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Marbury Hall Golf Club, Comberbach. (1934 - WW2)
A section of the Marbury Country Estate was purchased by a wealthy developer in the 1930s and became an exclusive gentleman’s club. It had many sporting attractions including sailing, tennis, horse riding, outdoor swimming pool and an 18-hole golf course. The course was taken over by the forces during WW2.
The golf club first appeared in 1934 and although the club was recorded in the Golfer's Handbook until the late 1950s it ceased to exist at the outbreak of WW2. The secretary was R Howells and the professional L Cliffe. 18-holes with a SSS and Par of 72. Professional course record held by R Cliffe, 63. Visitors’ fees were 3/- a day, with Sunday play allowed. The station at Northwich was 3 miles away.
Following the war the land was used by ICI for many years. It has since been reverted to a wildlife and visitor park. Marbury Hall was apparently famed as being haunted, it was demolished in 1968.
From the Liverpool Evening Express Saturday 2 June 1934; "Marbury Hall Country Club - A golf course and swimming pool were opened at Marbury Hall Country Club, today, by Colonel Mosley Leigh, of Belmont Hall, Great Budworth."
From the Manchester Evening News Tuesday 2 April 1935; "At Marbury Hall - The second nine-holes of the golf course at Marbury Hall Country Club, at Comberbach, will be opened on Saturday afternoon by Lord Delamere. Afterwards an exhibition match will be played by Lord Delamere, Mr J W James, A J Isherwood, the Warrington professional, and L Cliffe the Marbury professional."
Manchester Evening Chronicle Tuesday 5 February 1935. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Ryder Cup players in Exhibition Matches at Marbury Hall in July 1935.
Northern Whig Monday 29 July 1935. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
The following appear on the picture below; Top row left to right; W Edwards, handicap 13; R D Watson, one of the younger enthusiasts; Col. Oswald Leigh, Past Master Fitzwilliam Islona F.H., and Wexford F.H ; J P Bates, Hon. Sec. Golf. Convenor Green Committee. Has competed in the Irish Amateur Championship; J Benson Barrow.
Middle row; J R Walker, Vice Chairman of the club; Seventeenth green with a glimpse of the Mere in the background; Sydney Smith, Captain of the Golf Club.
Bottom; Frank Astles "Shan"; R B Howells, Secretary of the club; George Smith "The Boss"; Dr. G L Love. Committee; L B Cliffe, Professional.
Images from The Tatler 4 September 1935. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
The seventeenth green.
Chester Chronicle Saturday 10 October 1936. Image © Reach PLC.
People in the picture below; Top row; Major R Hill, Golf committee; Rt.Hon. Lord Delamere, President of the club; T C Knowles, Cheshire and England Rugby International; Dr G L Love, Vice President of Club; Dr C P Gough, Member of the Yachting Section.
Middle row; Miss Hilda Isherwood, Secretary Ladies' Section; Miss D A Bailey, Captain and winner of the Gough Cup; J R Walker, Golf Vice Captain; George Smith, Managing Director of the Club; Sydney Smith, his son; Leslie Cliffe, Professional.
Bottom row; G Edwards, Badminton Captain; Lt. Col. Mosley Leigh, Vice President of the Club; J K Gordon, Hon. Golf Secretary; R B Howells, Hon. Secretary; G O Hatton, Hon. Secretary Tennis and Hockey Sections.
Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News Friday 11 March 1938. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
In August 1938 Leslie Cliffe, the Marbury Hall professional, played in the Leeds Cup professional tournament at Temple Newsam. He failed to qualify with scores of 76 and 74.
The war starts taking effect in September 1939.
Crewe Chronicle Saturday 2 September 1939.Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD
The former Marbury Hall.
Ordnance Survey Map from the time of WW2 showing Marbury Hall and Park.
O.S. Map Revised 1938; © Crown Copyright {year of publication ca. 1944}.