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Toome Golf Club, County Antrim. (1896 - WW1)
Founded in 1896.
Below is a report of the club with a description of the course.
From the Ballymena Weekly Telegraph Saturday 1st August 1896. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
The club was re-formed in 1909.
The following report is from the Ballymena Observer Friday 18th June 1909:-
“A very successful meeting of the club was held on Saturday last, in the O’Neill Arms Hotel. Mr A D Gaussen, Magherafelt, presided. The secretary, Mr G L Baillie, reported that over 40 gentlemen and 20 ladies had sent in their names as original members. It was decided to hold the opening meeting and competition on Saturday 3rd July, when it is expected there will be a large turn-out of golfers from various northern clubs. The links, the first six-holes of which, being along the sandy shore of Lough Neagh, closely resemble a seaside course, are being rapidly worked into shape under the supervision of Alex. Day, for many years green-keeper and professional to the Royal Belfast club. It is worthy of special note that out of the nine-holes not a single green required to be re-laid. The Midland Railway Co. (NCC) has granted most favourable terms to members of the club, travelling to Toome from the various stations on the line for the purpose of practising the game. With an exceedingly interesting and enjoyable course to play, a delightful situation, excellent hotel accommodation , it may be predicted that the Toome Golf Club will have a long and prosperous career.”
From the Ballymena Observer Friday 9th July 1909. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
In May 1910 a match was played on the Toome course against Randalstown Golf Club (also now defunct.) The home team put up a good performance against the more experienced visitors. J Black, J.P., captain of the Toome Club, provided tea for the players before the Randalstown team left by the 5.20 train.
| Toome Golf Club | Randalstown Golf Club | ||
| Rev. R C Elliott (4&2) | 1 | F Webb | 0 |
| Rev. G J Clemens | 0 | Dr. Nesbitt (4&3) | 1 |
| J Black (2&1) | 1 | Dr. McKee | 0 |
| J Marshall | 0 | G Moore | 0 |
| C Adamson (2&1) | 1 | Rev. T J Forsyth | 0 |
| W J Kernohan | 0 | H Houston (3&2) | 1 |
| R Corry | 0 | W Murphy (2&1) | 1 |
| W Ellis | 0 | G Sloan (5&4) | 1 |
| J Grant | 0 | W Speedie (4&3) | 1 |
| 3 | 5 |
Despite all the optimism Toome Golf Club did not appear after WW1.
The Google Map below shows the possible location of the course. If anyone knows the exact location please get in touch via the “Contact Us” facility on the website homepage.