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Wildernesse Golf Club, Sevenoaks. (1890s)
Thanks to Tony Hunt for the following contribution regarding the early Wildernesse course. "The original 9-hole course was established in 1890 on what is now the Wildernesse Estate, near Dorton House, by its first patron, Lord Hillingdon.The first clubhouse of the Wildernesse club was at Godden Green, and shortly before the First World War, W Foreman (known as "Tommy") was appointed as head green-keeper. In the early 1920s A Hills was the professional and W Foreman the green-keeper."
The following brief report appeared in the Sevenoaks Advertiser in October 1890. “WHAT WE HEAR – That a golf club is being formed in Sevenoaks. Mr J S Norman, The Beacon, is secretary.”
Below is a report on the third annual meeting in 1893.
From the Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Advertiser Friday 17th February 1893. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Result of a match against Tonbridge Golf Club in December 1894.
"Golf" Friday 4 January 1895. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
From the 1898/99 Golfing Annual; The club is a small one and in Lord Hillingdon's Park is a strictly private one.
The current Wildernesse Golf Club at Seal is still going strong.
Above is the Wildernesse Golf Clubhouse on a J Salmon postcard (postally used in April 1909) Authors Collection.
Below is a Google Map pinpointing the former Wildernesse House, now Dorton House School. The current Wildernesse course can be seen to the south east.