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Criccieth Golf Club, Gwynedd. (1895 - 2017)
Evidence below of an earlier course at Criccieth laid out by George Lowe in 1895. This course was located at Afon Wen.
Golf Friday 25 October 1895. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Ordnance Survey Map showing the location of the earlier course in the 1890/1900s.
O.S. Map Revised 1899; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1900}.
The later club was founded in 1905.
It was announced on 11 December 2017 that; “On the 31 December 2017 Criccieth Golf Club would be closing. No further golf will be played after 112 years. Thanks to all members and visitors who have enjoyed our special little club. The spectacular views of Snowdon, the peninsula and as far down the coast as St David’s Head will remain in our memories.”
David Lloyd George was a regular visitor to the Criccieth Golf Links and was president of the club prior to WW2. He lived and is buried in nearby Llanystumdwy.
Pre-WW2 known professionals at Criccieth; S Whiting (1905-1910); J West (1910-1912; B Snowball (1911-1914); O G Owen (1914-1922); Willliam Dean (1922-1926); J Evans (1932/33); W B Morris (1936.) It is also reported that G Bowser had a brief time at Criccieth before WW1.
Below is a report on the opening of the course in July 1906.
From the Cambrian News Friday 22 June 1906. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Report on a committee meeting in May 1907.
From the Cambrian News Friday 17 May 1907. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
In July 1908 a bazaar was opened by Mrs Lloyd George in aid of funds for the Criccieth Golf Club. Mrs George read out a letter from her husband stating that it would have been a real pleasure to have attended but was unable due to other appointments.
Early postcards of Criccieth Golf Links.
Report on the formal opening of the new golf pavilion on Whit Monday in 1909.
Cambrian News Friday 4 June 1909. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
It was reported in June 1910 that James West, professional at the Hamburg Golf Club, Germany, had been appointed professional to the Criccieth Golf Club in succession to S Whiting. James West learned is golf under J H Taylor at Richmond, and was assistant green-keeper for some years with Peter Lees, West Surrey.
It was reported in the Illustrated Sporting News in September 1911 that “notice must be taken of the grand performance on the part of Bertie Snowball, the new professional of the Criccieth club. Playing last week on his own course, with which naturally he has the most intimate acquaintance, Snowball went round in 66 – going out in 32 and coming home in 34. As accentuating the value of this work it has to be remarked that the “Bogey” score is fixed at 78, and that the previous record, which stood to the credit of that well- known Welsh professional champion, S Whiting, was 69. Of course professionals play an enormous number of rounds on their own links, but it may be doubtful if Snowball will ever do better than 66.”
The top three images above are pre-WW1 postcards of the course and clubhouse the lower is early 1920s. Pictures courtesy of Frank Accleton.
On Friday 5 September 1913 Mr & Mrs Winston Churchill arrived in Criccieth to visit Mr & Mrs Lloyd George. After lunching at Brynawelon, the two Ministers played a foursome on Criccieth links against Mrs Churchill and Miss Stell.
Golfers on the first tee in 1913.
Below WW1 claims the life of Bertie Snowball, Criccierh Golf Club professional.
The following information from the “The P.G.A. Remembers” project – Bertie Snowball; Elected P.G.A Member 1902 Northern Section; Club, Criccieth Golf Club, Wales 1912 – 1914; Regiment – Corporal 5th Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders); Service No. 2310; Killed in action 9th May 1915 aged 27; Buried – Le Trou Aid Post Cemetery, Fleurbaix. Ref F 11; Bertie Snowball held posts in England (Scarborough North Cliff,) Ireland (Portmarnock,) Wales (Criccieth,) and finally Scotland, Carnoustie, where he was a club-maker with Robert Simpson. He enlisted in the Black Watch and fell at the battle of Aubers Ridge in May 1915.
The report below from August 1916 mentions a Mr Bowser as being a professional at Criccieth, he had Mr Lloyd George among his pupils. It also further reflects on the horrors of WW1.
From the Lincolnshire Echo Monday 28 August 1916. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
David Lloyd George on the Criccieth course in 1919.
Holyhead Mail and Anglesey Herald Friday 4 November 1921. Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Famous names to attend the opening of the extended course in 1922.
Holyhead Mail and Anglesey Herald Friday 31 March 1922. Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Professional tournament planned for July 1923.
Western Mail Tuesday 15 May 1923
Result of a match played in May 1923.
Holyhead Mail and Anglesey Herald Friday 18 May 1923. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
The clubhouse and course in the 1920s.
From the Golfer’s Handbook 1933; 18-holes; Membership 140; Hon. secretary – E Ivor Morgan, Council Offices, Criccieth; Professional, J Evans; Station Criccieth, half-mile; Visitors’ fees, gents 3s a day, 12s/6d a week, 21s a fortnight, 35s a month; ladies, 2s/6d a day, 10s a week, 15s a fortnight, 25s a month.
Western Mail Thursday 10 February 1938. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Result of the ladies’ competition played in April 1939; winner, Mrs W Morgan; Mrs D J Harris and Mrs J Egbert Griffith tied for runner-up. Mrs R S Parry was appointed lady captain, and Mrs W Morgan Owen, vice-captain.
Result of a bogey competition played in October 1939; Captain W E Pritchard and D J Harries, 3up; Glyn Davies and J B Williams, 2up; K E Pritchard and S Carey Pugh, 2up; Owen Jones and Gwilym G Jones, all square.
At the annual meeting in February 1940 the Right Hon. D Lloyd George was re-elected president. Vice-presidents; Mrs M E Lewis (Talhenbont,) Right Hon. Lord Harlech, Brigadier-General T Ward, Captain W L Leslie, J Trevor Roberts, V H Northrop, T Harold Williams; hon. treasurer, W T Davies; hon. secretary, G Jones; Captain, Howard Thomas; Ladies’ captain, Mrs R S Parry.
The seventeenth green.
Ordnance Survey Map from the late 1940s early 50s showing the golf course and pavilion.
O.S. Map Revised 1949; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1954}.
From the 1947 Golfer's Handbook; Membership of 150; Secretary, G G Jones, Council Offices; Professional, G Davies; Green-keeper T Jones; 18-holes, SSS of 70; Visitors’ fees for gent’s; 4s a day, 21s a week; ladies 3s a day, 15s a week.
In the early 1950s the secretary was G G Jones, 29 High Street, Criccieth. The professional and green-keeper was P Morris.
In 1955/6 the secretary was A Hughes, 23 Tynrhos, Criccieth. The professional and green-keeper was J Owen. Now a nine-hole course with a total length of 4,960 yards and a SSS of 71. Membership of 160. Visitors’ fees; gent’s 2s/6d a round, 5s a day, 12s/6d a week; ladies 3s a day, 15s a week.
In 1957 the membership had dropped to 80. Secretary A Hughes. Professional and green-keeper; D W Owen.
1961 – Secretary; A Hughes, 23 Tynrhos, Criccieth; Professional and green-keeper, P M McGaffey.
1964 – Secretary; D Lloyd, 21 Stanley Road, Criccieth; Nine-holes with a SSS of 66; Visitors’ fees; 5s a round, 7s/6d a day.
1970s – Secretary; Captain W E Williams, Ednyfed Hill; Membership of 225; No professional; Nine-holes totalled 5,276 yards, SSS of 64; Amateur record, A Rees and M Williams, 65; Visitors; 50p a day, £2.50 a week.
Early 1980s – Secretary; J C Page; Membership of 180; Now listed as 18-holes of 5,755 yards with a SSS of 68; Visitors; £3 a day, £15 a week.
Mid to late 1980s – Secretary; D T Moores; Membership of 200; Visitors; £5 a day, £15 a week.
Early 1990s – Secretary M G Hamilton; Fees; £7 a day, £20 a week. Membership of 200.
From the Golfer's Handbook 2002 to 2006; Membership, 200; Secretary M G Hamilton; 18-holes, 5,755 yards, SSS 68; Fees, £12, (£15 Sunday).
Following are results from the last few competitions played on the Criccieth course:-
Sunday 9 July 2017 the Ernest Owen Cup (Competition Scratch Score 66); Des P Humphreys, 80-16-64; Richard O Williams, 80-12-68; Richard G Reynolds, 85-16-69; Roland E Roberts, No Return.
Sunday 16 July the Challenge Cup (CSS 69); Maldwyn Jones, 79-15-64; Aled D O Warren-rees, 87-14-73; Richard O Williams, 85-12-73; Eifion LL Owen, 87-13-74; Des P Humphreys, 90-16-74; Ian Edwards, No Return.
Sunday 23 July the Greenacres Trophy (CSS 67); Richard O Williams, 36 points; Gerallt Jones, 36 points; Richard G Reynolds, 36 points; Maldwyn Jones, 35 points; Ian Edwards, 35 points; B A Morgan, 34 points; Michael J Parry, 34 points; Merfyn Lloyd, No Return.
Sunday 30 July the Castle Cup; Sion Evans, 39 points; Gerallt Jones, 37 points.
Saturday 12 August Captains Day; Eifion LL Owen, 36 points; Merfyn Lloyd, 36 points; Robin Whittaker, 36 points. Also played; Aled D O Warren-Rees, Philip Richards, Richard O Williams, Des P Humphreys, Roland E Roberts, Gerallt Jones, Dewi G Williams, Michael J Parry, Tony Williams, D Jackson, P M Williams, Colin L Hughes, Richard Lloyd, Idris Williams, Maldwyn Jones, B A Morgan, Allister Haveron, Dafydd H Williams, W J Vickers, Dafydd H Roberts.
Lady Captain’s Day played on the same day, result; Margaret Goodwick (Denbigh); 37 points; Anne Rowena Jones, 33 points; Irene Williams, 29 points. Also played; Margaret Williams, Megan Jones, Jane Glyn Evans, Mandy Jones.
Sunday 20 August Presidents Prize; Richard O Williams, 18 points; Michael J Parry, 17 points; Philip Richards, 16 points.
Sunday 27 August the Town Bowl (CSS 68); Philip Richards, 74-7-67; Gerallt Jones, 81-12-69; Richard O Willliams, 82-12-70.
Sunday 8 October the October Tankard (CSS 70); Richard O Williams, 32 points; Des P Humphreys, 31 points; Philip Richards, 28 points; Aled D O Warren-rees, 27 points.
The following was posted on the Criccieth Golf Club Master Scoreboard by Phil Richards 31st December 2017 - “The last round was played at Criccieth today. Three brave souls went out between two heavy showers, they managed nine-holes. The threesome consisted of the president and two past captains, it started well for the 2005 captain with a par on the first even better for the 2015 captain on the second with a birdie (the last at Criccieth.). The president played a great second shot to the old 14th but it was the 2005 captain who lipped out for birdie. The president went out of bounds on the 15th and the 2005 captain went out with his second but it all came down to the old 16th and only one of the three managed a par. Well done Des, Bryn and Phil, must do better. As always a few beers where sank at the 19th. Fond memories.”
Whilst working in the area in the 2000s I was a member at Criccieth. I really enjoyed my brief time as a member, especially the welcoming clubhouse, the friendly members I met, and the course with its spectacular views. Criccieth Golf Club will be sadly missed by many.
Below course scorecards and pictures.
Sheep roaming freely over the overgrown course in 2024.
Image courtesy of Tim Clayton.
