Lynn; hon. treasurer, J Knott, jnr; hon. auditor, N F Arvescough; committee - G Douglas, E F E Kirk, W J Lees; hon. match and competition secretary, W S Hardy.  

In September 1939 Sid Hardy defeated J O'Neil in the Newstead Cup competition, both were 8 handicap players. 

Golfer's Handbook 1947;Membership 250; secretary - T P Lynn, Craigower, Newsham Road, Blyth; green-keeper was W Rutherford; 12- holes, SSS of 71; visitors’ fees, 1/6 a round, 2/6 a day.

Course restoration goes ahead following WW2.

Blyth News Monday 20 October 1947. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Golfer's Handbook 1951; Membership 210; hon. secretary - T W Robson, 6 First Avenue, Blyth; professional and green-keeper, A J Austin; 12-holes, SSS70; visitors, 2s/6d a round, 3s/6 a day.

Golfer's Handbook 1957; Membership 198; hon. secretary - T W Robson, 6 First Avenue, Blyth; professional and green-keeper, A J Austin; 12-holes, 5,693 yards, SSS69; visitors, 3s/6d a round, 4s/6d a day. 

Report on the club and course in June 1962.

Newcastle Journal Tuesday 5 June 1962.With thanks to Trinity Mirror. Digitised by Findmypast Newspaper Archive Limited. All rights reserved.

Golfer's Handbook 1964; Membership 150; hon. secretary, C S Duncan; 12-holes, 5,693 yards, SSS69; visitors, 4s a day (5s weekend).

Result of a Newcastle and District Golf League match played in May 1965 against City of Newcastle Golf Club.

Golfer's Handbook 1972; Membership 300; secretary, H G Kirkland; 12-holes, 5,720 yards, SSS67; amateur course record - J G Henderson, 66; visitors, 50p (£1).

Fire badly damaged the golf clubhouse and contents in September 1972 - the third fire in recent months.

Newcastle Evening Chronicle Tuesday 5 September 1972.With thanks to Trinity Mirror. Digitised by Findmypast Newspaper Archive Limited. All rights reserved.

In 1975 the secretary was H G Kirkland. 12 holes of 5,720 yards and a SSS of 67. Amateur course record, D Faulder 68. Membership of 300.  Visitors’ fees 55p a round.

In 1981 the secretary was W Swann and the professional K Saint. The last recorded amateur course record at the Old Course, R Wingfield 64. Visitors' fees £1.50p.

The course at Newsham, the club's second home.
Grid reference NZ30410,79530, co-ordinates 430410,579530.