Bala Golf Club, Gwynedd. (1909 - 1960s)

Founded in 1909.

The original 18-hole course with well guarded greens and natural hazards of hedges and ditches was laid out on the banks of the River Dee on Berthlafar Fields; it was eventually reduced to 9-holes. The course was constantly plagued by flooding and in the mid 1920s it was decided that the club should move to a new higher location at Hendre Ddu and later Penlan. Local hotel was the White Lion.

From the North Wales Times Saturday 22 May 1909. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From the Sports Argus Saturday 26 June 1909. With thanks to Trinity Mirror. Digitised by Findmypast Newspaper Archive Limited. All rights reserved.

Following the formal opening of the course a professional match was played by W Hunter (Richmond) and M J Walker (Harlech).

In October 1909 the winner of the stroke competition for a prize given by the president, R J Ll Price, was E W Jones, Berthlafar, one of the secretaries.

Initially, visitors’ fees were 1/6d a day, 5/- a week, increasing to 2/6d a day, 7/6d a week, and 15/- a month by 1947. There were no restrictions on ladies’ play. Sunday play was not allowed.

Move to a new course in 1927.

Western Mail Saturday 14th May 1927. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Image courtesy of Roger Johnson.

Views from the golf course.

The golf course on a 1930s postcard.

The course was listed from the mid 1950s to 1966 when the secretary was G T Leary, Hendre Ddu and the greenkeeper T Simon. Visitors’ fees were 2/6d a day, 10/- a week and 21/- a month. Country membership was 31/6d.

The first Bala course was at Berthlafar Fields.
Grid reference SH94775,36525, co-ordinates 294775,336525.

Grid reference SH91600,36370, co-ordinates 291600,336370.