The Fulwell Golf Club - History of Fulwell: Introduction

Golf began at Fulwell in 1904 when a meeting of local golfing enthusiasts was called by prominent local figure Mr H.O.Stutchbury (see signature in the Guarantee Book- below).

The first page of the guarantee deed book.
The first page of the guarantee deed book.

The former Captain of Mid-Surrey Golf Club (not yet “Royal”), Mr Harry Tomlinson (right) was voted in as the initial Chairman and Captain of the Club in 1904. The Trustees of the Freake Estate were the owners of the land upon which the course was to be built – a total of 244 acres (210 for the course) – and they set out the terms for the lease.

Subscriptions begun at four guineas (£4.20) with a debenture of £5, redeemable 10 years later.

Spectators on the 4th (currently the 18th) at Fulwell.
Spectators on the 4th (currently the 18th) at Fulwell.

Mr Harry Tomlinson, the initial Chairman and Captain of the Club in 1904.
Mr Harry Tomlinson, the initial Chairman
and Captain of the Club in 1904.

J.H.Taylor at the 1957 Teachers Senior Professional Golf Tournament.
J.H.Taylor in 1957.

The original layout was designed by the then professional at Mid-Surrey, J.H. Taylor (left: at the 1957 Teachers' Senior Professional Golf Tournament and right: driving from the first tee at Fulwell), Open winner and part of the legendary “Great Triumvirate”. He laid out an “outer” 18 hole course for the men and an “inner” for ladies and high handicappers, similar to the 36 hole inner and outer layout at Mid-Surrey. The original officials of the Club included Baron and local M.P., Sir Frederick Dixon-Hartland, Viscount Villiers, and Charles O’Malley, Esq (the famous athlete), with the first full time Secretary being Captain W. Owen (1908).

J.H.Taylor driving from the first tee at Fulwell.
J.H.Taylor driving from the first tee at Fulwell.

The approach to the 4th green (now the 18th) at Fulwell.
The approach to the 4th green (now the 18th) at Fulwell

In 1906 the “inner” course was extended to 18, being just under 5,000 yards in length.

The 9th hole, Fulwell Golf Course.

By the Spring of 1905 the Club had 322 gentlemen and 92 lady members. The course had a bogey (par) of 80 and was described as “a long course, with holes varying from 122 to 514 yards, somewhat flat in appearance.

The old 13th hole (now the 15th), Fulwell Golf Course.

The 6th hole, Fulwell Golf Course.
The 6th hole, Fulwell Golf Course.

Dr Alistair Mackenzie.	In 1921 one of the most prominent golf course architects, Dr Alistair Mackenzie (of Cypress Point and Augusta National fame), was employed to extend and improve the men’s course.	The 6th & 7th holes illustrating Fulwell's parkland setting.
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A Potted History of The Fulwell Golf Club - Introduction