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Richmond Park Public Golf Course, London. (1924 - 1953)
Richmond Park Golf Course was the home of the Priory Golf Club and was formed in 1924 by a group of keen golfers.
Richmond Park Golf Course – London’s first municipal golf course – was opened in June 1923 by HRH The Prince of Wales. The course was designed by F.G. Hawtree in collaboration with five-time Open Champion J.H. Taylor. Such was the course’s success, Hawtree was commissioned to design a second course, which was opened in 1925 by HRH the Duke of York.
A number of private members golf clubs were formed, each adopted Richmond Park Golf Course as their home course. These clubs included; The Priory Golf Club (founded 1924, renamed as Richmond Park Golf Club in 1953, still active); Putney Park Golf Club (founded 1925, still active); White Lodge Golf Club (founded 1928, still active); Ruskie Hall Golf Club (no longer active); Centurion Golf Club (no longer active).
Illustrated London News Saturday 30 June 1923. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Westminster Gazette Monday 30 July 1923. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Golf Club spoon for Priory Golf Club, hallmark Birmingham 1932, Gaunts. Image courtesy Dixon Pickup.
Priory Golf Club was listed in the Golfer's Handbook during the 1930s and just after WW2 - the address was given as 39, Shalstone Road, London SW14. The secretary was H A Lissamin.
In 1951 it was listed as Priory Golf Club, Richmond Park SW15. The secretary was S A Edwards, “Glengariff” Vine Road, Barnes Common, telephone Prospect 5054. The professional was Josh Taylor. 18-hole course with a SSS of 72. Visitors’ fees were 2/- a round and Sunday play was allowed.
Priory Golf Club disappeared in 1953.