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Cardigan Golf Club, Gwbert-on-Sea. (1896 – 1927)

The first club to appear in 1896 was the Cardigan and Tivyside Golf Club, this club was only in existence for a couple years.

Cardigan Golf Club appears in 1904 and played on a course adjacent to the Cliff Hotel (then known as the Gwbert Hotel).

In 1912 the Cliff Hotel came under new management and the golf course was used by their guests who shared the course with members of the Cardigan Golf Club.

The Cardigan club moved to its current location in 1927/8. The Cliff Hotel guests continued to play on the hotel golf course. 

Report on the proposed Cardigan and Tivyside Golf Club in 1896.

South Wales Daily News Tuesday 11 February 1896. With thanks to the National Library of Wales. All rights reserved.

Interesting report from the Welsh Gazette Thursday 31 March 1904; “Gwbert Hotel – Mr E L Williams, Frontivy, is now entering upon his tenancy of Gwbert Hotel, in succession to Mrs Williams, who was tenant of the hotel for fourteen years, does not intend leaving Gwbert, and has taken a tenancy under Mr W Lewis, Lloyd’s Bank, of No4 Evelyn-terrace.”

Cardigan Golf Club played a competition in June 1904.

Welsh Gazette Thursday 16 June 1904. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Report on a new course in February 1905.

Welsh Gazette Thursday 16 February 1905. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Report from the Cambrian News Friday 25 May 1906; “Gwbert New Golf Club – A number of ardent golfers at Cardigan, with the assistance of the Gwbert Syndicate, have succeeded at considerable cost in laying out a nine-hole course at Gwbert-on-Sea. With the object of putting the old club on a thoroughly firm basis, a meeting was held on Tuesday night for the purpose of establishing a recognised club for the town and the neighbourhood, with Captain R W Picton-Evans in the chair, the following officials were appointed; Captain - W R Stephens, Tymawr; vice-captain - W R Thomas, St Mary Street; treasurer – M L Jones, National Provisional Bank; secretary – E O Evans, Lloyd’s Bank; with the following committee – Rev. D J Evans, the Vicarage; Captain R W Picton-Evans, Argoed; James Stephens, Glanolmarsh, solicitor; Dr. Brown, Priory Street; E L Williams, Gwbert Hotel; and Mr M L Jones. The rules were approved of and the fees for membership were fixed. The links are now in splendid condition and a thoroughly good season may be anticipated.”

Below is an advert from June 1906 for the Gwbert Hotel which mentions the “First Class Golf Links”.

Western Mail Wednesday 6 June 1906. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

In June 1906 the first medal was played and won by Rev. D J Evans. His score for the two rounds was 48 and 47with a handicap of 19 his net score was 90.

In September 1906 an open competition for a challenge cup offered by the president, J V Colby, Ffynone. Dr. J W Stevens, Tymawr, Cardigan was the winner; the Vicar was second; Mr Lewis Morgan, Cardiff third. The match proved a great attraction for visitors and others.

Competition for the “Ned Williams” challenge cup in played in October 1907.

Welsh Gazette Thursday 3 October 1907. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From The Daily News (London) Saturday 30 October 1909 – “A lot depends on the ball – perhaps more than one thinks. A “Dunlop Junior” helped Mr F R Rawes to break the Cardigan Golf Club’s record at Gwbert and to tie for the Cliff Challenge Cup. P Rainford lowered the professional record for the same course with a similar ball.”

The Gwbert Cliff Challenge Cup.

Western Mail Saturday 17 September 1910. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

New season competition in April 1911.

Cardigan & Tivy-side Advertiser Friday 21 April 1911. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Report on the annual meeting held in May 1911.

Cardigan & Tivy-side Advertiser Friday 2 June 1911. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Mention of a new course at the Cliff Hotel in June 1911.

Cardigan & Tivy-side Advertiser Friday 23 June 1911. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Result of the July 1911 monthly silver spoon; Ladies – Miss Nellie Davies, Stanley House, 121-35-86; Mrs D Ifor Evans, 116-20-96; Miss Annie Davies, Treforgan, 150-40-110; Gents – W T Richards, 118-25-93; D T Davies, National Provincial Bank, 111-17-94; H Madox Jones, 123-25-98. 

The winners of the October 1913 monthly competition were D Ifor Evans and W E Thomas.

Advert for the Cliff Hotel in June 1915.

Western Mail Saturday 26 June 1915. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The Cardigan Golf Club went into abeyance at the time of WW1.

Report on the newly formed club in January 1923.

Western Mail Friday 12 January 1923. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Report on the Annual meeting held in April 1924.

Welsh Gazette Thursday 17 April 1924.

Result of a match played at Gwbert against Haverfordwest in June 1927.

Western Mail Saturday 25 June 1927. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In November 1927 the Cardigan Golf Club left the Cliff Hotel course and moved to their current course on Towyn Warren.