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Belmont Golf Club, Garnerville, Co. Down. (1891 - WW1)
The club was founded in 1891. Belmont Ladies’ club was instituted in 1894.
The nine-hole course was located at Garnerville which adjoined Tillysburn station on the Belfast and Bangor branch of the Belfast & County Down Railway.
The opening ceremony was performed by W C Mitchell J.P and took place at 2pm on Saturday 19 December 1891. The secretary at the club at this time was Charles Playfair. A large attendance of members and friends attended the opening of the course which was situated at Garnerville, Strandtown.
The following is an extract from a report that appeared in the Belfast News on Monday 21 December 1891. “The secretary placed the ball on the tee which Mr Mitchell then drove to a considerable distance and amid cheers declared the course open. The ball, which bore a silver band with the following inscription – “Presented to W C Mitchell J.P., on the occasion of the opening of the Belmont Golf Club” was placed on its stand composed of three solid silver golf clubs in miniature, on an oak base, made from a special design by Mr Sharman D Neil, was handed to Mr Mitchell by the honorary secretary, Charles Playfair, who, in thanking him for his kindness in both becoming president of the club and opening the course. Play commenced and carried on until it was dark. Amongst the players were members of the Royal Belfast, County Down, and other well known clubs, and it was most gratifying to the supporters of the Belmont Club to be told by the veterans that the new course was one of exceptional interest, and in fact, when the greens were got into better order, would be the nicest course anywhere near Belfast. The list of membership is now almost complete, and being limited will be closed in a few days.”
To inaugurate the extended course a mixed foursome open competition was to be held on the Belmont Golf Club links at Garnerville near Tillysburn station on Saturday 8 May 1893 at 11.30. A competition for men would commence at 2.15. There was an entrance fee of 2/- for either competition or 3/- for both (no charge for ladies). To be paid to Charles Playfair (secretary), 21 Castle Place, Belfast.
The competitions were played over nine-holes, which were in splendid condition.
Result of the mixed foursome; F F Figgis & Miss Gardner, 54-11-43; H Shaw & Miss Moore, 45-0-45; W J M McGeagh & Mrs M McGeagh, 45-0-45; J N R Pim & Miss Johnston Smith, 53-7-46; Dr McKissick & Miss H S Shaw, 57-9-48; N Charley & Miss Mulligan, 50-2-48; A F Charley & Miss M J Smith, 57-9-48; F Gordon & Miss J Charley, 57-7-50; E Young & Mrs Young, 57-7-50; H H Bottomley jnr & Miss A DeWind, 55-5-50.
Following are the leading scores in the 18-hole afternoon competition; A F Charley, 80-12-68; D F Spiller, 98-28-70; D E Lowry, 88-16-72; W Rodman, 96-24-72; Hugh Shaw, 72+2-74; J Bell, 82-8-74; S Wilson jnr, 84-10-74; H N Charley, 86-12-74; J Hyndman, 93-18-75; H V Coates, 93-16-77; C Playfair, 95-18-77; F F Figgis, 93-16-77; C Armstrong, 96-18-78; A Doig, 84-6-78; John Woodside, 89-10-79. There were 52 entrants.
Below an open bogey competition was arranged for Saturday 4 September 1897 for two prizes valued at £3 and £1. Entrance fee was 2/6 and was payable to the D B Walkington (Captain), 61 Royal Avenue, or, J G McAfee (Secretary), 14, Corn Market.
Belfast News-Letter Thursday 2 September 1897. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Golf Pavilion for sale in July 1898.
Belfast Telegraph Saturday 23 July 1898. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Belmont Ladies' Golf Club was listed in the 1898/99 Golfing Annual.
In the Golfing Annual 1907/8 the secretary was D B Walkington, 61 Royal Avenue, Belfast. The course is confirmed as being of nine-holes is a five minute walk from Tillysburn station in a pretty park known as Garnerville.
As yet, we have been unable to find a confirmed closure date for the club and course.
Interesting report from 1955 on the history of the club.
Belfast News-Letter Saturday 23 July 1955. Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
The Maps below show Tillysburn railway station, five minute walk from the golf course.
O.S. Map Revised 1901 to 1902; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1904.}