Billingham Golf Club

United Kingdom / England / Billingham /
 golf course  Add category
 Upload a photo

On June 29th 1966, Billingham Urban District Council formally agreed to 'purchase the land, develop the golf course, including the clubhouse and grant a lease to a club to be formed'. Town Clerk, F Dawson saying 'that a town is as strong as it's organisation, a golf club would be an asset'.

On May 9th 1967, 625 citizens assembled at Bede Hall School and a Committee was elected with Councillor Bill Allen as its Chairman. Despite many setbacks members impatiently watched the progress and development of the course under the supervision of Architect, Frank Pennick and were pleased to see the opening of the Clubhouse on Thursday 27th February 1969 by Doug Turnbull, 45th and final Chairman of BUDC.

On a bright and sunny Easter Sunday, April 5th 1969 the President of the English Golf Union, John V Todd, 'skied' his tee shot to officially open the new Sandy Lane course. Partnered by Bill Crichton, President of DCGU a nine-hole match was played against Messrs Allen and Shergold of Billingham GC.

From the earliest meeting in March 1966 to April 1969 a minor miracle had taken affect, in transforming a part arable farm, part pig farm, part council tip, into the first municipally funded Golf Club in post war Britain!

Many changes have taken place since the Founding Fathers first gathered to dream of castles in the air. Success in Competition Golf, the lifeblood of any Club, has been achieved during the first 35 years and it is doubtful that any Club has claimed as many honours during its formative years. County Titles, Team Championships, Lytham Trophy, amongst the many.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   54°36'22"N   1°18'28"W
This article was last modified 17 years ago