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United Services Golf Club, Chatham/Gillingham. (1908 - 1964)
Following the closure of the Royal Engineers course at St Mary's Barracks in the early 1900s a new course was eagerly sought.
The United Services Golf Club, Chatham, was founded in 1908. The first course was of nine-holes and was laid out at Twydall. It wasn't long before it was on the move again this time to its permanent home on the then Rainham Road, Chatham, adjoining the Star Hotel and Fort Darland.
Club Professionals; A E Andrews, 1914; F Perkins 1920 - 1923; A Edwards 1923 - 1928; H Llewhillen 1928 - WW2.
The course was progressing well but the outbreak of war in 1914 changed everything. The club lost the majority of its members and the course was requisitioned for the war effort.
The "new" club reappears following WWI.
Chatham, Rochester and Brompton Observer Saturday 12 April 1919.
The sixteenth green.
During the 1920s/30 the professional was Harry Llewhellin.
Result of the Oakshott Cup played in 1920.
Chatham, Rochester and Brompton Observer Saturday 5 June 1920.
F C Hawrtree makes changes to the course in 1921.
Chatham, Rochester and Brompton Observer Friday 21 January 1921.
Results of competitions played at Easter 1921.
Chatham, Rochester and Brompton Observer Friday 15 April 1921.
Prize presentation in 1922.
Chatham, Rochester and Brompton Observer Friday 3 November 1922.
Presentation in December 1923.
Chatham, Rochester and Brompton Observer Friday 28 December 1923.
The Oakshott Cup played in September 1925.
Kent Messenger Saturday 26 September 1925. Image © Iliffe News & Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Chatham, Rochester and Brompton Observer Friday 23 September 1927.
Prize presentation in January 1932.
Chatham, Rochester and Brompton Observer Friday 8 January 1932.
Chatham, Rochester and Brompton Observer Friday 2 December 1932.
Competitions played at Easter 1935; Fourball handicap scratch; R Purchase and A Ellstead, 64 net; Bogey competition; C A Metcalf, all square; Mixed foursome; Mr and Mrs E Jee, 80 net; Admiral Sutton's Cup scratch prize; D Shave.
Trophy presentation in October 1936.
Chatham, Rochester and Brompton Observer Friday 30 October 1936.
Chatham, Rochester and Brompton Observer Saturday 13 August 1937.
Pictures taken at the East Kent and District Golf Alliance meeting played over the United Services Golf Course in November 1938.
Chatham, Rochester and Brompton Observer Saturday 19 November 1938.
Marriage of the United Services long serving professional in July 1939.
Chatham News Friday 21 July 1939. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
At the time of WW2 the secretary was T Davison. The professional was H Llewhellin and the green-keeper, H Peach. The 18-holes had a Par and SSS of 71. Course records; amateur - J J Shelton, 67; professional - H Llewhellin, 64. Visitors' fees were 2s/6d a day. It was stated that "Open to all officers of the Services. A limited number of civilians may be elected to the club."
During the Second World War most of the course was used for military exercises. There were a few holes left open for the golfers, these were maintained by a small band of civilian members. Following the war the course was gradually restored to the full eighteen-holes.
From the second tee.
Length and "Bogey" of the holes.
Course Layout 1920/30s.
The ninth green.
With a growing civilian membership during the 1950s it was decided to change the name to the Gillingham and United Services Golf Club.
General meeting and prize presentation in 1951.
Chatham News Friday 5 October 1951. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
In the mid 1950s the secretary at the Gillingham and United Services Golf Club was A O Bland, 56 Darland Avenue, Gillingham. The professional and green-keeper was D I Brown. The 18-holes measured 5,495 yards with a SSS of 68. Visitors' fees were 3/- a day.
Club annual dinner in 1960.
Chatham, Rochester and Brompton Observer Friday 7 October 1960.
In 1960 the site was sold to Gillingham Council. The club were able to secure a tenure on the land and in 1964 Gillingham Golf Club Ltd. was formed.
Kentish Express Friday 20 July 1962. Image © KM Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Final mention found for the United Services Club in December 1964.
Chatham, Rochester and Brompton Observer Friday 25 December 1964.
In 1986 the future of the club was in doubt due to a proposed road development. In the end additional land was acquired and new holes were constructed.
The United Services Golf Club, Chatham, had long gone but in 2005 Gillingham Golf Club celebrated its centenary (many sources have the foundation date of the United Services Golf Club as 1908.)
Ordnance Survey Map from the 1920s showing the golf links and clubhouse.
O.S. Map Revised 1923 to 1927; © Crown Copyright {year of publication ca. 1927}.