Centenary Hickory Match v Walsall Golf Club Arr: Tony Thorpe / Keith Bilbie

Members of the BGCS played in a Centenary Hickory Match at Walsall Golf Club on Sunday 29 April 2007, nearly 100 years to the day of its inception. Many of the Walsall team played with hickory clubs for the first time enjoying the most invigorating experience.

In March 1907 some local dignitaries in the Walsall area decided to open a golf club, where locals could meet and play their golf. On the 25 April 1907 at the next meeting, the club was formally opened, and the course designed by Harry Colt was declared open for play. Subsequently, the course was re-designed by Dr Alistair McKenzie.

The Centenary Club Captain, Roger Smith QC hosted this match with the BGCS and the evening dinner. During his after dinner pleasantries he gave an informative history of the club and the Captain of the BGCS, John Hanna responded. Alan Jackson viewed golf antiquity items brought along by Walsall members giving informative answers to their questions. He also talked about their previous Professionals and the now defunct course, Walsall Municipal.

Also present were the Walsall Club President, former England International, Alan Smith and his lady wife, former Curtis Cup player Ann Smith nee Stant / Willard, the current Professional Richard Lambert and his wife, Frances, the current Ladies Centenary Captain.

Tony Thorpe

Believed on the exact day of the Colchester Golf Club Centenary (5 May 1907) members played a Match against members of the British Golf Collectors Society. Both teams played with Hickory clubs and wore early 20th century dress, on this delightful little course, designed by the legendary 'James Braid'. Braid had originally designed 9 holes for the members, but he had returned later to complete the task.

The match was conducted over Colchester's 'Brunswick's original 9 hole links, which resulted in a resounding win for British Golf Collectors, followed by a lunch consisting of potted shrimps, game pie and to the delight of both teams, 'Bread and butter' pudding and custard. Following the pleasantries by the Club Centenary Captain (five times Club Champion), Alan J McNaught and BGCS South East Regional Organiser, Nigel Notley, the Society members returned to the links to experience the other exacting nine holes.

For the Record:

BGCS members had already met four lady 'Curtis Cup' players during the 2007 opening two fixtures at Hoylake and Walsall. It was interesting to note that Colchester GC had played their part in the Curtis Cup, when Elizabeth Boatman was elected as non playing Captain for the 1992 series, by coincidence at Hoylake when Great Britain and Ireland won the trophy. Her second experience as Captain 2 years later away, in the United States, at Chattanooga, GB & I retained the Trophy when the matches were tied.'

Centenary Hickory Match v Mapperley Golf Club Arr: Tony Thorpe / Keith Bilbie

Members of the British Golf Collectors Society (which included overseas members Bary Leithhead from Sydney - Australia and Mark Wehring from Houston, Texas, USA) played against Mapperley Golf Cub members in this 2007 Centenary Match.

The club orginally known as 'St Andrews Institute GC is a hilly, but pretty Nottinghamshire course, originally designed by Notts Golf Club professional, Tom Williamson. The name of St Andrews coming from a local Church in Nottingham and the club is mentioned in their magazine dated November 1903.

The club played early matches against other local clubs, Chilwell Manor, Stanton on the Wolds and Erewash Valley, and first paid its subscription of £1 to the Nottinghamshire Union of Golf Club in 1909.

The name of Mapperley Golf Club Ltd was established in 1932 and the original course was described as, 'A tricky 9 holes'. Many of the greens were fenced off to prevent damage being caused by cattle, which roamed around at that time. The course was extended in 1983 and subsequently the clubhouse alteration were made.

Many of the Mapperley team played with traditional equipment including 16 year old, 6 handicap Junior, Liam Marshall, who said after striking his drive from the first tee, and with a wry smile, 'I have never been so nervous in my life.' Liam was playing against historian BGCS member, and President of the Worcestershire Union of Golf Club John Moreton. Upon completion of their round on the 18th green Liam's quote, 'That is the most fun I have ever had on a golf course.' Moreton commented, 'Liam obviously enjoyed playing with hickory clubs today, so much so, he has showed interest in joining our Socety. He has a great knowledge of the game and is interested in its history.'

The current Scottish and Central England Hickory Champion, Mark Wehring together with Alec Carson, played against both Mapperley professionals, brothers John and Tim Newham who both played to par using traditional equipment. John said, 'I thorughly enjoyed the experience and would not have missed the opportunity for anything. We appreciate the need for such a Society and its existence'.

Following the evening meal and pleasantries by former Club Captain Tony Kelly and BGCS Captain John Hanna members of Mapperley Golf Club brought along items of golfing interest for discussion. A Society plaque was presented to the Club by John Hanna.'

Central England / BGCS Seniors Championships, Coxmoor Golf Club Arr: Tony Thorpe / Keith Bilbie

Coxmoor Golf Club had been venue for the Nottinghamshire Amateur Stroke - play Championship on Saturday when both the 18 hole and 36 holes record had been broken by David Elliott of Chilwell Manor Golf Club. When BGCS players turned up for the 4th Central England & Seniors Hickory Championships, the weather predictions were much better than for last years event, when the determination of the players, overcame the state of the course due to torrential rain.

28 members played including, Australian Barry Leithhead, defending champion, Texan Mark Wehring and of course our faithful Captain, John Hanna from Northern Ireland, all on their way up country, to play in the Scottish Hickory Championship at Gullane. 6 Northern members, 3 from the South West, 2 from the South East and 15 from the Midlands made up a strong field. Also playing was the Coxmoor Club President, former Walker Cup Player, Alec Shepperson.

Due to mundane weather conditions, it was anticipated that most players would score well, but it was Mark Wehring who was early to post 34 stableford points to lead the field by 2 points, successfully defending his title. Our 'Through the Green' Editor, John Pearson was to take 2nd place, but his score was also good enough to secure a place in the winners enclosure in the Seniors Championship. Winner of the CEHC in 2004, Neil Hutchinson took the third spot with 31 points on a 'count back' from 'Aussie' Barrie Leithhead.

Following the usual 'carvery meal' members were addressed by the Club's Captain Michael Stacey and the prizes were presented by the BGCS Captains wife, Mavis Hanna'

Scottish Hickory Championships, Gullane No3 Arr: Ron Beatt

Musselburgh players meet at clubhouse 8.30 am.

Scottish Championship draw ---------
1.28 J HANNA [CAPT] K BILBIE B LEITHEAD
1.36 J STILL M WEHRING W DRUCE
1.44 J.RIGG C KVIST A STUART
1.52 J SHERWOOD J GUERRARD C KVIST [GUEST NO1]
2.00 JEFF GUERARD K HOLZ P THERMAINIUS
2.08 N.NOTLEY I HISLOP N HUTCHISON
2.16 O WERNER S PATRICK D KIRKWOOD
2.24 J.PEARSON R.BEATT C KVIST [GUEST NO2]
2.32 I EDWARD P TRUETT C HOMER
2.40 J COLVILLE W TANNER G WALTERS
2.48 K LAMBERT C PALMER G KIRKWOOD
3.00 D.HAMILTON R.MORRIS D MOORE

Centenary Hickory Match, Newton Green Golf Club. Arr: Nigel Notley

BGCS visit to Newton Green Golf Club for their Centenary

The Society was generously invited to attend a special match at Newton Green Golf Club, near Sudbury Suffolk held on 3rd June, to celebrate the Club’s Centenary

We were welcomed by Club Centenary Captain Ian Woodhead, who subsequently managed with borrowed hickories to win the Members Prize. We believe that he shows great promise in the “ancient game”

We were also welcomed by Alan Vince, who did sterling and enthusiastic work on the organisational front. He has been a member of Newton for more than 50 years and has written a magnificent History, with which we were all presented, and which we gratefully accepted!

Alan also managed to find an old cine film, being at least 50 years old which he had converted to DVD. The film was tremendous and it was interesting to see Lord Andrew Philips in his early days as well as Alan himself who even managed to name most of the players on the film

The original 9 holes on the Common was played over in the match using all 9 original greens and including the recreating of original teeing areas excepting only two which would have had to be re-placed on the other side of the busy main road running from Constable Country back into Sudbury

The competition format was stableford with a BGCS member playing with a Gentleman, Lady and Junior from the Club, all appropriately attired.

Amongst the many prizes laid on by the Club to commemorate the day the best score by a BGCS member was Chris Walker and as mentioned earlier Club Captain Ian scooped the local prize

After a splendid Dinner Stuart Gibbs, gave an amusing and poignant presentation on his favourite clubs, and this was followed by a forum at which Newton members brought along some of their more ancient clubs and artefacts

I must also mention that the Club was adorned by a large collection of paintings by local member Neil Jacobs. These are most impressive and all are reproduced in the Club History

There are too many members to mention by name but amongst those whose company we enjoyed were Club President Mike Oliver, Club Chairman Dora George, Ladies Captain Liz Ward, Junior Captain Adam Woodhead (father and son appear to win most of the prizes at this Club!) and Secretary Manager, Carole List.

The BGCS team were Captain, John Hanna, Philip Truett, Nigel Notley, Stuart Gibbs, Keith Bilbie, Chris Walker, Rod Lambert, and Michael Smith

This is a lovely Club and we wish them all the very best for the rest of their Centenary

Midlands Spring / Summer Meeting Olton Golf Club, Warwickshire. Arr: Keith Bilbie

Twenty eight members and guests gathered for the Midlands Region Spring Meeting at the Olton Golf Club, Solihull on Friday 15 June 2007 on what proved to be the wettest day for a long time. Despite heavy rain, a thunder storm and a lot of surface water it was possible to complete a 9 hole competition between the rain storms. The winner with an excellent score of 19 points was one of our guests, Michael Pickrell and another guest, Frank Tanner was second with 18 points. Two hickory players,Warren Latham and Bill Druce, were tied on 17 points with Warren Latham taking third place following a count back.

The prizes were presented by Kevin Price, the Captain of Olton Golf Club.

Following the evening dinner Ros Weston gave a most informative and amusing account of her family's long connection with the Olton Golf Club particularly referring to her father, Jack URRY, a long serving member of that club who had a distinguished career as fine amateur golfer and later as an administrator becoming the President of the English Golf Union. One of the stories Ros recalled was her father coming home one day and announcing that he had just seen the 'finest girl golfer' this was Bridget Jackson who is a now member of the BGCS and was present at our event.

Centenary Hickory Match v Yeovil Golf Club. Arr: Alan Jackson / Peter Heath

Report from Alan Jackson:-

With the media full of reports of torrential rain and serious flooding, it was with considerable trepidation that BGCS members set off for Yeovil to take part in the club’s Centenary celebrations. The course had been closed on the day before but it had stopped raining and the chances appeared reasonable.

After making our introductions, we were entertained to a splendid lunch, after which we presented the club with a Society shield and a donation to support the Junior section. The customary ‘photo call’ entailed much
hilarity, as usual, and we then embarked on our game in glorious sunshine with a pleasant breeze to make us comfortable. The home team had imported a stock of hickories and turned out resplendent in period dress, so it was very much a period occasion. In excellent condition, the course was very interesting to play, notably the 17th, a medal card ‘buster’ if ever there was one. The rain had obviously helped freshen everything up, but certainly did not slow up the greens which were a pleasure to put on. The fringes and approaches, too, were very receptive to long-range putting. Impressive trees blended nicely into the landscape on this parkland course, and contributed to our day. There were, unusually, many large and mature wild cherry trees dotted around the course whose fruit provided ample refreshment as we played, and the two decanters of ‘pick-me-up’ behind the 12th green, kept spirits high!
The golf was good; some of us won and some lost, but the consensus was that the occasion had been the winner. Our sincere thanks to generous and hospitable hosts.

Centenary Hickory Match v Copt Heath Golf Club. (20) Arr: Tony Thorpe and Tony Norcott

On the 5th July 2007 The BCGS played a Centenary match against Copt Heath Golf Club as part of the Club’s centenary celebrations. Copt Heath is a fine golf club with a very well maintained and testing golf course. Amongst its claims to fame is that two of its members Peter McEvoy and Claire Dowling were simultaneous Captains of the Walker Cup and Curtis Cup respectively.

The course was originally perceived by Harry Vardon and the Club has a magnificent original letter from him recommending the land be used as a golf course. Ultimately the course was designed in 1907 by H S Colt albeit changes have been made over the years particularly after World War 2 when F G Hawtree and Sons did a large number of revisions to restore it back to 18 holes seven of them having been ploughed up during the war.

Twenty four of our members played against a mixed team of 24 of their members. Messrs Kirkwood, Norcott and Truett arrived in traditional style in a 1930 Rolls Royce that helped set the atmosphere of the day. The Copt Heath Captain Dennis Ellis elected to play with hickories as did some of the other club members. The ladies were particularly resplendent in period costume.

Sadly, not on our side was the weather and after 9 holes conditions went from damp to soaking and in the words of Mr Truett some of the wimps did not complete the full 18 holes. Despite the rainfall everyone enjoyed the day and the course itself was in very fine condition. Our day as guests of the Club was very nicely rounded off with a fine supper of traditional fish and chips. Following a welcome from the Copt Heath Captain which was followed by a presentation of the Society plaque by Philip Truett. Walter Mechelli had located a club bearing the mark of W H Adwick who had been the professional of the club from 1919 to 1924 and very kindly presented that to the Club also.

Tony Norcott announced the score which some may argue was Copt Heath 6 Collectors 3 with three matches halved, with a little juggling and allowances for the uncompleted holes Tony explained why after taking into account those and other factors the overall result was actually a half.

After those formalities had been completed Philip gave his own inimitable commentary to the Society slide show and that was followed by an excellent presentation by Stuart Gibbs that included passing round a few of his more interesting putters.

All in all the weather did not prevent a most enjoyable day being had by all and feedback from the Clubs members has been gratifying.

Centenary Hickory Match v Henley Golf Club Arr: Michael Herriott

Having celebrated their Centenary, in some style, the night before, it did not stop the Henley team as well as the B.G.C.S team, tucking in to an Edwardian breakfast, which included real Scottish Porridge with cream, Devilled Kidneys, Kedgeree, Curried Eggs, Smoked Haddock and Eggs in a cocotte before teeing off.

Our team under the Captaincy of Philip Truett included Messers - Notley, Payne, Walker, Henderson, Hawkins, Smith, Moreton, Herriot, Franklin- Adams, Stuart, Carson and Norman. Stuart Gibbs was ‘hors de combat’ and his place was taken by a young Asssistant at the club, Matthew Bartholomew.

The course designed by James Braid proved to be a tough challenge to those playing with hickories, both B.G.C.S. members and some of the Henley team. Playing to Sunningdale rules (if a team goes two down they receive a shot) most matches were closely contested with Henley winning by 5 holes. During the day members were able to play three holes with hickory clubs, specially hired for the day – an experience that made them all appreciate their 21st century equipment, although there was one member who decided to obtain his own set of hickories for further enjoyment.

A competition was held during the day for the best dressed Henley member and B.G.C.S. member, in period costume – Gail Henderson, the Centenary Ladies Captain won the Henley prize and Patrick Franklin-Adams the B.G.C.S. prize.

The match was followed by a late summer lunch of Grilled Tuna with a selection of salads and Rhubarb Fool. Henley’s Vice Captain, Michael Jones presented the B.G.C.S. members with an engraved crystal whisky tumbler ( and some Bowmore Single Malt) whilst the Society presented a B.G.C.S. plaque.