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Rudyard Lake Golf Club, Staffs. (1903 - 1926)

The North Staffordshire Railway were the owners of the land, and also owned three hotels, one being the Hotel Rudyard which was refurbished in the early 1900s. Most of the area took on the appearance of what would today be called a Leisure Complex; in a way it peaked about 80 years too early. If it were to be designed nowadays, in its marvellous setting, with its grand clubhouse, success would seem almost guaranteed. Leisure in the early 20th century at Rudyard Lake was mainly day tripping by train for fishing trips, walking, pleasure boating, fetes, regattas and picnicking.

In 1903 land was acquired for the golf course, the course opened on 19 April 1906. It began life as a nine-hole course, extending to eighteen-holes in 1908.

The first professional, appointed in 1906, was W Utton formerly professional at Trentham Golf Club. First President was Charles Bill, MP for Leek, and the secretary was Frances James Illesley, a bank manager, who had a short stay in the position. Many of the North Staffordshire Railway hierarchy were prominent club officials.

Staffordshire Sentinel Saturday 13 October 1906. Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

A bogey competition played in October 1906 resulted in tie between D H Brownfield and R J Dunn both 1up.

Result from the autumn meeting in 1906.

Staffordshire Sentinel Saturday 3 November 1906. Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Below are reports on the extended course and the visit of Alex Herd in 1907.

Staffordshire Sentinel Saturday 21 December 1907. Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

From the Manchester Courier & Lancashire General Advertiser 24 December 1907. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

It was generally accepted in the early part of the century that Sundays should be observed as a day of worship and rest. Many golf courses throughout Britain observed the Sabbath but this didn’t really fit with the North Staffordshire Railway’s desire to promote the area. Eventually they were allowed to run Sunday trains to Rudyard and golf was permitted. Membership gradually increased at the club from the initial figure of 114 to 200 just prior to WW1. Spring and Autumn competitions became a very popular part of the golfing calendar.

The First Tee. Postcard published by Wild & Kray for the North Staffordshire Railway. Authors Collection.

Autumn meeting 1908.

Staffordshire Sentinel Tuesday 27 October 1908. Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Report on the annual meeting in 1909.

Staffordshire Sentinel Monday 1 February 1909. Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Result of a match played in May 1909.

Staffordshire Sentinel Tuesday 11 May 1909. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Professional tournament in 1910.

Staffordshire Advertiser Saturday 3 September 1910. Content provided by THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Staffordshire Sentinel Saturday 24 December 1910. Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Match played in 1912.

Leek Times Saturday 8 June 1912. Content provided by THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Staffordshire Sentinel Thursday 24 April 1913. Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In 1914 entry fees for gents were £2/2/0 and ladies £1/1/0. Subs for gents £1/11/6 and ladies10/6. Visitors’ tickets were available at the residential club house at Cliffe Park Hall, Rushton, Macclesfield. Fees were 2/6 a day, 7/6 a week and 15/- a month. Sunday play was allowed without caddies. The North Staffordshire Railway station was 5 minutes from the clubhouse.

Staffordshire Sentinel Saturday 17 February 1923. Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In 1923 visitors, who did not require introduction, paid 3/- a day, Sundays 5/-.

Staffordshire Sentinel Saturday 2 August 1924. Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In December 1924 C Smith, who had been professional at Stockton Brook for 12 years, was appointed professional to the Rudyard club. Mrs Smith would fulfil the duties of stewardess.

Macclesfield Times Thursday 9 April 1925. Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Staffordshire Sentinel Monday 20 July 1925. Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

From the 1926 Golfer's Handbook; Rudyard (Staffordshire); Membership 280; Hon. secretary - E R Bull, Cliffe Park Hall, Rushton, near Macclesfield; 18-holes; Course records; Amateur - R J Dunn, 72; Professional - J Shoesmith, 67; Visitors, 2s/6 a day, Sundays 3s/6d, 12s/6d a week, £1 a month. Visitors do not need introduction.

It was reported at the Leek Licensing Sessions in February 1928 that the number of clubs registered up to 31 January had a decrease of one  on the previous year, the Rudyard Lake Golf Club having ceased to exist.

A decline in membership and competition from local clubs put paid to any further progress of Rudyard Golf Club. 

An early postcard of Rudyard Lake Golf Club.

Plan of the 18 hole course. 

Above are views of the former Rudyard course, the sixth and seventh holes and the Golf House. Postcards printed by W&K London. Authors Collection

We visited the site in 2008 and took the above pictures of the Golf House and course. Interesting that after 80 years many features of the former course could still be made out. Authors Collection.

Ordnance Survey Map from the 1920s showing the Golf Course.

O.S. Map Revised 1922; © Crown Copyright (year of publication 1926).