Chigwell Golf Club Detailed Information
Meadowland/parkland course
No of Holes: 18
Length: 6,296 yards
Par: 71
Standard: Private
Type: Links
Chigwell Golf Club is situated on the borders of Epping Forest some 10 miles north east of London and within easy access of the M25. It is a traditional private members’ club. This renowned Essex course of undulating parkland character is undoubtedly one of the finest in the county and whilst occupying only 99 acres, is nevertheless a challenging 18 holes with a par of 71 and measuring 6296 yards from the competition tees. Even from the forward tees at 5,962 yards it is a fine test of golf. Features of the course are its small greens and deceptive borrows. It is a course that one never tires of playing. Construction of the course started in 1924 to a Hawtree and Taylor design and it was opened for play in April 1925, a matter of six months before the official opening on the 3rd October, when to mark the occasion Lord Lambourne, the then Lord Lieutenant of the County, drove the first ball, and Charles Whitcombe, J H Taylor, Harry Vardon and the Club’s first professional, Bert Batley, took part in an exhibition match won by Charles Whitcombe. Vardon and Taylor were golfing immortals. Charles Whitcombe was one of the famous Whitcombe brothers. The other two who made up this golfing triumvirate were Reg and Ernie. All three played together in the 1935 Ryder Cup team and were a sporting legend in their lifetime. Ernie’s son Eddie was also a renowned tournament player and but for the Second World War would almost certainly have played Ryder Cup golf as well. Eddie was later to become the Professional at Chigwell eventually retiring in 1983 after 33 years service. Another famous Chigwell name is Sir Michael Bonallack, former Secretary of the R & A, who became a Junior member of the Club at the age of 11, just after his first introduction to golf and who has fond memories of those times. In 1998 the Club hosted the Essex County Championships and in 1999 had the honour of hosting the prestigious English Girls’ Championship. Ted Barrett writing in the Daily Telegraph during the latter event was very complimentary about the course: “its smooth fairways and velvety greens were immaculate”.
Web Site: http://www.chigwellgolfclub.co.uk
Address: High Road, Chigwell, Essex IG7 5BH Tel: 020 8500 2059 Fax: 020 8501 3410