Epsom Golf Club Celebrate 125 Years with Hickory Clubs

Epsom Golf Club took a step back in time, to the Edwardian era, when it held its annual Hickory Golf Day recently.  This annual fun event takes place early in the golfing calendar to help commemorate the Club’s officialFounders Day, with 2014 being its 125th Anniversary year. The founders were men of some means, one Vice President was the Earl of Rosebery, later to become Prime Minister of Britain.

Director of Golf, Stuart Walker, dressed in Plus 4’s and using hickory-shafted clubs, pitted himself against the testingDowns course.  He played with the Men’s Captain Bob Heathand Ladies Captain Kay Briggs.

“Playing with hickory clubs offers less choice of both club and shot.  The shots are more crafted, which you wouldn’t normally play with modern equipment, using more running shots and accepting less distance off the tee. It was great to play with both Captains, all in all a great experience.”

Despite the recent rain and storms the course is in great condition, with all 18 holes currently in play.  We had an excellent turn out, in excess of 60 club members, with many dressed in period attire, who set off on a quest to beat the Pro.  Because the members use their own clubs they play to ¾ of their handicap, in a medal format. It is a tough challenge, stiff, unforgiving hickory shafts versus modern flexible, technically tried and tested equipment, with members having the unique opportunity to try out hickory clubs during the event.

The day was concluded in the historic Clubhouse, where iconic Open Champions such as Harry Vardon and James Braid, back in the early 1900’s, would have raised a glass or two.  All members were invited to the presentation followed by an Edwardian feast and dancing into the small hours.  Thiswas the first of many special events the Club has planned forits special Anniversary year.

For lovers of golf and its history Epsom is a club to visit and to enjoy for the traditional downland challenge it offers and to soak up the atmosphere of bygone days in the clubhouse.  For golfers interested in joining the Club there is an exclusive125th Anniversary offer for new members, join now and play for free until 31st March 2014.

The Club will be holding its Open Weekend on Saturday 12thand Sunday 13th April when local golfers are invited to play the course for just £10, have a free drink and have a chance to win a free pathway membership.  If you would like to book a tee timeor enquire about membership please call the Pro Shop on 01372 741867.  

For more information on Epsom Golf Club please visit their course listing by - Clicking Here