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Laleham Golf Club, Chertsey. (1938 - 2017)
Founded in 1904 as Chertsey Golf Club (see separate entry for Chertsey Golf Club for the early history.)
The challenging course was designed by the 1904 Open Champion Jack White and offered a unique golfing experience, with its tree-lined fairways, well protected approaches and smooth putting surfaces, mixed in with strategic water hazards. Laleham was a test for all levels of golfer, from beginners to established players.
It became Laleham Golf Club in 1938.
Middlesex County Times Saturday 25 February 1939. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
In March 1939 the Henly Championship Cup was won by J Allport. The Club Cup went to S S Cracknell, 91-17-74 after a tie with H R Efford.
In April 1939 the Lord Bingham Cup was won by W A G Philbin. A four-ball stableford result; R T Brimfield and W A G Philbin, 39 points.
Competition results May 1939.
Middlesex Chronicle Saturday 27 May 1939. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
In the final of the Gibson Trophy in July 1939 S S Cracknell beat A A Morris in the 36-hole final. Mixed foursomes cup; Mr and Mrs T A Roberts beat Mr and Mrs Hutchinson in the final.
In 1939 the Club Cup, which is always played for on Boxing Day, was won by H G Pendry, 84-15-69; runner-up was R Edmonds, 90-20-70. The Henly Championship was won by W A G Philbin; runner-up H G Pendry.
Result of the Cazna Cup in May 1940.
Middlesex Chronicle Saturday 4 May 1940. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Following WW2 the secretary was G C Evans; professional, G Webb; green-keeper, A E J Dash; Professional course record, W Smithers 67; 18-holes with a Par and SSS of 73.
New Year competition result 1950.
Staines & Ashford News Friday 6 January 1950. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
In February 1950 the contest for the Dudley Harris salver took place. The trophy was presented to the club the previous year by Mrs Dudley Harris in memory of her husband who was held in affectionate memory by all the members as the man above all others who had kept the club going during the war years, and for his involvement for many years before. There were 48 entries for the competition which was won by K L Edwin, 83-12-71; runner-up was R F S Hodgson, 83-11-72.
A new initiative to encourage young golfer was announced in March 1950. Considerable reductions in subscriptions was to be made in the following age groups; 14 to 16, 17 to 20, 21 to 24, 25 to 28. Club professional, George Webb, was also arranging classes free of charge for those interested. The Booth Cup was played and won by P A Rann.
In May 1952 Alec Brown, brother of professional Eric Brown, won the captain's prize at Laleham with a score of 67-1-66. Bogey for the course was 71.
In the mid 1950s the secretary was C Miller, 28 Staines Road, Laleham; professional, G Webb; green-keeper, A E J Dash; Professional course record, W Smithers 67; membership of 220; 18-holes measured 6,110 yards with a SSS of 71; visitors’ fees 3s/6d a round, 5s a day.
In the mid 1960s the secretary was A Parker; professional, G Webb; green-keeper, C J Taylor; Professional course record, R H Mandeville 66.
In the mid 1970s the secretary was G A Crease; professional, G Webb; Amateur course record, C Poulton 66; membership of 500; green fees, £1.65.
From the 1982 Golfer's Handbook; Membership 500; Secretary, R H E Emms; Professional, D McLeland; 18-holes, 6,049 yards, SSS 69; Course records; Amateur; C Poulton, 66; Professional; R Mandeville and J Hitchcock, 66; Fees, £3.25.
Golfer's Handbook 1988; Membership 600; Secretary, P Fryp/Miss J Clinton; Professional, T Whitton; 18-holes, 6,203 yards, SSS 70; Course records; Amateur; C Poulton, 66; Professional; R Mandeville and J Hitchcock, 66; Fees, £10 (£12 weekends).
Result of the Presidents Putter for division one players (scratch to 13) played in March 1989; Ken Compton, 76-10-66 won the competition by on shot over John Clarke (12) and Kenny Batt (13). The Chertsey Medal for division two players was won by Maurice Williams.
The new captain in October 1989 was Les Moss.
There were 250 members and guests present at the drive in for new captain Jim Begg in October 1990.
Golfer's Handbook 1991; Membership 600; Secretary, M A Ford; Professional, T Whitton; Fees, £20.
In October 1992 Brian Jones "drove in" as the new captain.
Robert Howett was the new captain and "drove in" in October 1993.
Trophy Night December 1995.
Staines & Ashford News Thursday 7 December 1995. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
In July 1996 club professional Hogan Stott, and amateur partner Guido D'Ambrosio, qualified to play in the Southern Regional Final of the Lombard Top Club Trophy at Test Valley, Basingstoke.
It was reported in October 1996 that the members had finally completed a four year battle to buy the club from the Lord Lucan Estate, a process that had been riddled with legal pitfalls. Tom Barnes was appointed captain at this historic time.
Golfer's Handbook 1998; Membership 600; Secretary, Mrs P A Kennett; Professional, H Stott; 18-holes, 6,203 yards, SSS 70; Course records; Amateur; K Archer, 65 (1995); Professional, Craig Defoy, 66 (1986); £18 (£20).
In September 1999 comedian Russ Abbott was among the stars of film, television and radio to play in a charity match. The celebrities also included ITN newsreader Carlo Barnes, soccer player Lee Dixon, actor Robert Powell and comedian Eric Sykes. All proceeds were to go to SOS, Stars Organisation for Scope.
Advert September 1999.
Staines & Ashford News Thursday 23 September 1999. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
In 1999 the captain for the Millennium was Roger Grayer his wife, Ruth, was lady captain at Laleham in 1990. "We are blessed with such a friendly family atmosphere at this club" said Roger.
Golfer's Handbook 2002; Membership 600; Secretary, Mrs P A Kennett; Professional, H Stott; 18-holes, 6,203 yards, SSS 70; Fees, £22 (£30).
Golfer's Handbook 2006; Membership 600; Secretary, Mrs P A Kennett; Professional, H Stott; 18-holes, 6,291 yards, SSS 70; Fees, £30 (£36).
Golfer's Handbook 2008; Membership 600; Secretary, R M McCue; Professional, H Stott; 18-holes, 6,291 yards, SSS 70; Fees, £30 (£36).
Golfer's Handbook 2009; Membership 600; Secretary, B Lonsdale; Professional, Paul Smith; 18-holes, 6,291 yards, SSS 70; Fees, £30 (£36).
It continued to be listed in the Golfer's Handbook until it ceased publication in 2015.
It became a “Pay and Play” course on the 1 April 2015.
Laleham scorecard.
Course plan.
Laleham Golf Club clubhouse and course.
The end is in sight… golfers sharing the course with sheep between the twelfth and thirteenth holes in March 2015. March 31st 2015.
The following message appeared on the club website in January 2017.
"It is with great sadness that we have taken the decision to close Laleham Golf Course and Clubhouse in Chertsey, Surrey on 31 March 2017. The combination of sustained trading losses, the current economic climate and a nationwide decline in the demand for golf has meant that the operation of Laleham is no longer commercially viable.
Laleham Golf Course, which was rescued from bankruptcy in 2008 following its purchase from the members at that time, has previously received significant investment in both the course and its facilities in an effort to enhance the experience at the course, attract new players and bring financial stability and success to the club.
Unfortunately, despite the initial and subsequent investment and the introduction of several different structures, the club has continued to make significant trading losses.
This is set against the backdrop of a national decrease in the number of people playing golf which has seen a decline in memberships at many clubs and closures of other local courses, the recent recession and the increasingly popularity of fitness-based sports such as cycling.
Laleham Golf Course would like to take this opportunity to thank the club’s members and local golfers for their support.
Laleham golf course is an 18-hole parkland-style pay and play course with a touch of inland links, dating back to 1903, and nestled between the banks of the River Thames and the Abbey River.
There are no immediate plans for the Laleham site, which will be returned to the landlord.”