The Internet's Most Comprehensive Guide

West Park Golf Club, Handcross, Sussex. (1896 - WW2)

Founded in 1896.

Originally a 9-hole private club and course that was very pleasantly situated with fine views. Just prior to WW1 to the end of the 1920s the secretary was Henry Gibbs, The Hollies, Handcross, Crawley. There were stations  at Crawley 4 ½ miles and Balcombe 4 ½ miles.

The opening of the club in November 1896.

Mid Sussex Times Tuesday 17th November 1896. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The March 1897 monthly medal was won by V L Tapling, 98-10-88.

In April 1897 the Captain's Cup was won by Henry Gibbs, 109-12-97.

Result of a ladies' competition played in May 1898; Miss A Newbury, 78-24-54; Mrs Worsley, 83-25-58; Miss Mead, 77-12-65; Miss Powell, 76-14-62.

Below is the result of a match played at Lewes in June 1898.  

On Saturday 2nd July 1904 the opening of the pavilion, presented by Sir Eyre Coote, was declared open by Lady Coote. Many of the members lived a considerable distance away which involved "long carriage drives or railway journeys" and a comfortable pavilion was felt to be a great need. It was in a picturesque position, with a charming balcony, overlooking the well kept course. Among those present were; Sir Eyre and Lady Coote, Rev E W and Mrs Mitchell, Rev R J W Latimer, Mrs and the Misses Coventry, Colonel and Mrs Greenwood, Mr and Mrs Berney, Mrs Ironmonger, Mrs Cartwright, Miss Pinekney, Miss Parke, Mr C Stanford, Mr P H Jackson, Major and Mrs Taylor.

The following is taken from the 1905 Nisbet's Golf Yearbook; Instituted 1897; number of members - 50; Hon. secretary - H Gibbs, The Hollies, Handcross; Captain - P Secretan, Slaugham Park;  Entrance Fee - nil and subs £3/3s; Number of holes 12 (first six played twice over to make 18); Amateur Record - H V MacMasters, 75; Visitors' fees - 1s/6d a day, 5/- a week, 10/- a month.  

Results from competitions played in April 1906.

Mid Sussex Times Tuesday 24th April 1906. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Result of a match played at Handcross against Horsham Golf Club in February 1908. West Park being a man down at the start of play Miss Hermon very ably filed filled the vacancy, only losing her single match by one hole. 

In 1908 James Braid reconfigured the course. At this time it was a twelve-hole course and on Braid's advice the course was reduced to nine-holes. Some holes were lengthened and "Braid" bunkers were added. Revised course; Hole One - 185 yards; Two - 254 yards; Three - 365 yards; Four - 380 yards; Five - 315 yards; Six - 390 yards; Seven - 120 yards; Eight - 490 yards; Nine - 265 yards.

In 1914 there was a membership of 80. The entry fees for gents were £2/2/0 and ladies £1/1/0. Subs for gents were £3/3/0 and Ladies £2/2/0. Visitors’ fees were 1/- a round, 2/- a day, 5/- a week and 15/- a month. Sunday play was allowed without caddies.

The death was announced in March 1918 of Edward Packham, he had been groundsman at West Park Golf Club for nine years. 

It was reported in July 1919 that the course had been kept in playing order during the war, below.

Sussex Agricultural Express Friday 4th July 1919. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Mr S A Hermon, captain of the club in 1920, kindly offered to give six golf balls every month up to and including September 1921, to be competed for on the last Saturday in each month. 

In January 1921 the captain's monthly prize was won by Walter Sykes with a score of 97-12-85.

It was reported in 1922 that West Park Golf Club were to acquire the freehold of land and buildings at Handcoss, Sussex, part of which is known as the West Park Golf Course, and to lay out, prepare, and maintain such ground for golf and other purposes of the company.  The course was probably leasehold prior to this. 

In 1923 the secretary was Henry Gibbs and the professional was F Packham. Membership had increased to 130. Visitors’ fees on introduction were now 2/6 day, 10/- a week and 25/- a month.

Results of competitions played at Whitsuntide in May 1923; Mixed Foursomes - Mrs Page & A E Page, 101-20-81; Mrs Wilson & H Gibbs, 106-2-86; Mrs Gardner & G Gardner, 111-24-87; Mrs Tweedie & J Galloway, 101-8-93; Miss Reid & S A Hermon, 110-15-95; Miss Lawley & Col. Johnson, 125-24-101; Challenge Cup presented by Mr E Bruce Lawford; A F Page, 91-13-78; Capt. E C E Smith, 93-15-78; W Sykes, 96-15-81; Mrs Tweedie, 93-12-81; Miss Hermon, 99-15-84; H Gibbs, 99-15-84; S A Hermon, 101-13-88; G Gardner, 106-18-88; B Y Bevan, 105-15-90; M J Holland, 104-14-90; Mrs Gardner, 125-30-95. 

In June 1923 Captain E C E Smith of Handcross, won the challenge cup presnted to the club by Mr E Bruce Lawford of Haywards Heath.

The competition for the Lawford Challenge Cup in June 1926 finished in a tie between W Sykes and J B Tweedie (holder.) 

Result of a match played at Haywards Heath in June 1926.

In 1930 the secretary was Miss K M Smith, Moorehead, Staplefield. The professional was L McRae and the green-keeper H Hogben. The course was 5 minutes from the main London – Brighton Road. Local hotel was the Red Lion.

The clubs last appearance was in 1940 when the secretary was still Miss K M Smith. The course had a SSS of 70 and a membership of 105. Visitors’ fees, 2/6 a day, 3/6 at weekend and Bank Holidays, 10/- a week and 25/- a month.

Location of the West Park course. Grid reference TQ25470,29030, co-ordinates 525470,129030.