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Arcachon Golf Club, Gironde (33). (1894 - 1938)
The town had wanted to build a golf course as early as 1894, but couldn't find appropriate land. In 1895, a private golf course was constructed, belonging to the Exshaw family. The course was located at the entrance to Arcachon, known today as Arcachon-Marine, and the Jean Brousse and Mateo-Prince stadium, in the Aiguillon district.
Report on the club in January 1899.
Golf Friday 20 January 1899. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
In February 1902, the course was acquired by the town from Mr Exshaw, paid for by way of a donation to the town by M Matéo-Petit.
From The Tatler 9 November 1904. Images © Illustrated London News Group. Images created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
The following is from the 1905 Nisbet’s Golf Yearbook; Instituted 1903; Arcachon station one mile; Hon. Sec. – The Rev Samuel Radcliffe, Villa Ferguson, Arcachon; Entrance Fee Nil and Subs – 50frs a year; 40frs per four months; 20frs a month; 9-holes; Green-keeper, Paul Roussely; Visitors’ fees 2frs a day.
In February 1906 Arnaud Massy, Biarritz, who finished fifth in the British Open the previous year, met J Lloyd, the Pau professional, in a 36-hole match on the Arcachon course. Massy played brilliantly. He completed the first round in 73 and was 7 up. In the afternoon he increased his lead and eventually won by 9 and 7. His second round score was 77. The course in its full length measured about 2,550 yards, the longest hole being about 380 yards. The course was laid out by Mr Lloyd just over three years ago (1902/3.)
Competitions played in December 1907.
The Globe Thursday 2 January 1908. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
In 1925, the club wanted to expand to 18 holes but lack of interest and lack of maintenance led to its closure in 1937/8.
On the first green at Arcachon the Rev S Radcliff
Restaurant and Cafe used as the Arcachon clubhouse.
On the tee on the earlier Arcachon course. Authors Collection.
Early postcard showing players and caddies.
Other leisure amenities were later added and it was shown as “Arcachon Golf and Country Club”.
Above is a picture showing the course in what looks like the 1920s. Image from the Hans Medvejsek collection.
An early postcard showing the Arcachon course. From the Hans Medvejsek collection.
Construction of a new course and clubhouse began in 1955, but was not finally opened to the public until 1960. The new course is located on the grounds of the Société Immobilières de la Cote d'Argent, in the borough of La Teste de Buch.