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United Services Golf Club, Dover. (1919 - 1929)

Reported in December 1919 that a “services” golf club would shortly be established to make use of the golf links formerly leased by the War Office to the Dover Golf Club, the club had to give them up at the outbreak of the war. It was stated that civilian members may be admitted, but nothing definite had been announced on the subject. It was thought that a good golf course would be a great attraction for Dover.

In April 1920 Mr H W Brown was appointed professional of the club, he was formerly at Barham Downs Golf Club. The golf course was to be opened on 14 May 1920 at 2pm. Brigadier General A H Merinden and Lieutenant Colonel Johnson R.A.S.C would hit the opening shots.

In June 1920 a meeting was called by the townspeople of Dover to discuss the civilian membership at the club, it was to be chaired by Mr H Tolputt. The civilian golfers would be asking the United Services Golf Club to assimilate the rules of their club with those of the former Dover Golf Club, which would allow equality of membership. The chairman pointed out at this meeting, held at the Grand Hotel, that at the present time civilians were eligible, but their names had to be posted for 48 hours in addition to being proposed and seconded by a member of the club. Such facilities were useless to visitors to the town. Mr F Gane said he knew of up to 30 members who would join if they had the same equality as service members, but would object to being elected annually. Discussions took place with regard to the manner in which the military had obtained use of the links. It was mentioned that the activities of the Dover Golf Club had been suspended on 25th March 1915. It was explained by a Mr Whyte that the land was hired on the understanding that the War Department could take it over again whenever they wanted to. The chairman thought that in any case some consideration might have been shown to the Dover Club when the new links were started. Apparently the United Services Club was in need of members anyway. The chairman said that if they received no satisfaction from the military then they would push the matter further. Various speakers then said that a golf course would be a great asset to the town.

In August 1920 it was announced that the United Services Golf Club would cease to exist as a club but the course will be carried on and be affiliated to the Officers’ Recreation Club all members of the Recreation Club being also members of the links. The course was to be open to the public on payment of a green fee on Bank Holidays and Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. Nothing more was reported and it can only be assumed that the civilian golfers were happy with the arrangements.

In October 1924 the autumn meeting was held, curiously it was still known as the United Services Golf Club and was played on the golf links by the main Deal Road.  Judging by the results there was little evidence that civilians were taking part in competitions. Result of a men’s knockout as follows; Captain Pelly beat Captain Shepard, Colonel Stokes beat Captain Gordon, Lieutenant Wilde beat Captain Godfrey and Major Dickinson beat Captain Kirby. In the Final Captain Pelly (2nd Battalion Worcesterhire Regiment) beat Colonel Stokes (Royal Engineers). Mens Stroke Competition; Lieut. Clifford, 89 – 10 – 79; Lieut. Burlton, 97 – 16 – 81; Capt. Gordon, scratch 84; Capt. Godfrey, 93 – 9 – 84; Major Dickinson, 82 + 3 – 85; Lieut. Wilde, 94 – 6 – 88.

Ladies Stroke Competition; Mrs Findlater, 103 – 20 – 83; Mrs O’Keefe, 125 – 30 – 95.

In August 1926 H Brown the well known Kent professional produced a fine score of 68 round the awkward United Services course at Dover; 4,5,2,4,3,4,4,4,5 = 35 and 3,4,3,4,3,4,3,4,5 = 33, total 68. The amateur course record was held by Major Dickinson with 39 and 35, total 74.

At this time the course appears to have been mainly used by military personnel, and this would be the case until the Dover Golf Club reappears in the late 1920s.

For information on the history of Dover Golf Club, see separate listing.