HISTORY
Church Stretton is the oldest 18-hole golf course in Shropshire and one of the highest courses in the United Kingdom.
It has always been thought that the course at Church Stretton was designed, predominantly, by James Braid. This has been thrown into doubt by some research done by Iain Cumming, a prominent Golf Historian.
He has discovered that the course was actually designed by John (Jack) Morris of Hoylake Golf Club and James Hepburn, a professional golfer, from Royston Golf Club. Harry Vardon and later James Braid made changes to the course but were not involved in the initial planning.
It seems that Church Stretton is one of the very few courses played by the Triumvirate, namely Harry Vardon, James Braid and J.H.Taylor, even though they may have played it at different times.
The first references to Morris' and Hepburn's involvement was chronicled in Golf Magazine (A fore runner of Golf Illustrated) dated 18th March 1898. J.H.Taylor played a match against Harry Vardon in July 1898 (according to p.308 of the Golf Magazine dated 1st July 1898)
The first comment made about the course appeared on page 4 of the Church Stretton Advertiser (07.07.1898) where it was commented "...golf links gave every satisfaction." Later the same year it went on to confirm that James Hepburn was indeed associated with the club:
"H.J.Hepburn, professional coach to Church Stretton Golf Club is to play at Burton-on-Sea Golf Club (this actually should have read Barton-on-Sea -- Burton is a long way from the sea)
(Church Stretton Advertiser - p.4 of 13.10.1898)
Later, in 1903, the following quotes were to be found in the Advertiser (p.3 of 26.11.1903)
"Work is to be carried out and the new holes will be in playing order in a few months"
"The present course lies mainly on the east side of Stanyeld Hill and is now being extended round the north and west sides"
".....several of the new holes being very long ones"
In Golfing Magazine (p.7, 05.10.1905) it was stated that Vardon played Buckle (who was the local golf professional) and it pointed out that "new holes were added two years ago. Vardon asked for "improvements"
Hepburn, James b.Carnoustie 1876.
Engaged at Home Park G.C. Surbiton. Has tied for first place in several competitions, and reached the semi-final of the "News of the World" Tournament at Mid-Surrey, 1904. Played for Scotland v. England in 1903,1905, 1906, 1907 and 1910, and selected in 1908. In 1909 tied for 7th place in Open Championship, and reached semi-final in "News of the World" Tournament. Laid out the courses at Temple and Molesey Hurst. Favourite courses: Sunningdale, Sandwich, St.Andrews, Woking.
Source: p.545 Nisbet's Golf Year Book (Who's Who (Professionals)
Morris, John (Jack) b. St.Andrews 1847.
Engaged at Hoylake since the formation of that club in 1869. Favourite courses: St.Andrews, Hoylake and Prestwick
Source: p.549 Nisbet's Golf Year Book (Who's Who (Professionals))
Other source:
The Golfing Annual, Volume XI 1897 --1898
Open Champions who have played at Church Stretton Golf Club:
Harry Vardon. 1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1911, 1914
James Braid. 1901, 1905, 1906, 1908, 1910
J H Taylor. 1894, 1895, 1900, 1909, 1913
GREEN FEES FOR 2009 - 2010
******WINTER GREEN FEES & MEMBERSHIP******
NO TEMPORARY TEES OR GREENS!
October 1st 2009 - March 31st 2010.
£10 Weekdays & £15 Weekends and Bank Holidays.
£150 for Winter Membership (e.g - Full Male). All Membership Categories will be reduced.
Discount for playing with a Member, using County Books & 2 fore 1 vouchers will only apply to a Weekend, where the cost is £25 (£12.50 per person).
SUMMER FEES
April 1st 2010 - September 30th 2010.
£20 Weekdays.
£25 Weekends and Bank Holidays.
A single payment entitles you to play as many holes as you wish on the day.
No pre booking necessary.
Meals and snacks available everyday except Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Visitors are welcome at all times. The tee will be reserved for members at the following times:
Saturdays from 9.00 to 10.30 and 1.00 to 2.30 (winter 12.00 to 1.30).
Sundays before 10.30 and 1.00 to 2.30 (winter 12.00 to 1.30).
GOLF SOCIETIES
Golf Societies are welcome every day of the year.
The minimum number to book a society are 12 players.
For more than 20 members the Golf Society Organiser always gets Free Golf.
All societies on request will have their "Longest Drive" and "Nearest the Pin" competitions organised and Scorecards can be made out in advance.
Golf Packages are as follows:
Winter Fees - October 1st 2009 - March 31st 2010.
£10.00 (Weekdays) £15 (Weekends)
Summer Fees - April 1st 2010 - September 30th 2010.
1-14 Players @ £18.00 (Weekdays) £23.00 (Weekends)
15+ Players @ £16.00 (Weekdays) £21.00 (Weekends)
Meal Prices are as follows:
Option "A" = £14.00
Unlimited Golf, Bacon Sandwich and coffee on arrival, 2 course meal and coffee.
Option "B" = £15.00
Unlimited Golf, Bacon Sandwich and coffee on arrival, 3 course meal and coffee.
Option "C" = £6.00
Unlimited Golf, Full English Breakfast before or after playing golf.
Please call and discuss which of the above options you would like to book.
Phone James Townsend Manager/Professional on 01694 722281 or 07973 762510
Society meetings always welcome.
email - secretary@churchstrettongolfclub.co.uk
HOW TO FIND US
From the North
Follow the A49 south from Shrewsbury.
On reaching the traffic lights in Church Stretton, turn right towards the town and go over the railway bridge.
Travel to the end of the high street (Sandford Avenue) and turn right at the T Junction (Lloyds Bank on the corner)
Travel for about 400 yards and turn left for Cardingmill Valley and Golf Club.
After 150 yards bear right up the hill. Follow the road to the top of the hill and turn sharp left into the car park.
From the South
Follow the A49 north from Ludlow through Craven Arms.
On reaching the traffic lights in Church Stretton turn left towards the town and go over the railway bridge. Then follow the directions above.
