Liphook Community Magazine Spring 2022

Liphook Golf Club Centenary
By
Simon
Catford.
One hundred years ago
this year saw the birth of
the Liphook Golf Club
with the company being
formally incorporated on
5th January 1922. A
century later the Golf
Club is marking this
anniversary with a range
of celebrations and
events. I met with Club
Captain Nick Lees (pictured) on a damp and dreary day in early
January to find out more.
But first a quick history lesson. After the end of the First World
War and as the country struggled to get back to normal (sounds
familiar?), four local landowners joined forces to plan, build and
operate a golf course at the edge of Liphook village. Whilst
other courses locally were already in existence, these four
gentlemen had the drive and vison to build what is now
regarded as one of the premier courses in the uK (recently
ranked 55th) on land known then as Wheatsheaf Common. And
so with capital assets of some £5,000 (a lot of money in those
days), Oliver Hawkshaw of Hollycombe House, Edward Lee of
Foley Manor and Alfred Cotton of Forest Mere combined with
Henry Poland who lived in Bramshott to set about their task
with passion and determination.
“A ‘Founders’ lunch to be held in February kicks off a year of
events celebrating our centenary,” says Nick “and we are
delighted to have been able to track down some grandchildren
and great grandchildren of these four Founding Fathers who will
be joining us on the day.” By the time you read this the event
will have taken place but Nick was looking forward to welcoming
many past-Presidents, past-Club Captains, past-Ladies
Captains and life members to give thanks for their commitment
and hard work in continuing the excellent stewardship of the
Club over the years.
“The course was designed by Arthur Croome, a leading authority
on golf at the time,” explains Nick. “He was an exponent of the
‘strategic’ school rather than ‘penal’ style of design which
required players to ‘think’ their way around the course rather
than just whacking the ball. This philosophy has stood us in
good stead over the years and with the simply stunning local
heathland, heather and gorse that covers the course, golfers
from all over the world come to play here – and enjoy themselves
enormously - such is our reputation!”
Also joining in the Founders Day celebrations will be the Chief
Executive of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, Martin Slumbers,
course architect Tom Mackenzie who oversaw the recent
reordering of some of the holes in 2018 and world-renowned
golf course artist Graeme Baxter who will be flying in from
Texas to unveil a commemorative painting of the course
commissioned by the Club. “We are really pleased that these
important people from the golfing world will be able to join us
on the day.” states Nick.
Back to the history book; the first nine holes were opened for play
on 2nd September 1922 and the clubhouse was accommodated
within the then Wheatsheaf pub (now the Links) with the pro’s
shop, caddy master’s office, workshop and machinery store
close by in the ‘Black Huts’. The full 18 holes was completed in
June 1923. “In those days clubs were made of wood, usually
hickory,” says Nick “and so we will be holding a ‘Hickory Club
Day’ in September where players will be encouraged to dress in
period costume and try to get round the course with these
heavy sticks of wood. It is not for the faint hearted as we are all
used to modern clubs which are lighter and hit the ball much
further so we will be exhausted by the 18th,” laughs Nick.
This bit of fun will be the culmination of a week-long ‘Golf
Festival’ where a series of competitions and events will be held
for all levels of skill and experience over seven days. “We even
have some overseas members who will be returning to join us –
very impressive.”
Liphook Golf Clubhouse.
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