CONTINUING in its series looking at the history of West Devon sporting clubs Times Sport turns the spotlight on Tavistock Golf Club.

IN the late 19th century there were very few golf clubs in Devon, but on November 14, 1890 12 local business men met in the Bedford Hotel to discuss creation of a 'links' course on Whitchurch Down. Covered in thick gorse, heather and well-marked tracks, it did not seem an ideal location for a golf course! 

First permission had to be obtained from the Lords of the Manor, including the Duke of Bedford.  A reply was received from the Duke's agent granting permission to rent the Down for the sum of 1/- per annum (one shilling is equal to 5p in today's money).  For a payment of £5 2s 0d per year the Commoners also agreed.

Work must have been started very quickly. This is borne out by the first formal notice stating that 'the links are now in the course of construction', and it was hoped that play could commence in December. 

On December 10th 1890 a formal notice was issued establishing the formation of the club.  The notice also stated that 'the links were within ten minutes walk of the railway station and that there were frequent trains to and from Plymouth both by the Great Western and London and South Western Railways.'

The initial membership consisted of 23 gentlemen and 10 ladies and the fees were set at a half-a-guinea for both the entrance fee and annual subscription.   Members of the armed forces were encouraged to join without paying the entrance fee.  Competitions were well under way in 1892 with regular monthly medals both for men and ladies.  In 1893 the Duke of Edinburgh, one of Queen Victoria's younger sons, consented to be patron of the club and remained so until his death in 1900. The Duke of Bedford became the next patron starting a tradition that continues to this day.

The original club house was known as the Iron House and was in woods on the Whitchurch side of the Pimple.  The present club house, built on land given by the Duke of Bedford in 1915, has all the modern facilities and comfort that those original members would be truly amazed to see!

Records show that from the early days club members have always been extremely competitive both in club events and away matches and in county competitions. This certainly holds true today — this year two major Devon County scratch events were won, one by Tavistock men, the other by the ladies.

Next year the club celebrates its 125th anniversary — 125 years since those golf enthusiasts had their meeting in the Bedford Hotel and decided to embark on establishing a nine hole links course.  They would be proud of the spectacular course that has been created, of the comfortable club house and, most importantly, of what members have achieved over the decades in making Tavistock Golf Club one of the top clubs in the county.

For information about the club call 01822 612316 or e-mail it at [email protected]">[email protected] 

With special thanks to Norma Thewlis for the compilation of this article..