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Headingley Golf Club, Leeds. (1892 - 1906)
The club was founded in 1892.
Moved to its current location in 1906.
The professional from 1893 to 1902 was W Firnie.
The following report is from the Yorkshire Evening Post Wednesday 19th October 1892. “An influential committee of Headingley gentlemen, with Mr A D Stuart, of Burton Crescent, as honorary secretary, have succeeded in securing golf links covering a round of about 40 acres for a club to be called the Headingley Golf Club. This will give what is known among players of the game as a nine-hole course. The links are to be opened on the 29th inst. The ground is at Moor Grange Farm, about three-quarters of a mile from the Headingley tram terminus.”
The course of nine-holes measured 1777 yards with some difficult hazards, one or two bunkers and a pond. Teas and light refreshments were available in two rooms of the neighbouring farmhouse.
The in depth report below is from The Yorkshire Evening Post Friday October 28th 1892.
Above Images © Illustrated London News Group. Images created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
It was reported in March 1893 that Sunday golf would not be permitted. A vote showed that fifty-nine votes to seven were against Sunday play.
Result of the third monthly medal held in March 1893; R G Emsley, 132-45-87; T Riach, 131-40-91; H Oxley, 135-36-99; F Wardle, 144-45-99; G V Gaskell, 135-36-99; J H McKinlay, 109-9-100; F H Mayo, 127-27-100; Dr C E Dawson, 110-9-101; J Hollis, 119-18-101; H J Palmer, 142-40-102; W C Mayo, 133-27-106; H C Joscelyn, 142-36-106; Dr H E Cuff, 125-18-107; G R Lancaster, 153-45-108. No returns, or ver 110, from nine other players.
The first competition for the Ladies’ section was played on Wednesday 18th October 1893. The first prize of a silver scent bottle was won by Mrs H M Munby, the second prize, a silver fruit pocket-knife, was won by Miss Thorpe.
In September 1894 the prize given by the captain, F H Mayo, was won by Dr C E Dawson, 87-6-81.
The annual meeting was held in May 1895, T Riach presided. The club was in a healthy position financially and membership stood at 247. The clubhouse cost £428/19s. The following officers were elected; captain, J D Cormack; treasurer, T E Pitt; secretary R G Emsley; committee – R G Emsley, J P Eddison, A E Kirk, F H Mayo, H J Palmer, T Riach, E H Tetley.
Below, report on a fire that destroys the Headingley clubhouse in 1896.
From the Yorkshire Evening Post February 13th 1896. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
From the Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic News December 30th 1899. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
In April 1900 it was reported that the new 18-hole course of the Headingley Golf Club, which was situated partly on the old course and partly on the Kirkstall Grange estate, has been opened for play during the Easter holiday, with good accounts of the quality of the turf. Several long holes had been added and a highly “sporting hole” had been christened “Spion Kop”, situated on the high road at the back of the wood. The extended course was to be formally opened by Mr E W Beckett on Tuesday 22nd May. It had created much interest and increased membership.
In 1901 the green- keeper was George Walker who lived nearby at Clayton Woods. Assistant green-keeper was John Viney, aged 14, who lived on Butcher Hill. Golf club caretaker was Joseph swift, aged 63, who lived at the golf links.
From the 1905 Nibet’s Golf Yearbook; Membership of 300; Hon. Secs., C Platts, 7 Virginia Road, Leeds, and J W Bray, Hollin Lane, Headingley; Captain, H B Snell; Entrance fee £5/5s and subs £3/3s; 18-holes; Professional T D Currie; Professional record, A H Toogood 68; Amateur record, J R Bower jnr. 74; Visitors’ fees 1s a day, 2s/6d a week.
Also listed was the Headingley Ladies’ Golf Club; Hon. Sec. Mrs Branson, Wynnwholme, Far Headingley; Captain, Mrs A G Perkin; Entrance fee £3/3s and subs £1/1s; Amateur record, Mrs Smith 86.
Members were becoming concerned particularly with building encroachment on the course and it was accepted that the club would have to look at alternatives.
At the annual meeting at the clubhouse in April 1905 the move to the new course at Adel was discussed and generally accepted. The resolution that the name of the golf club should be altered to “The Headingly Golf Club Ltd” was adopted. The club continue at this location.
The Google Map below pinpoints the location of the earlier course.