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Western Park Golf Club, Leicester. (1910 - 2015)  

The club was founded in 1910.

The original course was on Western Park just off Glenfield Road. The club moved to a new course on Scudamore Road in the early 1950s were it remained  until closure.

Alderman J Loseby was the leading character in the formation of the club. The Western Park Municipal Golf Course was opened on 1 May 1910 by the Mayor, Alderman Geo Chitham.

George Smith, the Leicestershire professional, laid out the initial nine-hole course over 45 acres. The course was proving very popular with the locals and it was not long before a further 37 acres were acquired and the course was extended to eighteen-holes. The new course was opened on April 29th 1911, Alderman W W Vincent hitting the opening shot.

Result of the July 1911 monthly medal competition; E H Wand, 103-24-79; W Borman, 106-22-84; A H Foxon, 95-5-85; E W Windross, 100-15-85; A T Booth, 104-16-88; R R Thacker, 110-20-90.

Following is the result of the September 1911 medal; A W B Grinwade, 87-18-69; F C Bayliss, 99-24-75; B J Liddiard, 99-22-77; H A Welch, 105-24-81; C A Bevan, 109-25-84; W Gunnell, 110-24-86; T Byrne, 114-24-90.   

Result of the October 1911 medal; J D Preston, 94-22-72; R R Thacker, 96-20-76; W O'Neill, 102-34-78; W H Swingler, 95-16-79; A H Foxon, 87-5-82; W Borman, 106-22-84.

Result of the Thursday May medal in 1912; W A Henry, 95-14-79; A H Foxon, 86-7-79; W Gunnell, 100-20-80; H A Welch, 100-20-80; E J Liddiard, 102-20-82; C A Bevan, 102-20-82; C Hoggett, 105-20-85.

Result of a mens foursomes competition played on May Whit-Monday 1913; C K Miles and R R Thacker, 100-17-83; A W B Grinwade and T Jarvis, 99-16-83; A Jarvis and R Wright, 101-17-84; H A Welch and H Kirby, 110-21-89.

Competitions played over Christmas 1913; Christmas Day Bogey, tie between  A W B Grimwade and R R Thacker; Boxing Day Medal - first, H V Culpan; second, T Jarvis; third, A E Charlesworth. Below a match played between teams representing the Captain and Secretary on Saturday 27th.

The 1914 April Saturday medal finished in a tie between S A Allen and T Jarvis.

Result of the 1914 July Saturday medal; J Wooley, 93-22-71; W P Crossman, 91-16-75; P K Branson, 100-24-76; P G Hollis, 93-15-78; Guy C Cooke, 91-12-79; T Jarvis, 90-11-79; HE Jackson, 103-22-81; B Wells, 105-24-81.    

The club was in a prosperous situation prior to WW1. The first secretary was E J Liddiard who was followed by A W B Grinwade and then F Float, the latter continuing until the Great War called a halt to golf at Western Park in 1917. Most of the course was then ploughed up to aid the war effort. 

After a couple of years the Parks Committee were persuaded by a group led by keen golfer W Devereaux to resume and a temporary nine-hole course was established. An extension of the course to 18-holes soon followed and was opened in October 1921. 

In the 1920s the professional was Arthur Brooks who was Open Champion of New Zealand in 1923/4.

In 1927 the new clubhouse was opened. 

Prize presentation in November 1931.

Leicester Daily Mercury Friday 13 November 1931. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The following is from the 1933 Golfer's Handbook; Western park Municipal Golf Links; Membership of 250; hon. secretary - Albert Shenton, 103 Kirby Road, Leicester; professional George Bowser, who held the course record of 68; Eighteen-holes; visitors fees, 1s/6d per round, 2s/6d a day. No Sunday play.

In August 1939 the Leicester Daily Mercury published the article below on the history of the club.

Above article from the Leicester Daily Mercury Wednesday 2 August 1939. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The following is from the 1933 Golfer's Handbook; Western park Municipal Golf Links; Membership of 250; hon. secretary - Albert Shenton, 103 Kirby Road, Leicester; professional George Bowser, who held the course record of 68; Eighteen-holes; visitors fees, 1s/6d per round, 2s/6d a day. No Sunday play. 

In 1939 Councilor John Minton was president, a post he had held for many years, Albert Shenton had been secretary for 14 years. Mr J Ainger was treasurer, and J A Hill was captain for the year. The ladies' section secretary was Mrs H C Bone and the captain Mrs J Taylor. The course measured 5,395 yards with a bogey score of 70 (34 out and 36 home.) Frank Weston was the professional in the 1920s. George Edward Bowser took over from  Frank Weston at Western Park in circa 1927. Bowser was formally at the old Ashby Golf Club pre WW1, and then Willesley Park in 1920 where he helped with the construction of the new course.

A sign of the times when it was reported in December 1939 that the Western Park Golf Club, like other sporting organisations, had to forego their annual dinner. Nevertheless, it was found possible to hold a dance for the purpose of presenting the trophies won during the season. About 250 people spent an enjoyable evening at the Bell Hotel. Councillor J Minto presented the following trophies; President and vice-president's trophy, N J Wignall; Noble Cup (gents), N J Wignall; Curtis and Horspool Cup, J Hargreaves; Tarratt Cups, Eric Taylor and E King; Hartopp Cup, J Hargreaves; Loseby Scratch Cup, A V Roberts; Noble Cup (ladies), Mrs H C Bone; Ladies' Foursomes Trophy, Mrs J P Taylor and Mrs A V Howard.

Leicester Daily Mercury Friday 15 December 1939. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Location of the earlier course at the time of WW2. Ordnance Survey Map Revised 1938 © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1944}

At the time of WW2 the secretary was A G Griffin, 9 Dixon Drive, Leicester, and the professional, J Loach. It was listed as a 14-hole course, with a membership of 300. Visitors' fees were, 1s/6d a round, 2/6 a day. Sunday play was not allowed.

Report on the reduced course in 1946.

Leicester Evening Mail Monday 6 May 1946. Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Presentation of the president's trophy in November 1950.

Leicester Daily Mercury Friday 1 December 1950. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

From the Leicester Evening Mail Wednesday 7 November 1951; “Leicester’s new golf course nearly ready – When members of Western Park Golf Club attend their annual meeting tomorrow night, the will hear the news they have been patiently waiting for many months. The new course at Kirby Frith is almost ready for occupation.

Kirby Frith, which is claimed to be one of the finest municipal in the Midlands, still has a number of finishing touches to be made, but the first nine-holes are ready for use and hard work on the remaining nine is well under way. The club will not have a new clubhouse to start with, but some buildings already on the course are being converted into dining-rooms and offices. When all the work is complete the new course will cover a distance of 6,750 yard, and will provide a stern test for both length and accuracy.

At first sight Kirby is apt to appear disappointing but after the first three holes it takes on a complete transformation, with the undulating fairways winding through oaks, elms and conifers while belts of gorse abound, and the scene is completed with a background of hills covered in heather.

The course has two short holes, the third and sixteenth, each 160 yards long, but the second hole stretches over 510 yards for a bogey 5. Distances of the 18-holes are; Hole One, 380 yards; Two, 510; Third, 160; Fourth, 370; Fifth, 340; Sixth, 200; Seventh, 460; Eighth, 430; Ninth, 400; Tenth, 380; Eleventh, 410; Twelfth, 210; Thirteenth, 450; Fourteenth, 480; Fifteenth, 460; Sixteenth, 160; Seventeenth, 460; Eighteenth, 430.”

The following officers were elected at the annual general meeting in November 1951; President, J A Hill; captain, J L White; vice-captain and hon. secretary, K N Hill; treasurer, H C Bone; match and competition secretary, J M Baines; ladies' captain, Mrs W R Preston; vice-captain, Mrs B C Jennings; secretary, Mrs W G Whitmore.

Picture of the opening of the new course in June 1952.

Leicester Evening Mail Monday 9 June 1952. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

An armful of trophies for H Brewin in 1953.

Leicester Daily Mercury Thursday 13 December 1953. Image © Reach plc.

In the mid 1950s it was an 18-hole course with a SSS of 72. The secretary was K N Hill, 3 Stafford Leys, Kirby Muxloe, the professional was J Loach, and the green-keeper, R Corrie. Membership of 240. Visitors' fees, 2s/6d a round, 3/6 a day (Sunday, 3/6 a round, 5/- a day.)

The following officials were appointed at the annual meeting in November 1956; President; K N Hill; Captain, J M Baines; Vice-captain, N J Hopkin; Secretary K N Hill; Treasurer, H N Hefford; Ladies' captain; Mrs A V Norman; Vice-captain, Mrs A G Griffin; Secretary, Mrs W Greasley; Council; A H Clark, S C Greenwood, S T Hickling, B Ingold, S R N Smith, A Waddington, Mrs H C Bone, Mrs J A Hill.

During the 1960s the secretary was still K N Hill. The professional/green-keeper was S C Long, who also held the course record of 71. The 18-holes measured 6,727 yards with a SSS of 73. Visitors' fees, 3/6 a round, 5/- a day (Sunday, 5/- a round and 7/6 a day.)

Golfer's Handbook 1972; Membership 350; Secretary, K N Hill; Professional, S Long; 18 holes, 6818 yards, SSS 73; Course records; Amateur; R R Campbell, 71; Professional; S Long, 66; Visitors, 40p (50p weekends).

Opening of the new clubhouse in June 1973.

Leicester Daily Mercury Monday 18 June 1973. Image © Reach plc.

Leicester Chronicle Friday 22 June 1973. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Competitions played in October 1973.

Leicester Daily Mercury Tuesday 16 October 1973. Image © Reach plc.

Leicester Daily Mercury Wednesday 28 November 1973. Image © Reach plc.

Presentation of  the President's new chair in April 1974.

Leicester Daily Mercury Monday 22 April 1974. Image © Reach plc.

Leading scores in the Hartopp Cup played in June 1974; W A Pirie, 86-23-63; N Lawrence, 88-20-68; R Howard, 80-10-70; W H Hubbard, 91-21-70.

President's Day competition results September 1974.

Leicester Daily Mercury Tuesday 24 September 1974. Image © Reach plc.

There were 137 entries for the November 1974 medal, results; Scratch to 14; C Smith, 79-11- 68; G Priddle, 81-12-69; H Robertson, 80-11-69; J Bryan, 83-14-69; K Findlay, 78-9-69. Best gross, A Dilkes jnr., 75; 15 t0 24; R Mills, 81-17-64 (on club rule); N Rawlings, 84-20-64;  D Jones, 86-20-66; G Croskell, 88-22-66; W Paul, 89-23-66; T Ballard, 89-23-66.

Golfer's Handbook 1975; Membership 500; Secretary, A E Warren; Professional, S Long; 18-hole, 6,818 yards, SSS 73; Course record; Professional, H Boyle, 68; Visitors, 33p (44p).

In March 1975 the death was reported of Fred Neale. A Keen golfer Mr Neale was made a honorary life member of Western Park Golf Club the day before his death. He had supported the club for 40 years.

Captain's Day competitions played in August 1975.

Leicester Daily Mercury Wednesday 20 August 1975. Image © Reach plc.

Result of the December 1975 monthly medal; Scratch to 14; C Smith, 79-12-67; K Taylor, 77-8-69; F R Bowler, 81-11-70; R Page, 85-14-71; E Bazeley, 77-6-71; G W Long, 79-8-71; F Williamson, 85-14-71; 15 to 24; D A Dyer, 92-24-68 (on club rule); R Moss, 91-23-68; K Hartley, 83-15-68; J F Clarke, 83-15-68; B Herbert, 91-22-69; B Dicks, 91-22-69.

Leicester Chronicle Friday 19 December 1975. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The following officers were elected at the annual meeting in December 1975; President, J C Clinton; Captain, P J Wallington; Vice-captain, R Norris; Secretary, A E Warren; Treasurer, S E Clark; Competitions secretary, G Armstrong; Social secretary, J C Clinton; Council- J N Cherry, S Cole, J Hall, J Hough, D A Hurst and F T Williamson. Ladies' section; President, Mrs J Hall; Captain, Mrs R Mason; Vice-captain, Mrs J N Cherry; Secretary, Mrs H N Hefford; Council - Mrs J Richards and Miss I M Johnson.

Result of the May 1976 monthly medal. Club captain John Wallington scored 73 gross; Scratch to 14; P J Wallington, 73-7-66; T Lee, 82-10-72; F T Williamson, 86-14-72; W Crossley, 83-10-73; 15 to 24; J Swain, 85-17-68; E Wormald, 86-17-69; K James, 96-24-72; R Burnett, 89-16-73; T Jacobs, 91-19-73. 

Presentation in September 1977.

Leicester Daily Mercury Monday 12 September 1977. Image © Reach plc.

Report on the annual meeting in September 1979.

Leicester Daily Mercury Monday 26 February 1979. Image © Reach plc.

Golfer's Handbook 1982; Membership 470; Secretary R W Palfrey; Professional Stan Long; 18-holes, 6,818 yards, SSS 72; Course records; Amateur; P J Allen, 69; Professional, H Boyle, 68; Visitors, £1.60 (£1.90}.

It was reported in August 1983 that plans to site hundreds of new homes on 48 acres of the Western Park golf course had moved through a major planning scheme.

Roman pottery found during changes to the course in 1985.

Leicester Daily Mercury Wednesday 5 June 1985. Image © Reach plc.

Burglars and Vandals strike in March 1988.

Leicester Daily Mercury Monday 21 March 1988. Image © Reach plc.

Layout of the course prior to the revision in 1988.

Golfer's Handbook 1985 - 1988; Membership 470 (36 ladies) (31 juniors); Secretary, A E Warren; Professional, S Long; 18-holes, 6,818 yards, SSS 72; Course records; Amateur; P J Allen, 69; Professional, H Boyle, 68; Visitors, £2.05 (£2.80}.

Report on the new/revised course layout in May 1988

Leicester Daily Mercury Tuesday 17 May 1988. Image © Reach plc.

Revised layout in 1988.

Golfer's Handbook 1991; Professional; Bruce N Whipham; 18-holes, 6,532 yards, SSS 71; Amateur course record; D E Gibson, 68; Visitors, £4.50 (£5.50).

Pro-am played in October 1992.

Leicester Daily Mercury Saturday 31 October 1992. Image © Reach plc.

Golfer's Handbook 1994; Professional; B N Whipham; 18-holes, 6,532 yards, SSS 71; Amateur course record; D E Gibson, 68; Visitors fees on application.

In September 1994 Western Park members John Scorer and George Jackson won County Alliance tournament at Glen Gorse with their better ball score of 62 net. 

Captains Drive-in March 1995.

Leicester Daily Mercury Wednesday 26 March 1995. Image © Reach plc.

Golfer's Handbook 1998 - 2004; Membership 300; Secretary, I A Nicholson; Professional B N Whipham; 18-holes, 6,532 yards, SSS 71; Amateur course record; G Jones. 66.

Golfer's Handbook 2006; Membership 300; Secretary Lee Preston; 18-holes 6,532 yards, SSS 71. 

Golfer's Handbook 2007 - 2008; Membership 300; Secretary, Lee Preston; Professional D Butler; 18-holes 6,532 yards, SSS 71.

The club continued to be listed in the Golfer's Handbook until it ceased publication in 2015.

The approach to the first hole.

The fifteenth green.

The eighteenth hole at Western Park.

The club was due to close at the end of October 2015. "Come and play it before it’s too late." was the plea.

After considering many options, Leicester City Council decided that Western Park Golf Course would be closed with investment being used to improve and continue running the larger golf facility at Humberstone Heights. "On balance, having considered all the available evidence, it has been decided that this approach offers the best basis for Leicester City Council to provide and maintain sustainable high quality golfing facilities in the City."

Despite a determined campaign to save the club the final round of golf was played on the course on 31 October 2015. 

The Google Map below shows the location of the later course.