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Herne Bay Golf Club, Eddington, Kent. (1895 - 2011) 

It's possible that golf was played in an haphazard fashion in 1889.

The club was instituted in 1895.

Professionals; William R Heath (1895 - 97); Percy G Wyatt (1902 - 1908);  Robert D Randall (1908 - 1961).

The first nine-hole course was laid out by Ramsay Hunter of Sandwich.

Report on the proposed golf club in April 1895.

Canterbury Journal, Kentish Times and Farmers' Gazette Saturday 27 April 1895. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From the Canterbury Journal Saturday 25 May 1895 - "An application to the Council was received from the newly formed golf club for the loan of the town roller, to be used in the preparation of the ground - Councillor Farley proposed and Councillor Rowden seconded, that a nominal charge of 2 shillings a day be made as a matter of principle, this was agreed to". 

It was reported in June 1895 that Mr W C N Chapman of Old Tree Heath, had accepted the office of President for the "new" Herne Bay Golf Club. 

Report on the new club and course in August 1895.

"Golf" Friday 23 August 1895. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Result of the first monthly competition played in August 1895.

Herne Bay Press Saturday 31 August 1895. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Thanks to Dixon Pickup for the images below and for the following information – “ The Silver (but not hallmarked) medal was presented by Sir Albert Joseph Altman and was won by “F Bawcomb 25/1/1896” who was a leading member of the club. He later scratch engraved the details under 'Won By', 'F.Bawcomb 25/1/96'. Bawcomb was captain in 1906 and his wife was also a lady member. Odd that a chap of this standing did not spend 2/- on having the details properly engraved. The medal has endured a hard life for over 120 years, but at least it is a lasting memento.

It’s probable that Sir Albert Joseph Altman (1839-1912) presented the medals for the year in 1896. He was a London businessman and one of the leading lights in getting Tower Bridge built and opened (1894).” 

Images courtesy of Dixon Pickup.

Above images from the Sketch 1 July 1896. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The original 9-hole parkland/links course was reconstructed in 1902. 

The AGM in March 1903 was held at the Connaught Hotel, in the chair was the President, Mr J C Lovell. Also present; Dr C K Bowes, Vice President, Dr E W Senior, Captain, Mrs Bawcomb, Mr and Miss L Byrne, Mrs Cuningham, Mrs Senior, Miss Kelso, F Bawcomb, W M Buckmaster, A Plomer, W J Gray, F H Neale, R Pembrook and F H Barwood and T E Horwell, Hon. Secretaries.

The balance sheet was presented and was showing over £90 of receipts over expenditure. There were no outstanding accounts except a proportion of rent and part of the purchase money for the pavilion which amounted in total to £20. Membership for the year; 77 playing members, 44 non-playing members and 26 lady members. The upkeep of the course was praised and was stated to be in excellent condition, it was confirmed that no expense would be spared to keep it up to the present standard.  

Monthly medals for ladies and gents were held throughout the season. Competition winners for the year; The cup for the best aggregate net score in medal competitions presented by Mr A Christmas was won by Mr H W Lawrence; The Gold Medal presented by Mr W C N Chapman for the most medal victories was won by Mr F Bawcomb.

Mr Bass was re-elected as Treasurer, Mr George Burge was to be captain for the year. Mr J C Lovell was re-elected as President and Dr Bowes would continue as Vice President. Hon secretaries would again be F H Barwood and T E Horwell. Committee; Mr F Bawcomb, Mr H Boncey, Mr T E Horwell, Mr W J Gray, Mr J S Keen, Mr F Iggledon, Mr F Wood, Mr R Pembrook.

The following is from the 1905 Nisbet's Golf Yearbook; Reconstructed 1902; Hon. Secs. - T E Horwell and R Pembroke, Hillside, Beltinge Road, Herne Bay; Captain - F Bawcomb; Entrance Fee suspended and Subs £2/2s, Ladies £1/1s; 9-holes; Professional - PWyatt; Professional Record, P Wyatt 70 (18-holes); Visitors' fees, 2s/6d a day, 7s/6d a week, 21s a month. The course is situated on high and undulating ground and affords a beautiful view of the sea and surrounding country. It is of a sporting character well guarded by natural hazards. It has recently been much improved and is now over two miles round.     

The above Raphael Tuck postcard is stamped August 1905. Thanks to Roger Johnson for the image.

In 1906 the joint secretaries were T C Horwell and R Pembrook, Hillside, Beltinge Road, Herne Bay. The captain was F Bawcomb. The professional was P Wyatt who also held the course record, now with 68. Entry fee was 21/- subs 42/-. Visitors' fees were 2/6 a day, 7/6 a week, 10/6 a fortnight and 21/- a month.

In early 1906 James Braid visited Herne Bay to draw up plans for the extension of the course to eighteen-holes.

Report on the opening of the extended course in July 1907.

Morning Post Friday 12 July 1907. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From The Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic News 20 July 1907. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The golf pavilion and course

In 1908  R D Randall was appointed professional. he continued in his position at the club until 1961.

Faversham Times and Mercury and North-East Kent Journal Saturday 19 December 1908. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Below is the result of a match played between Tankerton & Whitstable Golf Club (now defunct) and Herne Bay Golf Club on the 17 July 1909. 

Interesting features of the course (cop-bunkers). Image courtesy of golf-repro.com

Lost ball! Image courtesy of golf-repro.com

In 1909/10 the secretary was T E Horwell, Hillside, Beltinge Road, Herne Bay. The professional was R D Randall. Amateur course record; G L Mellin, 74. Bogey score was 75. Entrance fee £1/1s and subs £2/2s. Club membership of 250.

A very successful year in the history was reported at the annual meeting held at the Albany Restaurant in April 1914. Mr Dyer presided, and was supported by C Collard, T R Greig, M H Moylan (hon. secretaries), W G Grice. There was a good attendance of members. The following officers were elected; President, B Prestcott-Westcar, J.P; Vice- President, Dr. C K Bowes; Hon. Treasurer, A H Bass; Captain, C Colard; Committee - P. de V. Annesley, T R Greig, M H Moylan, A W Johnson and B Groves.

Competition result from June 1914.

Herne Bay Press Saturday 13 June 1914. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Very rare WW1 Identity Card. A copy of the National Registration Act 1915 for Robert D Randall, professional at Herne Bay.

Result of the August 1923 monthly medal; Senior - H Speake; August Cup - H H Prall. 

In 1924 the Ladies held a stroke competition. Below are images of four of the competitors. (Courtesy of Golf Heritage London @LdnGolfHistory) 

Mrs Rose driving at the seventeenth against Mrs Sheffield.

Mrs Cautley of Thanet, winner of the scratch prize.

Mrs Robinson, winner of the stroke competition.

In July 1926 W Wright (plus 2), playing in  the club cup competition, equalled the amateur course record with a score of 68. Included in his round was a hole in one at the 190 yard seventeenth. G H Dewbury won the cup with a score of 81-15-66. 

From the 1928 to 1933 Golfer's Handbook; Membership, 450 (350) Secretary, M H Moylan; Professional, Robert D Randall; Professional course record - R D Randall, 72.

In February 1930 C A Radermacher holed in one at the 165 yard fifteenth hole. The occasion was celebrated in the usual manner.

The interesting report below is from the Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal in April 1930. The newspaper reporter was R P Knight and he was mainly focussing on an exhibition match being played on the Derbyshire Municipal course which involved, amongst others, Abe Mitchell. During Mitchell's conversation with Mr Knight he recalled an event that he was involved in on the Herne Bay course.

Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal Friday 25 April 1930.

The Ordnance Survey Maps below show; top image - east side of the course showing the clubhouse and cemetery; bottom image - west side of the course.

O.S. Map Revised 1932 © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1935}.

A fifty guinea silver trophy was presented to the club by the townspeople of Herne Bay in 1910 for a spring competition. On Saturday 6 May 1933 it was won by Mr Geo B Reeves, the newly elected captain of the Shrub Hill Golf Club, with a net score of 137 for 36 holes. By coincidence the same trophy was won in 1928 by the then newly elected captain of Shrub Hill, Mr H H Hole, with a score of 147.

Result of the March 1934 monthly medal; Senior - F M Wheatley, 88-11-72; Junior - H J White, 97-24-73.

Result of the ladies' competition for the Phillips Challenge Bowl played in April 1894; Mrs J Major, 77-4-73; Miss E Coates, 96-19-77.

From the 1937 Golfer's Handbook; Membership, 350; Hon. Secretary, Capt. P F Shier, M.C; Professional, R D Randall; 18-holes, SSS 72; Course records - Professional -  R D Randall, 66; Amateur - C Pentecost, 66; Visitors (members of recognised golf clubs), 15s a week, £1/1s a month, £1/10s a month, Bank Holidays, 5s a day, 10s/6d for three days.

Above from The Bystander 4 August 1937. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The picture above shows; left top to bottom – Captain Shier M.C (captain); R Evans Smith; G H Booth.

Middle – T Christie and L W Moylan (chairman); E W Gill and Dr D Jefferies.

Right – S Phillips (director); R E Leane; A Bridges.   

From the 1947 Golfer's Handbook; Membership, 350; Secretary, E Anstee, M.C; Professional, R D Randall; 18-holes, SSS 70; Course records - Professional -  R D Randall, 66; Amateur - C Pentecost, 66; Visitors (members of recognised golf clubs), 15s a week, £1/1s a month, £1/10s a month, Bank Holidays, 5s a day, 10s/6d for three days.

Golfer's Handbook 1951; Membership, 300; Secretary - E Anstee, "Croftlea" Margate Road, Herne Bay; Professional, R D Randall; 18-holes, SSS 70; Course records - Professional -  R D Randall, 66; Amateur - C Pentecost, 66; Visitors, 3s/6d a round, 5s a day, Weekend and Bank Holiday; 5s morning round, 3s/6d afternoon, 7s/6d a day. 

In the final of the "Geen" Trophy in July 1953 W Smeed defeated E J Cruttenden by 6 and 5. The Captain's prize was won by A Westwater with a net score of 131 for 36-holes.

September 1953 - a sad time for the long serving Randall family.

Herne Bay Press Friday 18 September 1953. Image © Iliffe News & Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Golfer's Handbook 1956/57; Founded 1920; Membership, 250; Hon. Secretary - Edward Anstee, "Croftlea" Margate Road, Herne Bay; Professional R D Randall; 18-holes, 5,209 yards, SSS 68; Visitors, 3s/6d a round, 5s a day, Weekend and Bank Holiday; 5s morning round, 3s/6d afternoon, 7s/6d a day. 

Herne Bay Press Friday 31 October 1958. Image © Iliffe News & Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Bob Randall, the Herne Bay professional, retires in October 1960.

Image © Iliffe News & Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Golfer's Handbook 1961; Founded, 1920; Membership, 250; Hon. Secretary, F W Biggs; Professional, R D Randall; 18-holes, 5,209 yards, SSS 68; Visitors, 5s a round, 7s/6d a day, Weekend and Bank Holiday; 5s morning round, 3s/6d afternoon, 7s/6d a day.  

Golfer's Handbook 1964 to 1966; Founded, 1889; Limited company 1920; Membership, 400; Hon. Secretary, F W Biggs; Professional, Don Brown; Green-keeper, F Rose; 18-holes, 5,278 yards, SSS 68; Visitors, 7s/6d a round, 10s a day. 

The clubhouse was gutted by fire in 1970, but was eventually rebuilt.

Golfer's Handbook 1972; Founded 1889; Membership, 300; Secretary, T H Hogbin; Professional, Don Brown; 18-holes, 5,278 yards, SSS 68; Professional course record - Clive Clark, 65; Visitors, 75p, (£1.25p, weekend).

Golfer's Handbook 1975; Membership, 400; Secretary, E C Mason; Professional, Don Brown; 18-holes, 5,364 yards, SSS 68; Course Records: Amateur - S R P Scott, 65; Professional, Clive Clark, 65; Visitors, £1/10, (£1/65). 

Result of the November 1975 monthly medal; Senior Division - Mike Abel Smith, 80-12-68; S Brown, 75-6-69; K Browse, 79-10-69; R Northcote, 82-12-70; W A Ambro, 77-7-70; F G Kitchener, 79-8-71; R Thundow, 82-10-72; Junior Division - J Whatley-Bates, 86-21-65; P Mills, 81-14-67; R Staples, 86-19-67; F Smith, 92-24-68.

Norman Crossland, newly elected captain, drives-in on Sunday 7 December 1975.

Herne Bay Press Friday 12 December 1975. Image © Iliffe News & Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Golfer's Handbook 1982; Membership, 400; Secretary, D Wilson; Professional, Don Brown; Visitors, £4, (£5).

Golfer's Handbook 1988; Membership, 360; Secretary, B Warren; Professional, G Peddie; 18-holes, 5,466 yards, SSS 67; Course Records: Amateur - S J Wood, 65; Professional, Clive Clark, 65; Visitors, £8 (£10).

Golfer's Handbook 1991; Membership, 480; Secretary, B Warren; Professional, D Lambert; Course Records: Amateur - S J Wood, 65; Professional, Clive Clark, 65; Visitors, £13 (£18).

Centenary scorecard.

The course was re-modelled by Donald Steel in the mid-1990s. 18 holes, 5567 yards, SSS 68, with USGA specification greens. 

From the 1998 golf Guide; Founded 1895; 18-hole parkland/links course, 5,567 yards, SSS 66; Professional, S Dordoy; Visitors, £15 weekday (£20 weekend).

From the 2004 Golf Guide; Founded 1895; Secretary, F Scott; Visitors, £18 (£28).

From the 2009 Golfer's Handbook; Membership, 500: Secretary Sue Brown; Professional D Ledingham; Visitors, £20 (£27). 

Professionals during the later years; S Dordoy, Richard Lee, David Ledingham, S Dordoy.

The course was owned by the Brealy family. It went into administration and was run by a consortium led by Heidi Brealy for 6 months, but was finally closed by the administrators. It has been sold to Melvyn Newman who plans to develop the land for leisure and tourism. The Club’s trophies were held by the administrators, Geoffrey Martin & Co, who contacted members who may wish to claim them.

Postcard by Photocrom. Authors Collection.

Philpot’s Series Postcard of the course and pavilion, card posted in 1907. Authors Collection.

The clubhouse in the early 1900s.

The clubhouse fire in the 1970s.

The later clubhouse.

The club closed in November 2011.