The Internet's Most Comprehensive Guide

Helsby Golf Club, Cheshire. (1901 - 1936)

Founded in 1901.

The course opened in 1902 on 30 acres of land off Primrose Lane, bordered by Towers Lane and the railway.

The lease expired in 1915 which led to a move  to Helsby Hill, where they remained until 1936. The land at Helsby Hill cost £70 per year, which was more expensive than the old course, but there were advantages: Sunday play would be allowed, the lease included a house which could be let out for £15 a year, and the course would not be shared with grazing cattle. Subs were raised to £2 a year to meet the increased costs.

The club is not recorded in the 1905 Nisbet's Golf Yearbook.

In June 1911 A E Smith holed in one on the 80 yard fourth hole. The hole was guarded by a pit immediately in front of the green. This was the first time a hole in one had been recorded on the course.

Chester Chronicle Saturday 29 July 1911. Image © Reach plc.

The monthly summer medal was played on Saturday 10 August 1912. J Edmondson winning the silver button with a net score of 70.

Cheshire Observer Saturday 14 September 1912. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

On Saturday 21 March 1914 the final of the winter competition was played. The winner of the gold medal was J H C Brooking, the newly elected club captain.

The first of the summer competitions was played on Saturday 4 April 1914, leading scores; F J Jones, 87-18-69; F Stott, 84-12-72; P Robinson, 89-16-73; E W Crosland, 81-6-75; F Cole, 84-8-76; Mrs Martin, 97-20-77.

The winter medal was played in December 1914 and resulted in a tie between J Brotherton and E W Crosland both returning a net score 79.

Pre WW1 Ordnance Survey Map showing the golf course.

O.S. Map Revised 1908; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1911}.

In 1915 a new pavilion was built on the Helsby Hill. The club continued during the War years despite financial difficulties. The tenant of the house on the leased land, Mr Cooper, became responsible for maintaining the course, being paid 10/- a week for mowing and rolling twice weekly.

Leading scores in the September 1919 medal; H Knight, 78-12-66; J Brotherton, 78-9-69; F Stott, 81-10-71; W Geen, 86-14-72; F Cole, 82-7-75; Miss Stott, 101-26-75. 

Leading scores in the November 1920 medal; F Stott, 76-6-70; J H C Brooking, 84-12-72; A E Smith, 77-3-74; W Green, 88-14-74; J Cotterell, 92-18-74; F G Briant, 79-4-75.

At the annual meeting in February 1923 Mrs Edmonson was elected captain of the club.

Cheshire Observer Saturday 10 February 1923. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The monthly spoon competition in May 1927 resulted in a tie between J Noden and R R Routledge, the former won with a net score of 70.  

In May 1928 G Illidge holed in one at the 117 yard ninth-hole.

Leading scores in the December 1928 medal; G Jackson, 86-18-68; H Harding, 74-5-69; R Duncalf, 83-14-69; F Ward, 88-15-73; J P Higham, 95-22-73; J Brotherton, 90-16-74.

Cheshire Observer Saturday 11 October 1930. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Runcorn Weekly News Friday 27 February 1931.Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In May 1931 a competition for a silver cup given by the president, J Brotherton, finished in a tie between Dr H H Molloy and F Stott.

Cheshire Observer Saturday 13 February 1932. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Leading scores in the September 1932 (mixed) monthly medal; Miss Routledge, 90-29-61 (spoon winner); F G Briant, 71-5-66; H Harding, 69-2-67; H Bunnell, 80-11-69; W J Hughes, 77-7-70; Miss M Passant, 100-29-71; E J Harding, 76-4-72; F E Ward, 88-16-72; S L Partridge, 87-15-72; A J Roscoe, 82-8-74; F Scott, 91-16-75.

From the 1933 Golfer's Handbook; Membership of 150; Secretary - F E Ward, "Rock Mount," Helsby; green-keeper, R Duncalf; 10-holes; Station at Helsby, three-quarters of mile; Visitors, 2s/6d a day, 10s a week; Sunday play.

Cheshire Observer Saturday 21 October 1933. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Cheshire Observer Saturday 12 May 1934. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Result of the October 1936 monthly medal; G Illidge, 75-12-63 (spoon winner), F G Briant, 68-3-65; H J Routledge, 85-13-72; G Jackson, 89-15-74; J S H Riddock, 92-18-74; A J Roscoe, 83-8-75; F Ward, 89-14-75; W J Hughes, 80-4-76; S L Partridge, 85-8-77; R A Hayes, 89-12-77; P Dunbabin, 91-14-77.

Chester Chronicle Saturday 26 December 1936. Image © Reach plc.

The lease at Helsby Hill was due to expire on 1 February 1937. A dispute with the then owner led to the club moving back near its original location.

Location of the Helsby Hill course.