Deangate Ridge Golf Club, Rochester. (1972

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Deangate Ridge Golf Club, Rochester, Medway. (1972 – 2018)

The course opened in 1972.

The club was first proposed by Strood Rural Council in 1967. Parts of the construction work were carried out by the army who had been specially trained in course development.

The 18-hole course designed by F W Hawtree was officially opened in 1972 by legendary heavyweight boxer Sir Henry Cooper.

There was much opposition to the closure which took place on 31 March 2018.

Below notice of the closure of the golf course from Medway Council.

Closure Notice in January 2018.

The opening day on 1 July 1972 was open to the public and specially invited guests. An exhibition match was arranged which was to include Colin Cowdrey who declined the invitation and Sir Michael Bonnalack who pulled out at short notice to play a competition at Sundridge Park. The four-ball was eventually made up of the late great Sir Henry Cooper, Michelle "Mickey" Walker well known golfer who was one of the foremost golf coaches and regularly appeared on SKY TV, Linda Denison-Pender later (Bayman) another well known and successful golfer at the time and Stuart Bryant the original club professional.

In the mid 1970s and early 1980s the club had a membership of 350; the secretary was J A Penfold; professional, Barry Aram; the 18-hole course measured 6,300 yards with a SSS of 70; amateur course record, P Batchelor, 72 (1981); visitors’ fees £1 a day, £1.25p at weekend.

It’s probable that the course underwent layout changes during the 1980s.

The National Association of Public Golf Courses Championship was played on the Deangate Ridge course in September 1983.

Playing in the Championship Alexander J Russell created a new Amateur Course Record of 67.

Report from the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette Tuesday 20 September 1983.

Below is the Certificate awarded by Middlesbrough Council to Alex J Russell on his achievement.

Images courtesy of Alexander J Russell.

Entry from the 1988 Golfer’s Handbook; Membership 800; secretary, J A Penfold; professional, B Aram; course records – professional; A (?) J Russell, 64 (1986); amateur; A J Rossiter, 67 (1985); visitors, £2.95 (£4.20p).

Entry from the 1991 Golfer’s Handbook; Professional, B Aram; course records – professional; N Allen, 65 (1990); amateur; A J Rossiter, 67 (1985); visitors, £4.50 (£6).

In 1998 the professional was Richard Fox; green fees, £10.20 (£13.50.)

In 2004 green fees were £12.10 (£16.)

Course scorecards.