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Reading (Caversham & South Oxon) Golf Club, Emmer Green. (1910 - 2018)   

The Caversham & South Oxon Golf Club appears in 1910 with a course at Emmer Green designed by James Braid.

It later became the Reading & South Oxon Golf Club but old habits die hard and its former title was often used. 

It became known as Reading Golf Club in 1939.

It was reported in 2019 that Reading Golf Club would be merging with Caversham Heath Golf Club and would be known as The Caversham.

Part of the former Emmer Green course would be developed for housing. A portion of the course to the north is now occupied by the nine-hole Fairways Family Golf Centre.

James Braid visited the Emmer Green site of the Caversham and South Oxon Golf Club  on 1 March 1910. Originally a 12-hole course Braid added a further six-holes in April 1911. Woods and copses had a strong influence on the design.

Report on the new Caversham and South Oxfordshire Golf Club in February 1910.

Reading Observer Saturday 26 February 1910. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Below a report on the opening of the clubhouse in November 1910.

Reading Observer Saturday 5 November 1910. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

In 1914 the secretary was C Pett-Triscott, Golf Club Emmer Green, Caversham and the professional Alec H Bishop (1910 -1920). An 18–hole course with a club membership of 325. There was no entry fee. Subs for gents were £3/3/0 and ladies £2/2/0. Visitors’ fees were 2s/6d a day, ladies paid 1/6 with no restrictions. Sunday play was allowed with caddies. The station at Reading was about 2 miles away.

Later in 1914 the secretary was Albert Bird. 

Below the course pre-WW1.

Ordnance Survey Map © Crown Copyright {1914}

Thanks to Dixon Pickup for the pictures of the South Oxon Golf Club buttons below. There is no mention of Caversham on the buttons but judging by the size (22mm and 15mm) there was probably no room for the full name. Dixon suggests that the buttons are most probably pre WW1.  

Above images courtesy of Dixon Pickup.

The report below mentions the Caversham & South Oxon Golf Club.

From The Reading Mercury Saturday March 28th 1914. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Result of the October 1914 monthly bogey competition at Caversham & South Oxon; A W Barlow, 2up; W E Pope and R E Crofts, all square; J Bruce Simmons, 1down; O Taylor and H D Hawkins, 2down.

In November 1914 the ladies' section held a flag competition in aid of the Queen's "Work for Women" Fund; winner, Miss M A Norris; second, Mrs G S Abram; third, Mrs J E S Griffith.

Result of the Maitland Cup played in February 1915; Semi-final - R E Crofts beat J Lee, 2 and 1; W B Williams beat J Bruce Simmons, 1up; Final - W B Williams beat R E Crofts, 3 and 2.

During WW1 most of the course was taken over for ploughing, grazing and for the growing of crops.

Meeting of the lady members in November 1920.

Reading Mercury Saturday 20th November 1920.

A remarkable match was played In May 1922 in the final for the Crawshay Cup between F Neale and R Godden. The competition was played over 36-holes, in the event of the result being all square the same number of holes to be played again until a definite result was arrived at. Twice the full 36-holes were played and each time the match ended all square. On the third time of asking R Godden won at the 35th by 2 and 1. 

In the early and mid 1920s the secretary was J O Anderson, professional D Crook and the green-keeper ? Green. Course records were; amateur M E Neale 72; professional A H Bishop 69. Visitors' fees; 2/6 a day, weekends and bank holidays 3/6, 10/- a week, ladies 2/-, 3/-, 7/6. 

In 1927 the secretary was H D Hawkins. Membership was about 320. Local hotel was the Bridge. 

In the late 1920s Caversham & South Oxon Golf Club disappeared and Reading & South Oxon Golf Club appears. 

From the 1933 Golfer's Handbook; Reading and South Oxfordshire Golf Club, Emmer Green; membership of 325; secretary, Major H D Hawkins, D.S.O; professional, D Crook; green-keeper, Mr Green; course records - amateur, M E Neale, 72; professional - A H Bishop, 69; visitors - gents; 2s/6d a day, weekend 5s; ladies, 10s a week.

It was still appearing as the Reading & South Oxon Golf Club in 1937.

From The Bystander Wednesday 28 July 1937. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Below a report on the change of name to Reading Golf Club in May 1939. 

From the Reading Mercury Saturday 27 May 1939.

Result of a match played at Henley in May 1939.

From the 1947 Golfer's Handbook; Reading Golf Club, Emmer Green; Membership, 500; Hon. Sec., T Cornfoot; Professional and green-keeper, H Burrows; 18-holes, Par 71, SSS 72.

From the 1998 Golfer's Handbook; Membership, 725; Secretary, T Jackson; Professional, A R Wild; 18-holes, 6,212 yards, SSS 70; Course records - Amateur; B Smith, 66; Professional; T P Morrison, 64; Visitors fees , £30.

Report on the history of the club at Emmer Green.

Reading Evening Post Thursday 8 April 1999. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Reading Evening Post Thursday 6 May 1999. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

From the Golfer's Handbook 2006 - 2009; Membership, 600; Secretary, A Chaundry; Professional, S Fotheringham; 18-holes, 6,251 yards, SSS 70; Visitors fees in 2009, £40 weekday, £50 weekends.