Harrogate Golf Club, Birk Crag Course, North Yorkshire. (1891 - 1899)

The club was formed in May 1891.

The clubs first course was at Birk Crag, it continued at this location until 1899. The original course, laid out by Willie Park, was about a twenty minute walk from the railway station.

Below is a report on the first meeting in February 1892.

 

Harrogate Golf Club, Birk Crag Course, North Yorkshire. The first meeting held in February 1892

From the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News Thursday 18 February 1892. Image © Illustrated London News Group.

 

It was reported in June 1892 that the club was making considerable progress and there had been a large influx of members. The professional, Tom Chisholm, and his assistant, had worked hard to get the greens in order, despite the recent drought, report below.

 

Harrogate Golf Club, Birk Crag Course, North Yorkshire. Course description June 1892.

From the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News Saturday 18 June 1892. Image © Illustrated London News Group.

 

There was a good attendance at the annual meeting in January 1893 the secretary J E Thomas, in the chair. It was confirmed that Willie Park of Muselburgh, was secured with object of laying out the links. A corrugated iron pavilion had been erected for the comfort of the members. Following are the officers for the year; President, J L Wharton; vice-presidents - Dr. A S Myrtle, H J Hunt and R Carter; captain, H Russell Smith; hon. treasurer, B Nussey; hon. secs., J E Thomas and J Booth. 

Result of the April 1895 monthly medal; J M Fawcett, jnr., 109-21-88; J J Kayll, 109-21-88; G F Milner, 110-21-89; R E Wood, 113-24-89; M S Smith, 117-21-96; H R Cousins, 127-30-97; C R Caird, 120-21-99.

Result of the Watts Prize played in 1895.

 

Harrogate Golf Club, Birk Crag Course, North Yorkshire.  Result of the Watts Prize played in 1895.

Pateley Bridge & Nidderdale Herald Saturday 6 July 1895. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

The annual meeting was held in the Queens Hotel in February 1896, Dr. Williams presided. The following officers were elected; President, Lord Harewood; vice-presidents - Dr. Myrtle, Dr. Hunt, Dr. Williams, E B Faber, B Nussey, G Richardson; captain, E B Cooke; treasurer, J C Eddison; secretaries, J E Thomas and J T Booth. Dr. Williams, on behalf of the club, presented the medal won by Mr Swinburne, who won the Nussey-Thomas Cup last year.

Result of the October 1897 monthly medal; A Mallinson, 92-10-82; J M Fawcett, jun., 95-12-83; J A Greene, 108-18-90; W E Scharff, 109-18-91; M Strang Smith, 110-16-94.

Plan of the "New Harrogate Course" in April 1898.

 

Harrogate Golf Club, Yorkshire. Layout of the "New Harrogate Course" in April 1898.

Yorkshire Evening Post Saturday 30 April 1898. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

The club began playing on the new Starbeck course in 1898, it officially opened in May 1899. It was sometimes called Starbeck Golf Club.

The picture below is of the Northern Ladies' Foursomes played on the Starbeck in 1925.

 

Starbeck (Harrogate) Golf Club, Yorkshire. Ladies' match on the Starbeck course in 1925.

 

Starbeck Golf course Clubhouse

The Starbeck Clubhouse. (Authors Collection)

 

The Google Map below shows the location of the earlier Birk Crag course.