The Club
Our History
West Byfleet Golf Club, formed in 1922, evolved from the original Bleakdown Golf Club, established in 1906 on land owned by Hugh Locke King, who was responsible for New Zealand Golf Club a few yards around the corner from us, and Brooklands racetrack where the current Mercedes Benz headquarters are located.
The course, initially designed by Cuthbert Butchart, was reimagined in 1922 by renowned architect John Abercromby, with later refinements by notable names like James Braid and, recently, Mackenzie & Ebert.
For more on the club’s history, see Robert Bashford and Ken Warwick’s centenary book, available for members in the Secretariat.
Locke King Secures the Estate
Hugh Fortescue Locke King raises a £50,000 mortgage to acquire 1,000 acres, including the Bleakdown site.
Sheerwater Golf Club Founded
Sheerwater Golf Club (later known as Sheerwater Links) opens beside West Byfleet station on land owned by Mr Bashford of Sheerwater Court.
Bleakdown Golf Club Opens
Bleakdown Golf Club opens, designed by Cuthbert Butchart for Hugh Fortescue Locke King. Samuel Mure Fergusson, Managing Director of the New Zealand Golf Club, serves as Honorary Secretary.
Clubhouse in Existence
The Bleakdown clubhouse is in use by at least 1910, with photographic evidence appearing in the RAC Journal in April 1911.
Wartime Hospital Use Begins
During the First World War, the clubhouse is taken over for use as a war hospital.
Agreement to Sell Bleakdown
An agreement is reached between Hugh Fortescue Locke King and Bleakdown members for the sale of the land and clubhouse.
West Byfleet Golf Club Formed
The Memorandum of Association is signed and West Byfleet Golf Club Ltd is incorporated.
Land Purchase Completed
The land and clubhouse are formally acquired from Hugh Fortescue Locke King for £17,422.19.
First AGM
The first Annual General Meeting of West Byfleet Golf Club is held.
Name Change to West Byfleet
Bleakdown Golf Club officially becomes West Byfleet Golf Club.
New Course Opens
The course opens for play following a re-design by J.F. Abercromby.
Death of Hugh Fortescue Locke King
Founder and landowner Hugh Fortescue Locke King dies aged 77.
Death of Samuel Mure Fergusson
Samuel Mure Fergusson dies aged 73 in the tower above the New Zealand Golf Club clubhouse.
Artisans’ Section Formed
The West Byfleet Artisans’ Section is established.
Second World War Impact
Four holes and the clubhouse are taken over by the War Office. The club continues to operate a shortened 18-hole course throughout the war years.
Course Restored
The original pre-1939 course is restored by John Morrison, former partner of Harry Colt, returning the layout to its historic form.
First Compulsory Purchase Order
A Compulsory Purchase Order is issued affecting the golf course.
Second Compulsory Purchase Order
A second CPO follows, prolonging uncertainty over the future of the land.
First Hole Reinstated
The 1st hole is reinstated to its original design. An exhibition match is played by Peter Thomson and Harold Henning.
Land Zoned for Development
Surrey County Council zones the course for potential development, placing renewed pressure on the club’s future.
Developers’ Offer
Private developers offer £1 million to purchase the course following the zoning decision.
Government Decision Secures the Course
The Minister of Housing rules that the land should remain as “open space and a golf course,” safeguarding the club’s long-term future.
Bleakdown Centenary Celebrated
West Byfleet Golf Club marks the centenary of Bleakdown Golf Club.
West Byfleet Centenary
The club celebrates 100 years under the name West Byfleet Golf Club.