Bedale Golf Club, North Yorkshire. (1894 - 1966)
The club was founded in 1894.
The original course was very near to the location of the present course.
A nine-hole course it was laid out on the north of the park owned by Sir Henry Beresford-Peirse, two adjacent fields owned by Mr George Carter were also used.
The course went into decline during WW1. It was re-formed in 1919 on the original course.
In 1921 the club moved to Burrill Road, on land rented for £3 a year from Mr Phillips of Ash Bank. Greenkeeper/professional from October 1928 was John Raper.
In October 1931, the club received notice to quit the land by 6 April 1932.
The club then moved to a new location at Firby a quarter of a mile from Forby Hall. It was not possible for the club to obtain a lengthy lease at Firby so they were working on a year to year basis. This was obviously not satisfactory, so, in 1967, when the tenancy of Bedale Hall Farm became available from Sir Henry Beresford-Peirse, the club moved to its present location.
Report on the formation of the club in November 1894.
From the 1905 Nisbet's Golf Yearbook; Instituted 1894; Hon. Sec., F H Mountford; Captain, M E Rouse; Entrance Fee, 10 shillings and Subs 10s; Nine-hole course; Amateur course record - B W Swanbreck, 41; Terms for visitors, 1s a day, 2s/6d a week. The course is situated in the park of Bedale Hall. The hazards are streams, sunk fences and a copse. Winter course only.
In 1910 the secretary was F H Mountford, The Old Bank, Bedale.
In 1913 the secretary and treasurer was B W Swarbreck.
The Ordnance Survey Map below from the time of WW1 shows the course marked to the north of Bedale Park.
Improved finances were reported at the annual meeting in August 1927. Captain D A G Lascelles presided and was re-elected president and captain. The following trophies were presented; Mrs Mallinson Cup to A Wright; Rouse Cup to the Rev. H H Call; Lascelles Cup to N Jones.
From the 1933 Golfer's Handbook; Membership 100; Hon. Secretary - M Jones, Aiskew, Bedale; Professional, J H Raper; Course records - amateur B F Harker, 67; professional J H Raper, 63; Nine-holes; Visitors (intro) - 2s/6d a day, 6s a week and 15s a month. Sunday play allowed.
In 1947 the secretary at the Firby Road course was Lt Col G N Hill D.S.O, Crakehall, Bedale, the professional was J H Raper. The 9-hole course had a Par and SSS of 68. Course records, amateur H D Evans 65, professional J H Raper 63. Visitor’s fees, on introduction, 2/6 a round, 3/6 a day. Sunday play allowed after 1pm.
Exhibition math played on the course in 1947 in aid of SSAFFA.
In 1966 just prior to the clubs move, the secretary was J Newton, Masham Road, Bedale. Total yardage of the course was 5,226 with a SSS of 66. Course records as 1947. Visitor’s fees on introduction, 3/6 a day, 5/- at weekend.
In 1967 the club moved to its present location at Leyburn Road.