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| ENMORE PARK GOLF CLUB - 1906 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Enmore Phone: 01278 672100
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There was interest in golf in the Bridgwater area at the start of the 20th century and eventually the Club was formed in 1906 and played on rented land at Cannington Park. For those who know the location of the present day Cannington G.C. then Cannington Park was on the opposite side of the road to Hinkley Point and not far from the present day quarry workings. The layout consisted of nine holes measuring 2200 yards with a bogey score of 38 and armed with a plan you can still follow parts of that layout today. Several of the present day trophies were donated in those early days. Play had to cease during WW1 when the land was used for the grazing of mules for the military. |
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In 1926 a members’ meeting was held in Bridgwater Town Hall to decide on the provision of a new pavilion at the course costing up to £350 and it was left to the committee to raise £400 by way of £5 debentures which they did. Mr Hubert Berry the Club’s landlord gave permission to build the pavilion and a Mr. Alfred Berry who was the Club President, with due ceremonial involving the Mayor, performed the opening ceremony in October 1926. At the 1932 AGM the fact that the course could not expand had become an issue and the committee were instructed to look for fresh premises for the Club to move to and this was found at Enmore Park. |
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On Saturday 24th September 1932 the new course was opened and the inaugural match was played between A.R.Bradbeer of Burnham and Berrow and R.Horne of Weston Super Mare after which tea was provided. At the first AGM the cost of the course construction was reported to be £788 and more debentures were issued to the 131 members to meet this amount. Mr.Knight the Groundsman was reported to be busy developing the course in line with the plans. Subscriptions were £2/2s and green fees 2/6d. An old tractor had been bought to share grass cutting duties with the Chrysler car and then WW2 broke out. |
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Much land was commandeered for agriculture leaving seven holes for play and there was a diminished membership due to call-up to the forces. Members of the public were allowed to use the course as part of the ‘Holidays at Home’ scheme at the request of the Town Clerk.
By 1950 things were recovering and nine holes were in play and then in 1954 the new owner of the Estate offered the Club the opportunity to purchase the course and cottage for £4000. This could not be proceeded with at that time but eventually in 1960 a deal was concluded at £5250 with assistance from the Bank and the support of ten staunch members who acted as guarantors. |
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Development continued throughout the 1960’s. An Army Hut became the Changing Rooms. Membership was full at 240. A Junior Section was initiated. The Club team were the first winners of the Somerset Bowl.
An EGM was called in 1969 when it was disclosed that land adjoining the course was for sale and one of the members, Philip Pensabene, who was a prominent local business man was offering to loan the Club the money to make the purchase. Needless to say the deal went ahead and following the design of Messrs. Hawtree the present day 18 hole course was opened for play in 1972 by Sir Roger Hollis the President of the Somerset Golf Union. At the 1973 AGM when committee thoughts were focussed on the way forward into the new era, those present could hardly believe their good fortune when Philip Pensabene said he had decided to present the new nine holes to the Club and with that debt removed then the Club would be free to consider other major projects. The membership past, present and future ought never to forget such generosity. A sizeable Practice Ground has since been purchased and a new Clubhouse was built in 1990 and duly opened by A.J.(Tony) Hill of Burnham and Berrow who was the President of the English Golf Union that year. Enmore Park Golf Club celebrated its centenary in 2006. |
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©2007 – Somerset Golf Union |