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Ashburton Golf Club, Devon. (1910 - 1920s)

On Wednesday 16 February 1910 Mr J T Barker presided at a meeting in the Market Hall to discuss and consider the proposed golf club for Ashburton. The chairman stated that a committee had already been appointed to try and find a suitable location for the course and as a result a large portion of land on Welstor Common had been obtained. It had been generously offered by Mr Parnell Tucker at a nominal rent, he was also willing to erect a clubhouse which could also be rented. The area had been inspected by several experts and a professional all of them were strongly in favour of the location. The cost of laying out the course would be £150, half of the sum had already been promised. It was agreed that the course would be a valuable attraction to the area. A letter was read from the Hon. R Dawson, C.C, warmly approving the proposal, Mr C E Robinson also gave his backing to the scheme as did Dr Fitzpatrick. On the motion of Mr F H Rogers, seconded by Mr R B Berry, and supported by Mr J Mortimer B.A, and Mr J P Tucker, it was resolved that a club should be formed and be called the Ashburton Golf Club. Mr R W Frith was appointed secretary. 

The professional from 1910 to 1911 was A H J Hobley.

Sad report from the Western Morning News Tuesday 19 September 1911; "ASHBURTON GUN FATALITY - Mr S Hacker held an inquest at Welstor Farm, Ashburton, on Mr A H Jones-Hobley, 22 years of age, the professional at Ashburton Golf Club. Mr K Hamlyn said while he was rabbiting with Mr Jones-Hobley, their dog marked a rabbit in the edge. Mr Jones-Hobley got over the edge. Then holding it by the muzzle, he pulled the gun off the edge and it exploded, the charge entering the upper part of his right arm. The jury (Mr W Ford, foreman) reported a verdict of "Accidental death." 

In 1914 the secretary was L Bradell, Highgrove, Ashburton, and  the professional L Matthews. A 9 hole course on gravel and peat soil. The entry fee was £1/1/0 and subs £1/1/0. Visitors’ fees were 1/- a round, 1/6 a day, 5/- a week and 10/6 a month. Sunday play was allowed without caddies. It was stated that there were no restrictions for ladies. The G.W.R station at  Ashburton was 2 ½ miles away.

The club disappeared in the mid 1920s when the secretary was T Arnold, Ashburton,

The Google Map below pinpoints Welstor Common.