Stamford Golf Club(Stalybridge)
Thank you for visiting the official website of Stamford Golf Club(Stalybridge) Cheshire, although the club is situated in Cheshire the convolutions of four counties Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Derbyshire are within sight of the course.
Introduction
This site has been designed, written and proudly published by the members to show the world the beauty and quality of our course, to make it available for golfing societies and private functions and to provide a means for the membership and officials to exchange comment to assist the management of the business.
Navigation through the site is via the rollover links above to your desired page, these links are available throughout your visit so you may jump to other pages at any time. Each page has its own links to assist your quick movement to its various sections within the page, all you need to do is click the "Back to top" link and then the section link to be anywhere on the site in just two clicks.
History
When a Scottish ex-pat Mr.W.W.Wilson arrived as manager of the Carrbrook print works in 1899, he recruited two of his local country men Mr.Alex Knox and Mr. D.D.Morton to play golf locally, the nearest Clubs being Fairfield and Oldham. In those days to travel to Fairfield and Oldham from Stalybridge carrying a bag of clubs was a major undertaking particularly on a weekly basis. After much searching and discussions with local farmers a nine hole course was built using land and buildings rented from Farmer Henry Trueman for fifteen shillings per annum.
The front parlour of Crows i'th Wood farmhouse was used as the first Clubhouse when the club was incorporated on Saturday 24th August 1901. Traces of the farmhouse and cottages from that day can still be seen, as you approach your drive from the eighth Rabbit tee.
"Few golf clubs can have had such a varied history as Stamford. From an informal gathering of enthusiasts playing over the Crows i'th Wood fields at the beginning of the twentieth century, to the club as it is today, one hundred years later.
During this period the clubhouse has occupied three different buildings and introduced many changes to the extent and location of the course, which have led to the use of more than forty different greens at one time or another!" Click to see credit (A)
The buoyant and thriving Stamford that exists today with its traditions and customs, its fine golf course and clubhouse, is a fitting tribute to our founders and all those generations of succeeding members throughout the whole span of the 1900's, their industry and resourcefulness kept the club alive and functioning throughout all the lean years and two world wars. The fact that it survived at all to reach its centenary is a testament to their tenacity and spirit.
There have been many times when Stamford has had difficulties, but due to the traditional tenacity of the membership as a whole and sometimes individuals the club has gradually progressed through hard times. There are some of these occurences that warrant mention here.
During the first world war half the course had to be abandoned by order of the first World War cabinet due to the need to grow crops. By 1921 land had been once more acquired and the course was back to 18 holes due to the hard work of the membership in building the course.
The legacy of the war on the membership was the loss of ten members who are remembered by a memorial displayed in the 18th hole.
The war also caused great financial hardship on the whole country in the early twenties, resulting in a reduction of membership. This caused the club hard financial times and despite raising £146 by voluntary donations it became neccessary to raise the two guinea subs by half a guinea, a 25% increase ("I wonder what the reaction would be to a similar increase today"....Webmaster).
Even greater financial crisis was to overcome the club in the "Great Depression" of the thirties again due to falling membership. In 1933 it was decided to give notice to the landlord to terminate the tenancies on the land and the clubhouse, but at the eleventh hour at the AGM, £160 was raised by the membership to once more save the club.
The second world war had an even greater effect on the club in both membership and finance and the club faced closure once more. Due to the generosity of members as a whole and individuals in particular the then President of the time H. Mumford Smith, Herbert Hyde and Herbert Shaw loaned the club £50 each (All three in September 1942 decided to forego their debentures) and a legacy of £25 from former member Mr. J.E.Cook saved the day once more.
That the Club survived the twentieth century at all was due not only to the exceptional efforts of certain individuals but to the club spirit of the members in general. A strong sense of pride in the history, traditions and achievements of the club had developed which was to prove invaluable in securing the continued existence of Stamford in the years ahead.
So now, as we start out on our second century, we can be justly proud of our progress and achievements and also the fact that we, in turn, will be able to pass on to our successors in future generations, a club that now stands in the forefront of golfing excellence in the area. Click to see credit (B) Back to Top
The Course
Over the years the course has settled into an ideal location, surrounded by beautiful scenery, in which to enjoy competitive golf, be it with a society or friend, as a member in the many club competitions or with one of the numerous sections competing against other local clubs. The course under the management of Greenkeeper Mr. John Peirrepoint and his staff (only four staff maintain the course to the highest level) is beautifully presented and maintained using an array of modern equipment acquired in recent years. The course has become one of the most desirable golfing locations in the area, introducing many challenges to the competent, whilst providing a beautiful backdrop for a pleasant walk, for the less enthusiastic golfer. Back to TopSo impressive has the course become in recent years that to celebrate our centenary year, the Cheshire union of Golf Clubs chose to play their annual junior representative match against Staffordshire at Stamford. The then secretary of the Union Mr. Brian H. Nattrass, during his introductory speech at the inaugural presentation said:-
"This course is a hidden gem in the foothills of the Cheshire Pennines." Click to see credit (C)
To see just what made him make this statement, check out the slide show link.
Slideshow
Click the Button to see a slide show of pictures taken by members from around the course.
Click to see credit (D)Back to Top
The Clubhouse
As a qualifying Community sporting club, Stamford not only provides an attractive venue for golfers but a place of relaxation, entertainment and a place to socialise for the local community. On regular weekend evenings the members are entertained by top class performers in the function room, which on most free weekends is available for the private celebration of marriage, christening or birthday events.
Throughout the week the 19th hole echoes with laughter and banter, whilst the more reserved members entertain their friends and relations to dinner or liquid refreshment in the mixed lounge or conservatory.
Back to TopMembers
The membership consists of energetic youth to the surprisingly lively retired, from tradesmen and the self employed to captains of industry and commerce. Consequently the ambiance in the 19th hole is one of friendly rivalry and banter whilst upholding the traditions of dress and respectful behaviour.
Visitors are made most welcome after their game in the 19th hole, before settling down to dinner. The ever growing social membership join the members for drinks and snacks from a diverse bar menu, whilst others entertain their friends or spouses in the conservatory to enjoy convivial chat or a wonderful view of the course from the well maintained patio.
The photo shows a typical turnout for the traditional new Captains drive-in at the start of every season.
Back to TopResident Professional
The club has recently acquired the services of resident Professional Mark Smith. Mark has quickley settled in and has rapidly improved the proshop and is building up an excellent business with all leading brands of golf equipment and golf wear available.
Mark also provides lessons on a daily basis and the membership and visitors are gradually benefitting from some of the best tuition available, if you would like a lesson with Mark you can book by telephoning 01457 832126 to make an appointment.
Steps are already being taken to rekindle the clubs finest hour when we won the highly acclaimed Dunham Forest tournament in 1980, with Marks help we aim to show that this was no idle claim to fame.
Back to TopContact Us
If you are impressed with the beauty of the course and wish to play golf or take part in the social life at Stamford, click on the visitors page to see a whole lot more. You may also book your party's tee time, a society day out, or dinner with your partner or better still join us as a golfing or social member, by phoning 01457 832126.
As a prospective member you may delve deeper into our organisation by visiting the members page to find out how we manage the business, then phone 01457 832126 for a membership form.
As a member you can also submit a brief memo direct to the club offering your comments or suggestions, for the improvements we constantly strive to achieve.
Join Stamford Golf Club
To fill in a membership application form to become a member, book to play golf or a lesson with Mark, arrange a society day out or to book the clubhouse for a private event, phone 01457 832126.
Thank you for visiting our Web site, you can move over the site pages by clicking the heading links, then the links at the top of each page to move quickly to the section of the page you require.
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