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Kensington Country Club, Holland Park. (1920s - WW2)
An unusual, and unique missing links, more of a "Golf School" located within the environs of Holland Park. Well worth a mention.
Kensington Country Club, Melbury Court, Kensington High Street, first appeared in 1922. An avant garde concept which comprised of over 10 acres of open land with golf tuition available and practice for every golf shot from a full drive, over a 250 yard fairway, down to chip and pitch shots to well bunkered greens. There was also a putting green laid with Cumberland turf and also an 18-hole approach course. There was a covered floodlit area for use during bad weather and for night-time practise.
Cover of the Handbook issued by the club.
The clubhouse had a dining room, bar and a locker room for golfers. A swimming pool was also available for members. Visitors were welcome with no introduction necessary.
Six Squash Courts with dressing rooms, showers and lockers were also available.
Golf Membership (Including Club Membership and Unlimited Practice); One Year - 5 day, £5/5s ; 7 day, £7/7s; Three Months - 5 day, £2/2s; 7 day, £2/15s; One Month, £1/10s.
Holland House was bombed in 1940 and the grounds fell into disrepair. Over the years the grounds were restored and form what is now a public park owned and managed by Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Plan of the complex.
The Long Driving Hole.
The Approach Course.
The Putting Green.
Taking a golf lesson in April 1934.
Daily Mirror Wednesday 25 April 1934. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Report on the golf facilities in May 1935.
Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News Friday 24 May 1935. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Postcard showing Holland House.
The destruction of Holland House in September 1940.
The Sphere Saturday 2 October 1940. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Russell Kelly, former professional at Kensington, takes up a new position.
Birmingham Daily Post Thursday 16 December 1954. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Ordnance Survey Map showing Holland Park at the time of WW2.
O.S. Map Revised 1938; © Crown Copyright {insert year of publication 1946}.