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St Margaret's at Cliffe Golf Club, Dover. (1899 - WW2)

The club was founded in 1899 with a 9-hole course and a membership of 40.

From the Sporting Life Monday 4 December 1899 -"The new club at Dover has been duly formed, and will be known as the St Margaret Golf Club. Mr Rose Innes is captain, and Dr Pollard secretary."

One of the founder members was Mr G H Cotton-Stapleton. Officials; President, Rt. Hon. Earl Granville; Vice-Presidents, Major Hon. John Jacob Astor M.P; Sir Johnstone Forbes-Robertson, Henry Hayward J.P; Secretary, Major A Morrison; Treasurer, H S Cundell; Captain, Brigadier-General A Jack; Committee – H Hayward, chairman; Col A L Caldwell; F A Belchamber; Henry Emden; E Lyford; F W Game; J P Cross; J S Walton; H F Wyatt; S H Leigh; H Lett; Ladies’ section – Captain, Mrs Annandale; Secretary, Miss K Wilson; Trustees – Henry Hayward; J E Lukey; V G Smith; F A Belchamber, O.B.E.

Below, Club Captains.

1899/1900 Brig-Gen A Jack 1920/21 General Wray
1900/01 Arthur Lane 1921/22 Sir J Forbes Robertson
1902/03 A E Aldington 1922/23 Maj A Morrison
1903/04 V G Smith 1924/25 E Lyford
1904/05 F B Greenstreet 1925/26 F W Gane
1905/06 P M Lucas 1926 Brig-Gen A Jack
1906/07 W Hanks 1927 F A Belchamber O.B.E
1907/08 P W Duckham 1928 S G Wallace
1909/10 C H Dudley Ward 1929 R D Morrison
1910/11 Dr C H Adamson 1930 S H Leigh
1911/12 Dr C H Anderson 1931 Colonel Caldwell
1912/13 R R Campbell 1932 J E Lukey
1914 A M Hendricks    
1914-1919 None (WW1)    
1919/20 V G Smith    

On Easter Monday in April 1901 a handicap competition was held, it was won by Mr F M Mayor, 108-10-98. The course was reported to be in excellent condition, there was now a clubhouse (Rose Bank) close to the links where luncheons, teas etc were served.

Below, result of a match played at St Margaret’s against Dover Golf Club on Saturday 2nd November 1901. 

St Margaret's Golf Club   Dover Golf Club  
A K Mackey 0 Capt Pigott 8
H S Cundall 0 Capt Bliss 6
Mr Wallis 0 Mr McGregor 5
A V Greenstreet 0 Capt Arnold 2
G A Lane 0 Col Curtis 2
F B Greenstreet 0 Capt Gorman 1
A H Howles (half) 0 L F Beatson (half) 0
V G Smith 1 H Bryan 0
P F Cripps 6 Capt Knocker 0
G A Sweatman 6 Mr Wynne 0
  13   24

The third competition for the Challenge Silver Bowl presented to the club by H S Cundell took place in August 1904, result; J H Hammond, 91-12-79; A H Owles, 97-14-83; H Bomford, 100-15-85; T L Matthews, 111-24-87; M Coode, 109-20-89; V G Smith, 91-2-89; J A Wallis, 107-12-95. The monthly medal was won by J Kirkwood with a net score of 89.

From the 1905 Nisbet's Golf Yearbook; Instituted 1899; Membership of 160; Hon. secretary, P F Cripps; Captain, P M Lucas; Entrance fee, £1/1s; Ladies, 10s/6d; Professional, E Heath; Nine-holes; Professional course record (18-holes), E Heath, 78; Terms for visitors, 2s/6d a day, 5s a week.

In 1906 at a general meeting of the club it was announced that the course was to be extended to 18-holes. A new clubhouse was also under construction at a cost of £1400 the necessary funds being advanced by Walter Emden at 5% per annum. The committee estimated that the cost of furnishing the clubhouse, purchasing stock and making the additional nine holes etc would cost about £400. It was also decided at the meeting to make a small increase in subscriptions to cover the costs.

Below the clubhouse and extended course in March 1907.

 

St Margaret's at Cliffe Golf Club, Dover. New clubhouse and extended course in March 1907.

Dover Express Friday 29th March 1907. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

Result of an eclectic competition held in September 1909 and played over two rounds, the best score for each hole in either round was to count; C M Rigby, 78-14-64; R H Campbell, 84-15-79; J H Hammond, 80-10-70; D S Higgins, 88-18-70; J C M Jacobs, 89-18-71; C H Adamson, 81-10-71; J B Eames, 90-18-72; M Turner, 84-10-74; W S Hitchins, 84-9-75; S N C Whit(e)head, 93-18-75;  F Broadwood, 92-14-78; A S Otterson, 100-18-82; F G Slade, 101-16-85.

Results of competitions played at Whitsuntide June 1911; Saturday 3rd June - The Cundell Silver Bowl; W C Hawke, 84-12-72; Miss Downes, 88-14-74; A W Pritchard, 92-10-82; F P McNeil, 105-18-87; W H Vickress, 104-14-90; Monday 5th June - The Captain's Prize; Miss M Downes (14), 9up; *S G James (scr) 1up*; R R Campbell (16), all square; R Massey Brown (18), 3down; J M Lovell (18), 5down; G H Cotton-Stapleton (14), 5down.

*S G James played in the Amateur Championship at Sandwich in 1908. S G James jnr. played in the Amateur Championship at Prestwick in 1911. 

Cundell Bowl competition was played on Saturday 10th October 1913, there were only two competitors, and it ended in a tie, result; F Dobson (secretary), 89-11-78; P R MacDonald, 88-10-78, Mr Dobson won the play-off.

In 1914 the secretary was F Dobson at the Golf Club, St Margaret's and the professional W R Heath (1899 to 1926). An 18-hole course on chalk downs. There was a membership of 120 gents and 80 ladies. Entry fees were £2/2/0, subs for gents were £2/2/0 and ladies £1/1/0. Visitors’ fees were 2/6 a day, 7/- a week. Easter & Whit weeks and July, August, September, 10/6 a week, 20/- a fortnight, 30/- a month. Sunday play was allowed.

 

St Margaret's at Cliffe Golf Club, Kent. The course layout.

Layout of the eighteen hole course.

 

Below, card of the course.

Hole Name Yards Par Hole Name Yards Par
1 Ditch 325 4 10 Long 485 5
2 Chalk Pit 450 4 11 Swingate 215 3
3 Road 295 4 12 Hedge 501 5
4 New 297 4 13 Short 115 3
5 Corner 577 5 14 Farm 268 4
6 Warren 215 3 15 Cottage 387 4
7 Tree 312 4 16 Valley 323 4
8 Pond 332 4 17 Majuba 263 4
9 Punch Bowl 154 3 18 Home 242 3
Out   2957 35   In 2799 35
          Out 2957 35
          Total 5756 70

In 1919 the St Margaret’s clubhouse was to be put up for sale at the instruction of the trustees of the late Mr Emden’s will.

In 1922 the secretary was J S Walton, Mr and Mrs Everson were Steward and Stewardess.

In February 1922 the ladies section joined the Ladies Golf Union, Mrs F L Caldwell was appointed secretary of the ladies section of the club. The club took advantage of the visit to the neighbourhood of Miss McFarlane, secretary of the LGU. She was arranging the forthcoming Ladies’ International at Princes’ Sandwich. Miss McFarlane was invited to St Margaret’s with another well known player Miss Lobbett, they were to fix the official LGU par of the course. This took place On February 14th unfortunately the weather was cold with sleet showers, this did not deter several of the lady members of the club attending, including Miss Cavenagh, Miss Thomson, Miss Boothby, they followed the players and saw a fine exhibition of golf. Miss Lobett hit some very long drives while Miss McFarlane’s unconventional one handed putting style was phenomenal. As a result of the round the par for the course was fixed in accordance with the LGU. It was hoped that the lady members of the club would take out their score cards to obtain their LGU handicaps.

Result of a club match played at St Margaret’s against Downs Golf Club, Deal (also defunct).

St Margarets' Golf Club   Downs Golf Club  
Sir J Forbes Robertson 0 Mr Arnold (5&4) 1
V G Smith (9&8) 1 Mr Porter 0
A R Fisher (2&1) 1 F A Wilson 0
H Pentelow (half) 0 Mr Seagrove (half) 0
E Lyford (1up) 1 Mr Avery 0
Colonel Caldwell 0 C F Wilson (3&2) 1
Mr McTavish (2&1) 1 Mr Henson 0
F W Gane (2up) 1 Mr Brown 0
O D Hampson (4&3) 1 Mr Boncy 0
Major Morrison (half) 0 Mr Leidig (half) 0
W L Morrison (1up) 1 Mr Cotton 0
J J O'Shea (1up) 1 Mr Wheatley 0
  8   2

Results of competitions held in September 1922.

The Forbes Robertson Bowl. Semi finals, A E Morrison (17) beat O D Hempson (16) 9 & 8, A R Fisher (9) beat E Lyford (11) 3 & 2. Final, A E Morrison beat A R Fisher 3 & 2.

Dudley Ward Cup for ladies. Semi finals, Miss McArthur beat Miss Steele-Perkins 5 & 3, Mrs McDonald beat Miss Pearson 5 & 4. Final, Miss McArthur beat Mrs Donald 3 & 2.

The monthly medal was won by Captain H Pentilow, 86 - 10 – 76. 

In 1923 the secretary was Captain H Pentelow. The professional was W Heath and the greenkeeper H Hewlett. Membership at this time was about 200. Course records were, amateur V G Smith 71 and professional W Heath 69. Visitors in July, August, September, Whit, Easter and Xmas paid 4/- a day, 15/- a week, £2/10/0 a month at other times fees were 3/- a day, 12/6 a week, 35/- a month. There were special terms for Naval and Military Officers on active duty in the area. Sunday play was allowed.

Following are results of competitions held in 1923.

An interesting match reported in the Dover Express in July. It’s well worth reflecting on the style of reporting and of the game of golf of that time.

“Two of the St Margaret’s Golf Club caddies, Leonard Drew and Freddy Wellard, having developed remarkable powers, it was decided to hold a competition between them on the evening of the 12th July, to test their capacity. Colonel A L Cadwell acted as umpire to ensure that the rules of the R&A where adhered to, in so important a contest.

Drew turned up with three clubs, but Wellard was armed with four. Neither of these two future champions as yet possess’s a putter, brassie or niblick. For all that their play was astonishing. Wellard, who affects the style of Walter Hagen, drove off the first tee and sent his ball (a re-paint) 250 yards up to the style. Drew, on this occasion was short and lost the hole. On the second tee Wellard again drove his ball 250 yards, almost reaching the green, 430 yards away with his second. For all that he obtained what the American call a “birdie” at the second. Little Drew now pulled himself together, and, although he had not read Cyril Tolley’s article on the “Secret of the Long Drive” can drive a ball as far and as true of that of Paladin, when we consider their proportionate sizes. It would be wearying to describe the many long drives and fine approach shots these boys made, but it must be confessed they were week on the greens, as their putts would not go down. To putt well one must have a putter, which neither of these lads have at present.

The ancient Israelites could not make bricks without straw, neither can Wellard or Drew putt without putters. Otherwise, they are nearly up to that scratch that floats competitors into the Open Chapionship. The match was a ding-dong affair, Wellard eventually winning on the 17th green”

The Open Annual Meeting held in August.

August 6th Cundell Cup winner; Colonel Caldwell 83 – 12 – 71.

August 11th morning bogey round; G W Sheperd,  H’cap11 (Fulwell Golf Club) all square; Royston Hughes, 9 (Royal Wimbledon Golf Club) 2 down.

Afternoon mixed foursomes; Miss D Cavenagh & Major Paterson, 2 down; Miss Macarthur & Colonel Caldwell, 6 down.

August 12th Captain’s Prize; Major Paterson, 83 – 8 – 75.

August 13th O’Keefe Open Challenge Cup (36 holes); R R Campbell (St Margaret’s) 91 + 96 = 187 – 36 – 151; G P Simmons (Northwick Park Golf Club) 94 + 95 = 189 – 36 – 153; V G Smith (St Margaret’s) 78 + 88 = 166 – 6 – 160.

Club match played in September against Walmer & Kingsdown.

St Margarets' Golf Club   Walmer & Kingsdown Golf Club  
V G Smith (3&1) 1 Admiral Sir H Robinson 0
Major Paterson (5&4) 1 J Parsons 0
R D Morrison 0 A G Freeman (5&4) 1
Rev Yeomans (4&3) 1 Colonel A Cooke 0
Captain Pentelow (half) 0 Colonel Finlaison (half) 0
Colonel Caldwell (6&4) 1 Colonel Thompson 0
C T Sickings (2up) 1 F A Powell 0
Major Morrison 0 F E Sharpin (1up) 1
  5   2

Also in September the Final of the Forbes Robertson Bowl; Major H S Paterson beat Mr V G Smith 4&2.

September medal won by Captain Pentelow; 81 – 10 – 71.

The winner of the November medal; R L Cantley 94 – 19 – 74. Also in November, The Cundell Cup was won by; E Lyford 87 – 12 – 75.

The secretary at the club from February 1924 to December 1933 was Major Archibald Robinson. 

 

St Margaret's at Cliffe Golf Club, Kent. Players waiting on the first tee.

Waiting on the first tee.

 

Below is the result of a match played at St Margaret’s against Downs Golf Club on Sunday 30th June 1924, the home team finished up easy winners. 

Singles.

St Margaret's Golf Club   Downs Golf Club  
E Lyford (half) 0 A F Avery (half) 0
W H Clifford (3&2) 1 H Boncey 0
L W Rampton (6&4) 1 J Henson 0
J B Haly (2&1) 1 J W Brown 0
Col Caldwell (5&4) 1 J Turk 0
Maj Morrison (3&1) 1 S J Channing 0
F W Gane 0 J F Arnold (4&3) 1
H H Dommitt (5&3) 1 R J Arnold 0
  6   1

Foursomes.

St Margaret's   Downs  
E Lyford & L W Rampton (4&3) 1 A F Avery & J Turk 0
W H Clifford & F W Gane (3&2) 1 H Boncey & R J Arnold 0
J B Haly & H H Dommitt (4&3) 1 J W Brown & J Henson 0
Col Caldwell & Maj Morrison (3&1) 1 J F Arnold & S J Channing 0
  4   0

Below, result of a ladies’ match played at St Margaret’s at Cliffe on Tuesday 28th October 1930 against Hythe.

St Margarets' Golf Club   Hythe Golf Club  
Mrs Fisher (8&7) 1 Miss Hairland 0
Miss Steele-Perkins (6&5) 1 Mrs Ninnis 0
Miss Cundell (2&1) 1 Mrs Drake 0
Mrs Lyford (4&3) 1 Miss Connor 0
Mrs Forbes (half) 0 Miss Ramsey (half) 0
Mrs Campbell (5&4) 1 Mrs Wright 0
Miss Wilson (2&1) 1 Mrs Garrett 0
Miss Wallace 0 Miss Callaghan (6&5) 1
  6   1

Result of the Lyford Cup played in October 1930; O G B Jones, 92-13-79; S H Leigh, 93-14-79. 

Also played in October 1930 was the match play competition for the Forbes-Robertson Cup, result as follows; First round – W M Lumsden (4&3) beat E H Craig; O G B Jones (7&5) beat T W Durrant; W Garland (6&4) beat H A R Denton; E G King (5&3) beat H C Camp; E Lyford (4&3) beat G G Gane; A R Fisher (6&4) beat F H Wyeth; S G Wallace (1up) beat S H Leigh; A L Green (7&6) beat W A Wallace.

In the final O G B Jones (5&4) beat A L Green. 

In the mid 1930s the secretary was Trevor Davidson Southgate and the professional J W Robinson (1926 to closure). The 18 Holes had a SSS of 72 and Par of 71. Amateur course record holder was Major C McNab 73Local hotel was The Bay which was delightfully situated in its own grounds quite close to the sea. South facing with over 30 bedrooms there was a comfortable lounge, Billiard room, Central Heating, Electric Lights. The only local licensed hotel it also had a large garage.

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

St Margaret's at Cliffe Golf Club   Folkestone Golf Club  
Major McNab 1 W J Hatcher 0
R V Hare (half) 0 R Hall (half) 0
A Jack 1 Colonel Trevor 0
G Shuter 0 Captain Sobutt 1
G Pickard 0 L Noble 1
A L Green 0 C F Nicholson 1
W Garland 0 A E Norris 1
P S Neylan 1 T L Kendrick 0
Major McNab & A Jack 0 W J Hatcher & R Hall 1
R V Hare & A L Green 1 Colonel Trevor & Captain R Sobutt 0
G Shuter & G Pickard 1 L Noble & C F Nicholson 0
W Garland & P S Neylan 1 A E Norris & T Kendrick 0
  6   5

On Wednesday 28th July 1937 the 36 hole Kent Professional Golfers’ Union mixed foursomes competition was held on the Bromley and Bickley course. The winners were Mr W J Robinson (professional) and Mrs Leonard Alston from the St Margaret’s Golf Club.

In 1937 there was a membership of 250. The SSS ad been revised to 70 and the new amateur course record was held by G Pickard 72. Visitors’ fees during Summer, Easter and Xmas were,4/- a day, 15/- a week, £2 a month. Other times 3/-, 15/-, £2. Sunday play was allowed.

In 1938 the secretary was W Garland, professional W J Robinson. Course records, amateur, G Pickard 70 and professional W J Robinson 67. The course had a SSS of 72 and a Par of 70.

Following is the result of the January 1938 monthly medal; G Robson (16) 67; A L Green (10) 73; A Davis (18) 74; H R Denton (15) 77; R S Starr (11) 76; H H Cundell (13) 76; G H Crawford (15) 77; A Davies (18) 80. There were four no returns.

1939 was to be the final year of the clubs existence and following is a selection of the competitions. Does anyone recognise any of the competitors? I would welcome any information.

Result of the monthly medal played on Sunday Feb 5th 1939; G Pickard, 78 – 1 – 77; R E Pain, 96 – 18 – 78; Capt E N Applebe, 93 – 14 – 79; H A R Denton, 89 – 9 – 80; A Davies, 100 – 18 – 82.

Medal result from March 1939; P Bland, 95 – 21 – 73; Major R W Hornsby, 92 – 18 – 76; E E Marples, 87 – 6 – 81; G Pickard 84 – 1 – 83.

Medal result for April 1939; A Jenner, 83 – 18 – 65; R S Starr, 80 – 8 – 72; A L Green, 84 – 10 – 74; L P Marshall, 94 – 20 – 74; J Worth, 102 – 24 – 78; G Pickard, 81 – 1 – 80; R R Barwick, 96 – 24 – 82.

Results of the Easter competition’s in April 1939. Easter Saturday medal round; H A R Denton, 81- 9 – 72; R Bland, 84 – 9 – 75; L P Marshall, 96 – 20 – 76; S Murray. 97 – 20 – 77; N Bland, 90 – 8 – 72.

Sunday foursomes; N Bland & S Murray, 71; Captain & Mrs Applebe, 77; R V & D Hare, 77 ½; F W & R Bland, 78; Lumsden & Dinwoodie, 79; Pickard & Barwick, 80; Youden & Clitheroe-Smith, 82; Davies & Denton, 83; Mr & Mrs Marples, 85.

Result of the “Daily Telegraph & Morning Post” competition held in early May 1939; Seniors, R S Starr, 84 – 8 – 76; reserve, A L Green, 88 – 10 – 78. Juniors; G Youden, 83 – 14 – 69; A Fish, 89 – 18 – 71; reserve, A Davis, 89 – 18 – 71. The monthly medal result; E G Sharp, 90 – 24 – 66; W H Fish, 89 – 22 – 67; G H Youden, 83 – 14 – 69; J H Turnpenny, 94 – 24 – 70; D McDonald, 84 – 14 – 70; A Davis, 89 – 18 – 71.

Ladies match against North Foreland in June 1939.

St Margarets' Golf Club   North Foreland Golf Club  
Miss Towser 0 Mrs Mc Lennan (2up) 1
Mrs Starr 0 Mrs Innes (5&4) 1
Mrs Applebe (3&2) 1 Mrs Bowser 0
Miss Hawkins 0 Mrs Card (5&4) 1
Mrs Marples (2&1) 1 Mrs Griffith-Jones 0
Mrs Hunter 0 Lady Vestey (1up) 1
  2   4

The Brassey Cup was competed for annually by the Dover and St Margaret’s Golf Clubs. The result of the match played in June 1939 as follows.

Foursomes:

St Margarets' Golf Club   Dover Golf Club  
S S Marples & G Robson (half) 0 T E Archer & G Colebrook (half) 0
R S Starr & Mr Ewing 0 R C Gubbins & J B Mason (1up) 1
A Green & R V Hare (1up) 1 G Werts & F Lockwood 0
H S Leigh & J Trowsdale 0 W R Slatter & A S Lewis (3&1) 1
G H Youden & C Gane 0 R J Briggenshaw & J S Lewis (1up) 1
G Crawford & E Applebe (6&5) 1 H J Sawyer & F G Licence 0
  2   3

Singles:

St Margarets' Golf Club   Dover Golf Club  
G Robson 0 T E Archer (3&2) 1
S S Marples 0 G Colebrook (1up) 1
R S Starr 0 R Gubbins (4&3) 1
G Crawford 0 J B Mason (3&1) 1
A Green (6&5) 1 G Werts 0
R V Hare (1up) 1 F Lockwood 0
H S Leigh 0 W R Slatter (4&3) 1
J Trowsdale 0 A S Lewis (3&2) 1
G H Youden 0 R J Briggenshaw (1up) 1
C Gane (4&2) 1 J S Lewis 0
E N Applebe (4&2) 1 F G Licence 0
Mr Ewing 0 H J Sawyer (4&3) 1
  4   8

Mr H A J Ryeland, captain of the St Margaret’s club presented the cup to the victorious Dover team who won the overall match by 11 ½ to 6 ½ .

The Emden Cup played in August 1939; Rev E S Beasant-Matthews, 82 – 20 – 62, F Bland, 89 – 21 – 68, W McDonald, 82 – 13 – 69, J H Turnpenny, 95 – 24 – 71, G Pickard, 72, C G Gane, 86 – 14 – 72, R Barwick, 97 – 24 – 73, G Hatch, 94 – 20 – 74, Sir A F Strickland, 87 – 13 – 74, R Bland, 84 – 9 – 75, S Marples, 82 – 6 – 76, Charnaud jnr, 79.

August Ladies medal; Mrs Starr, 87 – 14 – 73, Mrs Took, 92 – 15 – 77.

Fourball bogey played Sunday August 6th; W H Luck & W H Fish, 7up, P Charnaud & Charnaud jnr, 4up, Bland & Bagalgette, 4up, J Eddy & Carroll, 4up, S Turnpenny & J Turnpenny, 3up, G H Youden & C G Gane, 3up, G Pickard & Sweatman, 2up, Smith & G Robson, 1up, J Worth & Browne, 1up, W Tozer & R Hornsby, 1down, D Kent-Jones & Hastings, 1down, Marshall & H Denton, 1down, A Fletcher & W Lumsden, 2down.

The above were to be the final competitions held at the St Margaret’s at Cliffe Golf Club.

In the clubs final years just prior to WW2 the secretary was W Garland, “Solana”, St Margaret's at Cliffe and the professional J W Robinson. G Pickard now held the amateur course record with a score of 70.

St Margaret's at Cliffe Golf Club, Kent. The clubhouse.

Photographic postcard of the St Margaret's clubhouse pre WW1 , by J B Madge, Post Office, St Margaret's at Cliffe (Authors Collection).

 

St Margaret's at Cliffe Golf Club, Kent. Location of the former golf course.

Location of the St Margaret’s course.

Grid reference TR35190,44620, co-ordinates 635190,144620.