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Folkestone Golf Club, Radnor Park Avenue, Kent. (1888 - 1965)

The club was founded in 1888.

It was reported in the Kentish Gazette in May 1888 that General Gwyn  had been appointed captain of the Folkestone Golf Club.

There is no mention of Folkestone Golf Club in the 1888/89 Golfing Annual.

Folkestone Chronicle Saturday 12 January 1889.

In 1891 it was reported that the Folkestone Golf Club course was located at Broadmead Farm, half-a-mile from Radnor Park and Shorncliffe stations. The secretary was H A Beeching, Lloyd's Bank, Sandgate Road. Annual subscription was one guinea.

Broadmead Farm in the 1890s was at the junction of Cherry Garden Avenue and Cheriton Road. (On the opposite side of the road to The Harvey Grammar School nowadays.)

The later Folkestone Golf Club course was laid out in Radnor Park on land owned by the Earl of Radnor. When the club actually moved to Radnor Park is still to be found. The club continued at this location until the mid 1960s when the land was sold. An 18-hole inland course with good greens and plenty of hazards. The railway station at Folkestone Central was ¼ mile away.

Folkestone Golf Club button. 

From The Golfing Annual 1891/92; Instituted 1890; Entrance fee £1/1s and annual subscription £1/1s; number of members 50; president, General Jackson; captain, General Gwyn; committee - General Sir B Edwards, C.B., Capt. Layton, E T Ward, Capt. Eccles, Rev. A Day, Major Blackhall; hon. secretary - H A Beeching, 4 Sandgate Road, Folkestone; club prizes - monthly medal (handicap); Morris Cross (handicap); Edward's Prize (ladies). The course which consists of nine-holes is over the meadows of Broadmoor Farm, kindly placed at the disposal of the club by Mr Jefferys. In the winter and spring the turf is excellent and the hazards are numerous. The putting greens are small but fairly good, and kept in good order throughout the year. In the summer there is very little play on account of the length of the grass.

On Saturday 28 February 1891 the first monthly competition of 20-holes, over the new 10-hole course was played (this is the only mention of ten-holes). The course at this time was in a rough state, and the hazards, which consisted of hedges and brooks were numerous. Mr Faithfull, a well-known golfer from Wimbledon and Felixstowe, played a fine game. Leading scores; Mr Faithfull, 97-10-87; Mr Ward, 123-25-98; Captain Eccles, 119-20-99.

The AGM was held in the Town Hall in May 1891. Those present; Gen. Jackson (in the chair), General Gwyn, Mr Ward, Captain Layton, Colonel Gee, General Sir B Edwards, C.B, Mr Morris, Captain Eccles, Mr Bentinck, Mr De Guerin, Rev A Day, Mr Walker Myles, Dr Alston, Mr Miller, Mr Calverley, Mr Beeching (hon. sec.) Although the club were grateful to the landowner, Mr Jeffrey, who let the club use the land free of charge, it was thought that the club should be seeking a more permanent home. After a long discussion a small sub-committee was appointed to see if Mr Jeffrey, or any other land owner in the district, could sub-let land for a new course. Officials for 1891; President - General Jackson; Captain - General Gwyn; Secretary and Treasurer - H A Beeching; Committee - Major Blackall, Captain Layton, Rev A G Day, Captain Eccles, Sir Bevan Edwards, C T Ward.

Result of the monthly handicap played in August 1891; Captain Eccles, 99-16-83; Sir B Edwards, 107-24-83; Mr Morris, 106-20-86; Captain Conwy, 27-07.

Competition results from November 1891.

"Field" Friday 13 November 1891. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Competitions were regularly played at Folkestone during the 1890s. How long the club continued to play on the Broadmead course isn't, as yet, known.

Below is the result of the October 1892 handicap.

From the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News Saturday 15 October 1892. Image © Illustrated London News Group.

Below a professional match between Douglas Rolland and J Lloyd played in June 1894. 

From the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News Saturday 23 June 1894. Image © Illustrated London News Group.

Results from the spring meeting in May 1895.

"Golf" Friday 31 May 1895. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Matches played in May 1897.

"Golf" Friday 21 May 1897. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

In 1898 the December medal was won by Captiain Eccles with a score of 95-7-88, runner-up J W Jeffrey 98-5-93.

Below report from the Illustrated and Sporting Dramatic News March 1902.

From the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News Saturday 8 March 1902. Image © Illustrated London News Group.

The following report accompanies the above pictures - "It is impossible to write a single word about the Folkestone links without a tender recollection of him to whom the club in its early days owed so much. Captain Eccles who had the knack, possessed by few, of going to the very root of the matter, his sudden death cast much gloom over Folkestone golf. Those who knew him best liked him most, and the memory of poor Eccles will remain for ever green amongst Kent golfers.

Like the neighbouring Dover links, Folkestone is only a nine-hole course, but still the large number of visitors who flock to the Kentish watering-places during the summer months generally express themselves as more than satisfied with it. In the near future, that is to say about  six months hence, that bugbear to golf, building development, will necessitate the abandonment of two of the present holes and the substitution of two others. However, as far as can be gathered, the committee do not view the matter with any vast alarm as it is thought - wrongly or rightly - that the new holes will be on better ground than the old ones. The first hole is 282 yards in length, with a road facing the tee, and if this be carried and a good line kept, the way to the hole presents no dangers. The second hole is a short one of 125 yards, there has been three or four holes in one, the green is guarded by a watercourse. The third 330 yards - is a nice hole, as a ravine must be carried by the drive while the green is carefully guarded by a bunker. The fourth hole is a long one, 420 yards from the tee with plenty of obstacles; first of all there is a hedge about 115 yards away, and when this has been carried two more bunkers meet you on the way to the green. The fifth - 222 yards - with only a bunker to clear. The sixth is a very long hole - 468 yards - in fact, the longest on the course, and on the way to the hole a bunker and wire fence have to be negotiated. The seventh, although much shorter - 230 yards - wants careful play, as at a distance of 118 yards from the tee a wire fence has to be carried, and the green is well guarded by a watercourse. The eighth is another long hole - 445 yards - the first shot is over another watercourse, there are pits on both sides for a pull or a slice. The last is a pretty hole - 180 yards - the green is guarded by a road. The bogey score is fixed at 79, the record of the course is held by C A Edwards who has been round in the fine score of 76. The present captain is Sir W Style, who has previously been captain at Royal Wimbledon."

Professional match played at Folkestone in May 1903.

Jersey Evening Post Tuesday 19 May 1903. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From the 1905 Nisbet's Golf Yearbook; Instituted 1888; Membership of 87 gents and 72 ladies; hon. sec. - E W Mitchell, 8 Ingles Road, Folkestone; captain, Col. E A Jee; entrance fee £2/2s and subs £2/2s, ladies - £1/1s; nine-holes; green-keeper, W Porter; professional record - J H Taylor, 31+35=66, May 16th 1903; amateur record - A C Edwards, 36+38=74, April 27th 1903; terms for visitors, 2s/6d a day, 7s a week, £1/1s a month. The course is an inland one with good greens and plenty of hazards. The total length of the nine-holes is 2,671 yards. The Folkestone Ladies' Golf Club is a branch of the Folkestone Golf Club - same officials. Amateur record held by Miss Wood, 77.

Ordnance Survey Map from the 1900s showing the location of the golf course.

O.S. Map Revised 1906; © Crown Copyright {year of publication ca. 1908}.

On Saturday 27 June 1908 A J Balfour, leader of the opposition, opened the new extended 18-hole course and clubhouse.

Daily Mirror Tuesday 30 June 1908. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Description of the 18-hole course in August 1908.

Folkestone Express, Sandgate, Shorncliffe and Hythe Advertiser Saturday 29 August 1908. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Success at Hythe Golf Club For Folkestone golfer R H Ames.

Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic News Saturday 8 January 1910. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Result of a match played in April 1911.

Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate and Cheriton Herald Saturday 6 May 1911. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Below is the result of a match played at Barham against Folkestone on Thursday 9 October 1913.

The Golf Links Folkestone. Pre WW1 Judges’ Postcard (Authors Collection).

In 1914 the secretary was E W Mitchell at the Golf Club Folkestone. The professional from 1913 to WW2 was A Whiting. There was a membership of 184 gents  and 147 ladies. The entry fee for gents was £5/50 and ladies paid £3/3/0. Subs gents £3/3/0 and ladies £2/2/0. Visitors’ fees were 2/6 a day, 10/6 a week and £1/10/0 a month. August 1^st to September 10^th 3/- a day, 12/6 a week and £1/15/0 a month. Xmas and Easter weeks 21/- or 5/- a day. Sunday play allowed with caddies. Local hotel at this time was Wampachs.

Report and medal result in November 1915. Many clubs and courses had been given over for the war effort by this time.

Folkestone Express, Sandgate, Shorncliffe and Hythe Advertiser Saturday 13 November 1915. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Folkestone Golf Club Medal by Vaughton & Sons.

Effects of WWI in 1917.

From The World Tuesday 15 May 1917.

It was reported in August 1917 that a portion of the land at Folkestone Golf Club had been secured for food production. 

From the Evening News (London) Saturday 12 April 1919 - "The Folkestone Golf Club has been kept open continuously throughout the war and has been a great boon to Canadian and other officers and men quartered in Folkestone and its vicinity or home on leave. The whole course is in good order, the greens especially being in excellent condition. A number of visitors are now playing daily, and it is anticipated the entry for the Easter sweepstakes will be almost as numerous as they were before the war."

Monthly and other competitions were resumed in 1919. Result of the April 1919 monthly medal; G A Lucas, 92-18-74; W W Westmore, 92-6-86; Col. Dalison, 96-10-86; I N T Vachell, 96-10-86; Ladies' medal; Miss Thurburn, 108-18-90; Mrs Macauley, 101-11-90; Mrs Bendon, 105-15-90.

Britain From Above image from 1920 showing the Victoria Hospital and Folkestone Golf Course.

The images below are courtesy of Dixon Pickup who also provides the following information -"“Heavy gauge silver and I think a Medal originally, with a later shank. Pattern as for the earlier copper illustration but with ‘September 1920’ added.”

Result of the December 1922 Monthly medal.

Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate and Cheriton Herald Saturday 16 December 1922. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Competitions played in November 1923; Silver Challenge Cleek; Admiral Weymouth, 79-9-70; F L Oliver, 71 scratch; Lieut. D H Barton, 76-5-71; F B Kirbell, 83-11-72; H W Roach, 80-7-73; R A C Cholmeley, 83-9-74; E A Estcourt, 83-8-75; J W Riddell, 84-8-76; P Greenstreet, 84-7-77; Methven Challenge Cup; H W Roach, 171-18-153; F B Kirbell, 184-28-156; Admiral Weymouth, 183-24-159; P R Bladon, 169-6-163; W W Westmore, 180-16-164; Colonel C N Baker, 186-18-168; Colonel Sir C Laurie, 196-28-168; G F Hird, 202-34-168.

From 1924 to 29 the secretary was Captain H A Cramer-Roberts. The professional was still Albert Whiting. Membership at this time of 200 gents and 130 ladies. Course records were: amateur A C Edwards with a score of 71 and professional A Whiting 66. Visitors were required to be members of recognised clubs. Fees were 3/6 a day, 15/- a week,35/- a month. Special terms for weeks beginning on Thursday before Easter and Whitsun and from the 24^th December. There were also special terms for naval and military officers stationed and serving in Kent, also their wives. Local hotels were the Queens, Regina, Clifton and The Grand.

New Company -Folkestone Golf Club Ltd. in May 1926.

Kent Messenger Saturday 15 May 1926. Image © Iliffe News & Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Competitions played at the Summer Meeting In June 1928;  Silver Challenge Cleek; R Bladon, 71-4-67; J L L Davies, 78-11-67; Col W H Trevo, 74-5-69; Vernon Shone, 85-14-71; E Estcourt, 78-6-72; Club Prize; Major T A Wilson, 1up; Filmer Bennett Challenge Cup; F L Whittaker defeated T Norris, 2 and 1.

Ladies' match played in July 1928.

Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate and Cheriton Herald Saturday 28 July 1928. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Above from The Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic News 4 July 1931. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

A gathering of golfers at Folkestone (1930s?). 

Result of a home match against Dover Garrison Golfing Society played in May 1932.

Below is the result of a match played at St Margaret’s at Cliffe against Folkestone on Sunday 17 June 1934.

Ordnance Survey Map from the 1930s showing the location of the golf course and clubhouse.

O.S. Map Revised 1931; © Crown Copyright {year of publication ca. 1938}.

From The Tatler 5 February 1936. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

From The Bystander Wednesday 8 July 1936. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

From The Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic News 21 August 1936. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

New Artisans' Club in 1939.

Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate and Cheriton Herald Saturday 1 April 1939. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 Competitions played in May 1939.

Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate and Cheriton Herald Saturday 6 May 1939. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate and Cheriton Herald Saturday 23 December 1939. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

By 1940 there were few changes, the amateur course record holder who was now G D Hannay 65. The green-keeper was W Smith. The 18 holes had a SSS of 71.

The following report appeard in August 1940  "They say that Folkestone Golf Course is now the largest in the world. At least it has now more holes than any other."  

In 1947 the secretary was W A Murray, telephone 3510. The professional was G A Gower and the green-keeper C Burton.

Competition Spoon from 1949. Thanks to Graham Rowley.

1951 and the secretary was Lieutenant Colonel E T Pain. The professional was G A Gower and the green-keeper J Hilder. The 18-hole course had a SSS of 75. Visitors fees were now 3/6 a round and 5/- a day, at weekend it was 5/- a round and 7/6 a day, £1 a week and £3 a month.

The Sphere Saturday 17 August 1963. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In April 1965 Ian Black became captain after serving the previous year as vice-captain. H Bart-Smith succeeded him as vice-captain.

In the clubs final year of its lease in 1965 it was listed as Folkestone Golf Club (1954) Ltd, Radnor Park Avenue. Telephone 53510. The secretary was V S Woodiwiss. Membership was 400. The 18-hole course of 6,063 yards had a SSS of 71. The professional was C Whiting and the Green-keeper L Bell. Course Records were, Amateur W Pierce 69, professional H Weetman and S L King 66. Visitors’ fees were 7/6 a round, 10/- a day. June to September  10/- round or day. Weekend and Holidays 10/- a round 15/- a day. Local advertised hotels were the Grand, Burlington, Garden House, Prince’s, Lyndhurst and Clifton.

The present Sene Valley Golf Club, Hythe, came into being in 1965.

Later course scorecard and layout.

An early postcard showing the former Folkestone course. Postcard by The Photocrom Co Ltd, London and Tunbridge Wells, Celesque Series.

Earlier (1950s?) layout of  the Radnor course.

Course Scorecard.

Location of the course in 1908.

Location of the Folkestone course at Radnor Park in 1938. There’s a new clubhouse and the course has moved to the south, there is also further road development, a sign of things to come.