History Book

1. Foreword Brief History 
2. The Clubhouse
3. The Pro’s
4. The Founder Colonel G. Simon   
5. The Course Timeline
6. Competitions of Note
7. H. S. Colt
8. The Army
9. People of Note – Golfers and Drivers of the club  

Introduction

When we relocated from the old clubhouse to the new in 2020 we discovered all the old minute books back to 1905 stored in the bottom of the trophy cabinet. The Heritage Group was created after the move to catalogue the minute books and other items that form the Clubs history. This has been a long but rewarding journey for all involved. We hope that you enjoy reading our summary.

All the minute books will be kept in a location that is accessible by members for them to read at their leisure. But please be gentle with them as some are extremely fragile.

History Overview

1886 – Colonel Simon using volunteers laid out a 9 Hole course on the Heath for the recreation of men based at the Barracks. The course was only a rough outline between the heather and gorse with fairways created by clearing the bracken and rolling the ground, some of which had been used as part of the race track. As there had been a race course on the Heath for nearly 200 years it can be surmised that the ground was reasonably even and the real beauty of Heath was that it was well drained. The course developed over the years with mainly military members initially but also civilian players being allowed to play as time went by. The course must have grown in popularity because it is noted that in 1901 that the running of the club was taken over by the civilian members and in 1905 a formal set of rules was adopted and a clubhouse “The Pavilion” was bought. The Clubhouse was located on land on the opposite side of the A51 to the current Greenkeepers compound and the first professional was employed, David Fox. Fox came from the Royal Isle of Wight golf club and was the professional for 15 years. 

During the 1890s the club had been called both Whittington Garrison Golf Club and Whittington Golf Club and the latter is how it was named in 1905; it wasn’t until 1908 that is became Whittington Barracks Golf Club. In 1905 when the initial rules and clubhouse were adopted the Whittington Pavilion Golf Club Limited was set up as a holding company to protect the members should the club become bankrupt. This holding company held all the club assets, leases and buildings from 1905 until 1993 when it was wound up as the land and buildings were bought by the members from the MOD.

The land for the golf club was initially leased from the War Department and the lease included grazing and shooting rights, which they sublet. A condition of the lease was that the club had to write to the War Department and acknowledge that they, the War Department, could cancel the lease at 48 hours’ notice.

The club rules amendment in 1908 ensured the military had a degree of control over the club as at least 4 of the committee were army personnel. The military moved to control the Club completely in 1910 and it was rumoured, in the papers at the time, that the civilian members threatened to resign on mass if they didn’t stop the takeover. The Military clearly stopped the full takeover because the members didn’t resign.

In 1914 at the outbreak of the First World War part of the course was taken over as troops camped and trained on the Heath. Practice trenches can still be found in the woods to the left of the 8th Green and in the wooded area to the right of the 9th tee. It is noted in the AGM minutes for November 1914 that the winner of the Autumn Cup Captain Harrington was now a POW and the Spring Cup winner W E Parks had been killed in action.

When the Heath was handed back at the end of the war it took a major effort from the Pro David Fox and his brother Fred to recover the course. At some point which is not clear when a second set of tees had been created to enable a round of 18 holes to be played with only 9 greens. 

David Fox resigned as Pro in 1920 and was replaced Mr W. Godridge. During the 1920s the committee had been trying to negotiate a new lease and to extend the course into a full 18 Hole course. In 1926 a new lease was finally agreed, and the management committee gave the go ahead extend the course. The new lease included additional land that almost doubled the area available for the current and future holes. Quotes for drawing up plans were obtained from a number of well know course architects Vardon, Hawtree and Colt being the three most prominent names. Colt’s quote at 15 guineas was not the cheapest or the most expensive but was the committee’s choice. Colt visited the club on the 3rd January 1927, with his colleagues Alinson and Morrison, to survey the land. His fee was £15 15s plus expenses. He was presented with a layout that Mr W. Godridge had prepared and declared “that with only a few small changes the plan could not be improved up on”. He still took the money for having his surveyor draw up the plans.

The club called an EGM to discuss the plans and the cost of the extension. The plan was approved and £1500 was raised in the form of interest free loans from members in £5 blocks. The work on the course expansion commenced in July 1927 and was completed in May 1928 when an exhibition match was played to open the course.

Colt was asked back again in 1936 to make some improvements. The Captain’s speech for the 1936/37 AGM highlights the work carried out. His fee this time was £25 for three visits.

In the Second World War all but 6 holes were taken over by the MOD and the Barracks became the home of the US Army 10thReplacement Depot. Between October 1942 and October 1945 380,000 troops passed through the depot. There are photos of the encampment and between 4000 and 6000 African American soldiers were segregated and billeted in tents on the course. The white soldiers stayed in the barracks or were billeted on the new housing estate at the Pheasey in Great Barr. Lt Colonel Killian the commander of the depot was court martialled after the war for the cruel treatment handed out to the African American soldiers. Rumour has it that 7 or 8 of the soldiers are buried on the course having been beaten to death by their NCOs.

At the end of the war the land was handed back and it again took a huge effort from Fred Fox who was now the Club Pro, and others, to restore the course. The cost was in excess of £2000 part from the members and part from the War Department. Serious consideration had been given to winding the Club up as the damage had been so severe.

In 1951 the club moved from the original Clubhouse to what is now the Whittington Arms pub. This was leased from Major Dyott. To accommodate the move the hole numbering had to change so what had been the 18th tee became the first.

In 1958 the Club moved again this time to the Old Soldiers home that was no longer required by the MOD. This meant for the first time that you didn’t have to cross the A51 to get to the first tee, and the course numbering reverted to the Colt plan. 

The Club bought the second Clubhouse from Mr Dyott for £3000 and found a buyer for £4250 in Miss MacMillan who renamed the house Lochranza Dog Home.

After 1960 the committee made repeated attempts to buy the course but it wasn’t until 1993 that the MOD out of the blue suddenly offered the course and building to the members. Their asking price of £5m shocked the club and a committee was formed to review the offer and what could be done. Pat Dewes was a solicitor on the committee and went through the lease to see what could be done. It is reported that he spotted that the club were leasing the land for a golf course, not a golf course, as the MOD had assumed. Pat went back to the MOD and said unless they reduced their asking price that the club would plough up the land before it was handed back, thus destroying the golf club. The MOD went away and came back with a revised offer £960000 which was to include membership for military members. The club agreed the price and each member was asked to pay £2000 as an interest free loan; those that couldn’t, paid an increased subscription.

On completion of the deal the members voted to change the name to Whittington Heath Golf Club and remove Barracks and the connection with the Military. Although Military membership was, and is, a class of membership to this day.

In 2010 the government announced that the line of HS2 was moving and it would now pass through the centre of Clubhouse and cut the course in two. John Tipper, who was the Captain at the time, formed a committee to fight the proposal any way possible. The committee appointed a negotiating team of Kelvin Edwards, Aubrey Craig and Chris Dewes and they eventually after a lot of hard work obtained a wonderful deal for the club. The deal meant that the club would get a new clubhouse and five new holes all paid for by HS2. In addition the team also persuaded HS2 to include within the land purchased for the new holes, extra land which is mitigation land for heathland destroyed elsewhere on the route.

Keith Ridgway worked with the building architects BHB to ensure the building design was good and Rob Hinton assisted with the M+E design. Keith also worked with the course builders Greasley on the mitigation and environmental elements of the design. Tony Rundle took over the construction phase of the project from Keith and has spent countless hours working to ensure a successful build phase of the Clubhouse and Course.

The Clubhouse

First Clubhouse 1905 - 1952

The first clubhouse was a collection of wooden buildings located on the opposite side of the A51 to the current Greenkeepers compound. The first buildings were bought in 1905 for £108 and erected by a builder Mr E Ridgway. This was on land rented from the Dyott family. There were clearly other buildings not belonging to the Golf Club also located on this land as when David Fox left the employment of the Club he started a garage business servicing motorbikes in one of the other buildings.

The clubhouse developed over time and in the end comprised a Men’s and Lady’s changing rooms, ladies lounge, living quarters for the Pro/Steward, a bar come lounge area, and a Pro’s Shop. During the early years the Pro slept in the men’s changing room. In 1907 when the Pro got married a bedroom, kitchen and sitting room was added for the Pro and his wife. There was however, an issue with the additional accommodation as the Lady members tried to claim the sitting room for their use and had to be told that they were only allowed in if invited by the Pro’s wife.

There is mention in the minutes of a request for a stables but this was turned down. It would have been interesting to see where members tethered their horse and traps. 

The Lady’s changing room appears to have been detached from the building containing the bar as for many years they kept requesting a covered walk way erected between their building and the rest of the Clubhouse. 

There were various improvements over the years heating was installed (coal burners), a telephone was eventually installed as was mains electricity and water. There was no mains sewage. Gas was added in 1937 bring hot water on tap, finally.  

The only photo we have from this period shows all the Ladies posing on a veranda with a trophy.         

Second Clubhouse 1952 - 1958   

The second Clubhouse was what is now called the Whittington Arms. It was owned by the Dyott family and had been leased to the army for many years as officer’s quarters. The club made a number of additions to the building with out-houses for the professional and changing rooms.

In 1958 the Club was offered the chance to lease the Old Soldiers Home that was now on longer used by the Army. The Club had long wanted to have this building for many years so it did not take long to make a decision to move.

Before moving however they purchased the current building from Major Dyott for £3000 and within weeks sold it to a Miss Mackenzie for £4250 and it became the Lochranza Dog Home, a smart piece of business.

Old Soldiers Home 1958 - 2020       

The Club moved in 1958 into the Old Soldiers Home that was original build as grandstand for the race course in the 1700s. 

*Picture of Old Sodliers home*

The picture above is taken prior to 1920 as it does not have the Victoria Wing that was added to celebrate winning the First World War.

Over the years the Club made a number of changes including adding a lounge, men’s changing rooms and Pro shop.

Throughout the changes the old veranda from the original grandstand was always retained.

In 2010 just before HS2 was announced the Club published plans to extend the lounge and make the snooker room into a bar however, HS2 completely changed everything.

*Colour Picture of Old Soldiers Home*

The Below Article was printed In the Mercury

The castellated fortress-like building (now the Whittington Barracks Golf Clubhouse) on the Lichfield to Tamworth Road has had a varied existence and has been known to thousands of soldiers in several guises – particularly when both the South and North Staffords had their Depots in Whittington Barracks. The building was originally constructed as a grandstand for the race course which had existed at Whittington Heath from the early 18th century. The evidence of that roles is apparent from the back of the building, and the terraced roof and veranda can be clearly seen in the accompanying photographs. (The old race course was still marked on ordnance maps as recently as 1961) The lasts were run towards the end of the 19th century and shortly afterwards the building became the Soldiers Home as depicted in the old photographs.

There will be many ex-soldiers who remember Mrs Keys, its Lady Superintendent for thirty years, with gratitude and affection; her husband was Mayor of the city in 1928 1929 and it was during her “reign” that the large extension was made to the building, and the plaque under the left hand ground floor window records that This stone was laid by Lt General Sir Charles Harington, G.B.E., K.C.B., D.S.O., Commanding-in-Chief, Norther Command, October 21st 1926.

Mr A Hammersley(an old South Stafford) recalls that the Soldiers Home … was divided into two parts, one for Mrs Key, and her band of devoted, and very willing workers, as their residence and the other was divided into upstairs and downstairs, for the use of soldiers of all ranks. The ground floor comprised a large kitchen and storeroom, and a large canteen, whilst the top floor was set aside as a rest room, where one could read and write, or even go to sleep; writing materials were kindly supplied free by Mrs Key, as also was the reading material. This room was known to all as the “Blue Room”. There was a large kitchen garden, where the Golf Club carpark stood, and a hutted annexe on the road towards the married quarters.

It would be reasonable to believe that the NAAFI suffered severe competition; the annexe was near enough to the Barracks for the morning break and the canteen was open from 10 o’clock in the morning until eleven o’clock at night – late enough for customers on the last bus from Lichfield. The canteen was “dry” and the food included substantial snacks. But, there was no conflict about the spiritual welfare of the troops between the Barracks and the Home. A true spirit of Christianity was exemplified in Mrs Key’s life and service. Prayer meeting were held in the “Blue Room” and Church Services in the Garrison Church; but it is evident from reminiscences that it was the atmosphere of caring that made this home something special to the soldiers of Lichfield.

Mr Hammersley asks of the men who were there at the time, and who knew her ….”Do you remember the times when we went on route marches? Band and drum corps in front of the battalion, and how, when we passed the Soldiers Home, every one of the staff, including Mrs, Key, would come out to watch us go by, and wave to us? Do you also remember the lovely dinners, and suppers we used to get in there, when we were almost broke and had just enough money to buy a meal? Also, you will no doubt remember the gospel meetings which we held upstairs in the “Blue Room” around the lovely fireside and how some of us spent all the afternoon and evening in there, asleep in those lovely comfortable chairs?”

Mrs Key died on 27th May 1932. Her funeral service was in the Garrison Church, conducted by the Very Reverend A. C. E. Jarvis, Provost and Archdeacon of Sheffield, Chaplain to the King and late Chaplain-General to the Forces, who later officiated at her interment in St Michael’s Churchyard. Indicative of the close communion between Whittington Barracks and the Home is the fact that the Garrison Chaplain, the Rev. W. Beckerson, C.F. assisted at both services, and that floral tributes included those from the Guild of St Helena and the Children’s school, Whittington Barracks, as well as from the Officers and All Ranks of the unit stationed at the Barracks.

The building continued as a Soldiers Home until well after the Second World War, and was taken over in 1958 for its present use. Hitherto the Golf Club Clubhouse had been the building on the other side of the road which is now the Whittington Arms.              

 New Clubhouse 2020 -     

The new Clubhouse was designed by BHB architects in Lichfield and built by Tomlinson on land that was previously behind the first green. The 65 acres of land that had been owned by Roy Baxter was purchase by HS2 and was to be used for the construction of 5 new holes and mitigation land (replace heathland destroyed elsewhere by the construction of HS2). Once the holes were constructed the land ownership passed to the club, however there is a covenant on the land that the club cannot build on or make changes to the mitigation land for 60 years. 

*Picture of New Clubhouse*

The buildings design was stated to be based on an early 19th century farmhouse. It has state of the art heating from a ground source heat pump (the pipes are under the long practice area) and a building management system designed to control the heating and lighting throughout the building.

The Professionals

The club has had five Professionals from 1905 – 2024

David Fox 1905 - 1920

The first was David Fox. Fox came from the Royal Isle of Wight golf club and was the professional for 15 years. In 1914 at the outbreak of the First World War part of the course was taken over as troops camped and trained on the heath. Practice trenches can still be found in the woods to the left of the 8th Green and in the wooded area to the right of the 9th tee. When the heath was handed back at the end of the war it took a major effort from the Pro David Fox and his brother Fred to recover the course. At some point which is not clear when a second set of tees had been created to enable a round of 18 holes to be played with only 9 greens. 

Fox was a colourful character and was once charged with slander of a retired soldier from Aldershot. He also had the misfortune to have his golf club workshop catch fire twice and his garage also burnt down. His wife also sued him for not send her money when they separated.

Article from the Midland Counties Express Jun 1910

“Lichfield Golfer’s liable Trail. At Winchester Assizes on Tuesday, before Mr. Justice Ridley, David Reginald Fox, professional to the Whittington Barracks Golf Club, Lichfield, was bound over in the sum of £10 to come up for judgement it called upon for writing and publishing a defamatory libel concerning Charles William Franklin of  Alexandra Road, Aldershot, an Army pensioner. The alleged libel was contained in a letter written on April 15 last by Fox to the Cavalry Brigade Major at Aldershot, inquiring whether Franklin was still employed at the Cavalry Club canteen and asking for his address. Defendant wrote: “I don't suppose you know he had to clear out of another canteen at Netheravon for forging bills as paid when they were not paid.” Defendant alleged that there was a more serious charge to be made against Franklin shortly, meaning pending affiliation proceedings at the instance of defendant's sister, Defendant pleaded guilty. His Lordship, addressing him, told him he been extremely well advised to plead guilty. He undoubted published an unnecessary and unjustifiable libel. If the case had proceeded to trial he would have been liable to perhaps severe punishment.

Franklin, when questioned admitted seducing the defendant's sister when under age. Miss Fox had given birth to a child of which he was the father. She was now 17 years of age. He suggested that Fox knew of his relations with his sister, and the girl’s mother sent her to live with him.”

The article below was written about Fox in 1914 and has some insight into his life and the development of the course

 Whittington Golf Club - 6th Jan 1914

A Chat with the Professional

““The Colonel” who writes a weekly column of Golf Gossip in our contemporary “The Sports Argus” paid a visit to Whittington Golf Club’s course at Lichfield last week. And this is what he says:-

In these dull days of no competition a writer of golf notes has to go out and get his news – that is if he wants to supply “news” and not waste space on discussing the habits of worms or other such illuminating subjects. I had never been to the Lichfield course, so decided to there this week. Whittington Heath or Common is rather a long distance from the town centre of Lichfield. There is a limited service or motor buses to the Barracks, and I managed to catch an early bus. I was agreeably surprised at the nature of the course, but sympathise with the members in having the Government as landlords. The Heath is used for military purposes, and, battles are not yet won by golf-sticks, one cannot grumble that the heath must retain its primary purpose.

But David Fox, the Lichfield professional has managed to improve the course without incurring the wrath of the Government or the military; indeed, Fox seems to get on quite well with the military, who form a big proportion of the membership of the Club. When Fox, who, by the way, is a Southampton man, and learnt his game under Jacobs at the Royal Isle of Wight Golf Club, he found an alleged course at Whittington. There were practically no fairways, no tees, no green – no anything. Gradually he made fairways, tees, and greens and bit by bit he has improved all three, until now people can enjoy a knock over the course. There is an abundance of gorse and bracken, and to enjoy golf amidst so much of these “royal and ancient difficulties” you have to be straight. The great feature of Whittington is that it is always dry. An hour after the heaviest of storms and you can play golf under reasonable conditions at Lichfield. It is a great pity the military authorities cannot see their way clear to allow a certain amount of bunkering. The little that is needed would surely not interfere with any military manoeuvring.

Fox is a conscientious “Pro” and would, if he could, make Whittington and attractive place. Fox is happy at Whittington because he is among the military. He served his country during the South African War. Joining the 41st Company of the Imperial Yeomanry, he was transferred to the 50th Company, then commanded by Colonel Seely, the minister of War. On reaching South Africa (via Beira and Portuguese territory), he became attached to the Rhodesia Field Force , and served under General Sir F Carrington and Colonel Plumer (now General Plumer). Fox and his companions had a rough time of it going through the jungle and swamp to Umtali. Exclusive of the Ladysmith Garrison Force, the Rhodesian Field Force were subjected to the severest health test in South Africa. The force saw a good deal of fighting, and in one engagement Fox’s company lost an officer, seven men killed and seven wounded.

Fox became mounted orderly to General Carrington at Bulawayo. On returning, just prior to the conclusion of the war, Fox was stricken down with enteric and dysentery, and was an inmate of Netley Hospital. Fox may not have won many golf medals, but he has something of which he is equally proud - the Queen’s South Africa Medal, with five clasps. On being discharged fit from Netley Hospital Fox, went back to the Royal Isle of Wight Golf Club and was assistant to Jacobs, and with the exception of a temporary health voyage, during which time he performed the duties of a steward Fox stayed at Bembridge until appointed to Whittington.”

David Fox resigned as Pro in 1920 and was replaced Mr W. Godridge.

William Godridge - 1921 - 1931

Little is known of William Godridge he joined the club in 1921 taking over from David Fox. He was tasked with the Green Committee to produce a plan for an 18 hole course in 1926 which was produced and presented to the Management committee. When Harry Colt was engaged to enlarge the course from 9 to 18 holes he was presented with the plan and is recorded to have said that it was a very fine plan and he could add only a few minor changes. 

In 1931 after the course improvements William appears to have fallen out with the Management Committee as he resigned and went to be the professional at Wrekin Golf Club. The management committee wanted to change the club management structure and separate the roles of Greenkeeper, Steward and Professional all of which William had done up to this point.

Freddie Fox - 1932 - 1968

Freddie Fox the younger brother of David Fox took over from William and was the Pro until 1968.

Freddie is credited with recovering the course after the Second World War when a considerable amount of damage was done to the course due to the roads, hard standing and tents that had occupied all but six of the holes.

In fact serious consideration was given to just winding the club up post war but a few determined members persuaded the membership to carry on and raised £2000 plus money from the WD as compensation and by 1948 the course was again fully open.

One of our members, Ken Johnston, had fond memories about meeting Freddie and wrote the following about his first meeting.

“On the left hand side was a building that looked like an old barn. Into it we went and there was a room on the side where he introduced me to the Golf Professional. God, Freddie Fox – then Alf said have you any golf clubs that this lad could have, he’s going into a little competition. So Freddie said Stick your hands and grip those”… He stuck both palms out and I gripped his hands. I felt like a racehorse being looked over.

He disappeared into the back and a few minutes he came back with a bag of clubs with these wooden headed things sticking out the side. He must have seen the look on my face because he said No charge Sir, just go and enjoy yourself and I thought “Gor Blimey”, I’ve only put my name down for half a crown and here I am with a bag of clubs on my arm”

“One day we were playing golf and Freddie Fox saw us and commented that we seemed to be enjoying ourselves why didn’t we become members. He promised to find out how much it would cost us as we were paying 7/6d per time, which was expensive. He eventually saw us again and notified us that he had two sponsors Alf Stannard and Charlie Brogden and the forms were duly filled in and handed in. Sometime later Freddie informed us that we had been promulgated. What’s that we asked Freddie then told us that that our names had been on the board and we were now members. £8.8s which was half the full fee of £16.16s. He asked how many times we had plated during the past week and being informed we had played twice he returned 2 x 7s 6d (15 Shillings) each. We paid our dues and Freddie then asked what I intended to do about the clubs he had loaned me. As I had just paid my subs I told I could not afford them at the moment. How would £7 suit you at £1 per week? That was how I bought my first set of clubs. My farmer friend bought a brand new set off Freddie, being a farmer he could afford it.”

“We got quite pally with Freddie and he told us a few stories, which I have related to other people. During the war when the Yanks were taking over, a group of officers were there measuring and commenting where roads would be, hutments and hard standing – and tented camps over there. Freddie listened to them and then commented you are not going to have a roadway there, you are not going to put hard standing there this is a golf course. The Yanks said don’t you know there is a war on. Freddie said Aye, and it will be between thee and me if you intend to put a road and hard standing where you said. He eventually talked them round and managed to keep six holes open. After the war he had the job of opening the golf course again and a fine job he made of it.”

Adrian Sadler 1968 – 2010

1st Assistants job Jan 1957 – 61 Earlham GC Norwich with professional Leslie Ball

1961 – 1965 Assistant Pro at Wentworth GC working with PGA Captain and Ryder Cup player Tom Haliburton

(6mths at Stratford on Avon)

1965 – 1968 assistant to Fred Fox at Whittington Barracks GC

1968 -           Professional at WBGC

Playing Career

Winner Norfolk Assistants Championship 1957

1962 Under 25’s National Assistants Championship – runner up to A Jacklin

1963 Runner up National Under 25’s 

1964 Runner up Surrey Open

1964 Runner Up Warwickshire Open (course record 67 second round) Ladbrooke Park

Winner Staffs Assistant stroke play (twice)

Winner Staffs Pro Stroke play 6 times

Winner Staffs Pro Match Play twice

Winner Staffs Open Course Record (1st Round 66) South Staffs

Winner Midland par 3 Championship

1971 4th Spanish Open Pals GC Catalonia

1973 3rd National Club Pro Championship

1975 8th National Club Pro Championship

Qualified 1973 and 75 for GB and Ireland Club Pro’s team to play in USA

Course Record Coventry Municipal 67

Course Record The Kloof  65

Course Record Newcastle under Lyme 66

Mike Raj 2010 -

Mike Raj

Mike was a junior at Moor Hall before joining WHGC in 1994 as assistant to Adrian Sadler. Mike had a brief spell away 2001/02 when he joined Reading GC and coached the Berkshire County girls. Mike returned to WHGC at the end of 2002 and was assistant to Adrian until taking over as Head Professional in 2010.

Warwickshire U21 Captain 1993
Warwickshire U21 Matchplay Champion 1993
European Tour School (stage 2 Pals, Spain) 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
Midland PGA Masters Champion, Enville GC 1999
Moonlight Tour Winner Florida 1999 ( two events Black Bear GC + Remmington GC)
Staffordshire PGA Strokeplay Champion, Brocton GC 1999
Course record Ullesthorpe Court GC 67(-5) 1999
Midland PGA event winner, Ullesthorpe Court GC 1999
Course record Reading GC 64 (-6) 2001
Berkshire County Girls Coach 2001-2
Australian PGA event Sydney 19th 2000
Awarded scholarship from PGA 1998
European Senior Tour, British Open Qualifying Wales 2022
European Senior Tour, PGA Championship, Qualifying Formby 2023

The Founder Lt Col George Simon

Background of Lt Col Simon

The Course Timeline

The Course Timeline

Founded in 1886 by Lieutenant Colonel George Simon who was the Chief Medical Officer at the Barracks. Lt Col Simon thought that it would be good for the men stationed at the Barracks and persuaded the Officer Commanding to allow him to layout a 9 hole course. As the race course was also still in use until 1894 it must have been within the race track. 

Some of the men cutting the bracken and gorse for the fairways and greens did it willingly others as a punishment.

Originally on officers and men stationed at the Barracks played but as its reputation built civilians were also allowed to play. By 1902 the civilians had started to take over running the club which from newspaper clippings of the time was called Whittington Garrison GC and latterly simply Whittington GC. In 1905 at the AGM it was decided to adopt a set of rules, obtain a clubhouse and engage a professional.

At the same meeting it was also agreed to set up a limited company Whittington Pavilion Golf Club with a limited number of shares and shareholders. This company was in existence until 1993 when the club was bought from the MOD. It was designed to shield the members from the debts of the club should it have to be wound up quickly. 

The first clubhouse was a collection of wooden huts on land opposite the current greenkeepers compound and cost £108. The clubs first professional was David Fox who arrived from the Royal Isle of Wight club where he had been assistant.

In 1908 the Military became unhappy with the running of the club and wanted to bring it back under their control, as there was no formal lease etc. and the WD owned the land it was easy for them to re-exert control.

In 1910 the club was granted a lease but the club secretary had to write acknowledging that the land could be taken back at 48 hours’ notice by the WD.

This right was exerted in 1914 when part of the land was repossessed at the start of the Great War. Remnants of practice trenches can still be seen in the wooded hill to the right of the current 9th tee. 

It took a few years after the war ended for the club to become fully functional again but it did. As the club and golf gained popularity there were many discussions about increasing the course from 9 to 18 holes. In fact in 1923 Harry Vardon offered his services but it was not the right time as the club was negotiating a new lease with an increased amount of land. In 1925 the green committee and William Godridge, the Pro, were tasked with preparing a course layout should the negotiations succeed. In 1926 the club did indeed agree a new lease and it was decided to bring in a course architect to design the new holes. Estimates were sort from a number of architects, Vardon, Hawtree, Colts and others: Harry S Colt was selected and his price was 15 guineas plus expenses. Colt visited the club on the 3rd Jan 1927 with Alison and XXX his surveyor. He was presented with the layout that William Godridge had set out and declared with only a few minor alterations he couldn’t improve on the course design.

The club then set about raising the money Colt had advised would be necessary to build the holes. He estimated that it would require £1000 to complete the project. The committee explored ways of funding the project and consulted with the members as to the desirability of the changes and how to raise the funds. There was a public meeting in May 1927 where the members decided to go ahead and proceeded to start the fund raising in blocks of £5. Over £415 was raised on the night with the additional funds being secured in the next two months.

Below are two articles from the Lichfield Mercury regarding the meeting and an editorial supporting the project as good for the Lichfield area.

“WHITTINGTON BARRACKS GOLF CLUB. A SUGGESTION TO LICHFIELD 

The proposal to build an eighteen hole golf course on Whittington Heath is a most estimable objective of the Whittington Barracks Golf Club should be warmly congratulated on their efforts in the matter. The members must enthusiastic to set themselves out to achieve this end among themselves; but why confine the object to their own efforts? Will the members of this club alone benefit from their success? Not by any means. What about the glorious and ancient City of Lichfield, conspicuous in history for its many associations with the Church and literature, attracting visitors from all over the world for the sake of its noble sons and associates, the men who left the beautiful city to make history and proclaim the glory of the peaceful glades which, before the introduction of the industrial spirit, had made Lichfield powerful in the country by force the brain power which emanated from this peaceful centre of learning. In common with many more centres of learning the spirit industrialism left this beautiful spot unsullied to continue directing great thoughts, instead of great machines, with consequent stagnation, so far as present day conditions progress. Lichfield was a centre of importance when the great City of Birmingham was rustic hamlet. Not so long ago the commercial citizens pondered the possibility of bringing further interest to the City. Progress, employment and commercial enterprise was the need for the moment. Cannot then the business instinct of the progressive citizens appreciate the importance to the trade and community of a appointed and maintained golf course in their immediate vicinity attracting not only visitors, but more than likely new residents to the city, a natural result of which would improve trade, and the enhancement of the value of properties, which would bring residents nearer to a first class golf course. It was urged that the great golf course architect, who surveyed the course on behalf of the Golf Club Committee, expressed the decision that the Heath lent itself to the creation of one of the finest inland golf courses in the kingdom. This knowledge should not be the sole property of the Golf Club. It is important to the citizens, and especially the business members of the community, to learn that they can help themselves and their admirable city by supporting a project immediately outside their boundary. The influx of a satisfactory population must improve the conditions and amenities of a hamlet or city. How many seaside resorts can report progress without good golf courses and other sporting opportunities for their residents and visitors? How many inland holiday and health resorts fail to give the same advantages they all made through individual efforts or by the collective help of the population? It’s an old tag about not looking a gift horse in the mouth, but business Lichfield would do well look this colt straight in the face and weigh the chances of his running them a successful race, back him to win, and jockeying him into a winning position by urging and supporting a project which is bound to improve the trading prosperity of the city.”

“MERCURY, FRIDAY 20th May WHITTINGTON BARRACKS GOLF CLUB. PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUCT 18-HOLE COURSE. 

An important step in the history of the Whittington Barracks Golf Club taken at the special general meeting held at the Swan. Hotel, Lichfield, on Wednesday evening, when it was decided to extend the present course into one of 18 holes provided that the sum of raised £1000. Brig.-Gen. Westmacott presided over the meeting, which ’was well tended. report presented by the joint Hon secretaries, Messrs. J. k. Morris and H-, H. Jacob,, stated that the committee had, for some time past, been considering the desirability of extending the course to 18 holes, and decided to call in that well known golfer, and one of the best golf course architects, Mr. H. S. Colt," for expert advice.- He came down a short time ago and went all over Whittington heath, and had sent in a most and encouraging report and plans, spotting how a most excellent full course could be laid out, while utilising most-of the existing greens. Mr. Colt was very favourably impressed with the site, the turf, and the subsoil, and considered the club was lucky in having such a dry course, with plenty of available, and had no hesitation in saying that a first class course could be made. Members were, aware that the club had a 21 years’ lease of the greater part of the-Heath from the War Office, and that the present club house was on ground only rented by the club from Major Dyott. Mr. Colt estimated that to lay out the new greens, alter the existing greens, clear the fairways and make the necessary sum of £l,000 to £1,500 would-be required, and he strongly recommended the work being done under his supervision a firm which was expert in that somewhat specialised work. That the committee fully endorsed if a really good was to be made. The committee therefore wished to obtain the views of the members at a special general meeting before doing anything further, and felt there were two main points to be considered : (1) Do the members want a good 18-holc course?; (2) How is the cost be provided? The committee had met several times to consider ways and means, and, in view of the fact that the club had no freehold to offer as security for any debentures that could otherwise have been created, the only method of raising the necessary money must be by voluntary effort, and therefore it made the following suggestions for consideration and discussion at the special general meeting: (a) Life membership on payment of £4O; Loans by members in multiples of £5, up to any amount, bearing interest at per cent, per annum from date of loan- Repayable at par by annual drawings, commencing in the third year after the 18-holc course has been opened for play. If these suggestions were favourably, received, and the members would one and all come forward and either take up a life membership or the loans, or both, the committee felt it would have-no difficulty in raising the necessary funds, and that the new course would bring a large influx of new members from the surrounding district Major C. L. Longstaff said it was fairly simple position, and they knew the circumstances. As they knew, they were able to get Mr. Colt a reduced fee, and they had had a most excellent report’ from him. He was very taken with their turf and thought they could not find better turf on any course in England. Incidentally, he confirmed to a very great extent the new holes which had been largely worked out by Mr. Morris and Godridge. They had two, or perhaps three alternatives before them. Mr. Colt strongly suggested if they went in for scheme they should get some specialist in golf architecture to level the greens and make the bunkers. That and the labour they would have to put in came to something in the nature of, £1,200, and undoubtedly they would have a finer course if they had those to shape the greens and the bunkers. If they were going to do that and make in, time very fine course, they wanted £1000 or £1,200 at least. The point was, could they raise it? He supposed they could do the whole job themselves for somewhat less, but they could not expect the results to be quite as satisfactory. If they could not raise that sum, he thought the best alternative was to go on making one or two holes each year they could If, as suggested, they raised the money by loan from members, they had a good sporting security with a good 18-holc course near Birmingham, and they would shortly be full with members. In reply to a question by the Mayor (Councillor F. Garratt), Mr. Jacob said the balance in hand of the club was roughly just under £100; whilst Mr. Murray Atkins said that during the past, five or six years the balance in hand been progressive each year. Mr. Morris said it had been suggested to him that they should make their 9-hole course into a rattling good course and build a club house. Mr. G. Birch said as to the 9-hole course his own idea was that they would never get any increase in membership with a 9-hole course, however good it was. People looked on a 9-holc course as something like playing on a miniature one, and they had an 18-hole it would attract people. They would never jump ahead as they ought to unless they had an 18-hole course. They would get just as many members as they want and they could put an entrance fee ‘‘on new members”. He did not pretend to be a golfer, but simply played to keep (town his weight. (Laughter). There was one gentleman present, however, who was a golfer, Mr. Birnie, and he would like him to give them his opinion on the matter- Mr. Birnie said a 9-holc course was not really looked on as golf course. He thought it would be far better to have 18-hole course and a poor club house than a good club house and 9-hole course. He did not doubt for one moment that there would be any difficulty us raising a good sum of money, and they should get good profits. He considered the estimate was a very reasonable one indeed. Major-Longstaff proposed, and Mr. F. H. Bull seconded, that that meeting desired to have an 18-hole course and would do all in its power to help the attainment of same. Mr. Murray Atkins said his view they should not start the work until they had promises of £1,000, and after discussion the meeting agreed to this. At the close it was announced that from the members present at that meeting the sum of £415 had been promised. And he thought that was very satisfactory.”

The members raised the money required and in late summer contractors were hired to build the holes as per the direction of Mr Colt. 

Mr Colt visited on two occasions to check on the development and the new holes opened 31st May 1928 with an exhibition match between Dr Anderson, Club Secretary and D. Fox v J. D. Birnie and William Godridge.

The committee awarded the foreman of the course builders a £5 bonus for his efforts.

Harry Colt was asked back in 1936 to advise on some changes, it is not quite clear what the changes were but from looking at the minutes it looks like a bunker or bunkers were added to what would have been the 13th, now currently the 14th hole just short of the green.

When the Second World War started the course was again taken over in 1942 by the WD this time for the America Army.

The barracks became to home of the 10th Replacement Regiment of the US Army; Over 380,000 troops passed through the camp between 1942 and the end of 1945. Camped on the course were 6,000 black American troops. During the period the course was occupied 6 holes remained open and they were used by the civilians, the Americans and the local RAF crews from Fradley.

After the war it took three years before the course was fully open, it was seriously considered that the club should be wound up, but fortunately the members decided to go on. Over £2000 was raised by the members plus compensation from the WD enabled the course to be rebuilt and all the hut placements removed (although some remain to this day i.e. in front of the short par 3 on the back nine).

Lichfield Mercury article 1945

“Whittington Barracks Golf Club RESTORATION WORK IN PROGRESS The annual general meeting of the Golf Club was held at the Clubhouse on Thursday. The President (Mr. O. Birch) was in the chair, supported by the Captain (Dr. A. B. Lindsay) and many members. The Hon. Secretary (Mr. R. H. Jacob) in his report surveyed the activities of the Club during the past year, which had differed little from those of other war years. The end of the war had led to the evacuation of the North and South Camps and to the return of the basic petrol ration, both of which would greatly help the Club. Conditions on the Heath had remained about the same, but it was hoped that an early start would be made with the removal of the buildings, and that the Common would again be an "open space." The military had recently made a start with the work of restoration, and the first fairway would be in full play early in the New Year. The Committee, he added, would concentrate for the time upon improving the general condition of those holes still in play. Members were very glad to hear that their assistant green keeper, W. Russell, had been demobilised after five years' service with the Forces. The Hon. Treasurer presented the statement of accounts, which showed a profit of £55 on the year's working, a gratifying result under very difficult conditions. Mr. S. Baxter was elected captain for the ensuing year, and the other officers and the Committee were re-elected. Votes of thanks to the officials for their work during the year concluded the business.”

In 1947 Mr Murray from Harry Colt’s company was brought in again to carry out some amendments. Colt himself had retired by this time. 

In 1952 the club moved from the collection of wooden huts to the house known as Heath View (now the Whittington Arms). The property was leased from the Dyott family. Up to 1952 the property had been on a long term lease as officer’s accommodation to the army. The club had long desired this building or the Old Soldiers Home as a clubhouse so did not hesitate when it became available.

Moving to Heath View required a change to the starting hole so what had been the 18th became the 1st and so on round the course. 

At some time prior to 1956 a new tee had been built for the 13th and in that year the loop on the back nine was reversed. 

In 1958 the Old Soldiers home became available, the club agreed a new lease for the course and clubhouse. Before leaving Heath View they managed to purchase the building off Maj. Dyott for £3000 and within weeks sold it for £4250 to a lady who converted the building into a dogs kennel and renamed it Lochranza Dogs Home.

Moving to the Old Soldiers home meant for the first time that you didn’t have to cross the A51 to start a game of golf.

Over the years the club made changes to the Old Soldiers Home but in essence it retained its character.

Only one hole was altered in any major way from 1950’s through to 2018 and that was the 6th hole which had two new greens built with the green moving further down the hill, and extending the length each time. This hole is no longer in use because HS2 took part of the land. For reference the hole was down the hill behind the current new 8th green.

In 2018 construction of the five new holes on the land that had previously been Roy Baxter’s land commenced. The Club lost the original 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, holes; a new hole was created on the old 6th fairway and became the 8th. New tees were created for the new 9th (11th) and 16th (10th) and 17th (old 3rd fairway and 18th green) and finally a new green was created next to the old 1st green for the new 18th green. Five completely new holes were created by Jonathon Gaunt on the land purchased from Roy Baxter by HS2. All new bunkers were created on all holes some were renovated to the new style in the same positions while others moved to accommodate the increase in driving distances. HS2 also paid for a complete new irrigation system. The land purchased from Roy Baxter is considerably more land that is required for the new holes. The Club negotiators had persuade HS2 to place “mitigation” land in the same area as the new holes. As part of the negotiations the Club also had a new Clubhouse built.

Competitions of Note

Events held at Whittington and include Carris Trophy, county finals etc

H. S. Colt

Henry (Harry) Shapland Colt (1869-1951)

I’m sure most if not all of you have heard of Harry Colt, the greatest golf course designers and architect

• Born 4th August 1869 into an affluent family.

• Father was a barrister in London

• He learnt to play golf at Worcester Golf Club during his summer holidays

• He was sent to Monkton Combe public Boarding School (near Bath) at 13years of age and was a natural sportsman, captaining the school’s first teams at cricket, rugby and rowing and was a school tennis champion.

• A family holiday to St Andrews started his love of golf and particularly links golf.

• In 1887 he went to Clare College Cambridge

• Followed his father into law

• Became friends with a great amateur golfer John Low who introduced him to the R&A. He started playing golf more regularly often playing St Andrews

• He joined Royal Wimbledon in 1893 when he started to practice law, but moved the same year to a law firm in Hastings which took him close to the coastal dunes of Camber Sands Rye which is where he could realise his true vocation in life – Golf course architecture

• Rye was Colts first design

• Colt was one of the founder members of R&A Rules of Golf Committee 1897

• Regularly competed in Amateur Championships and major tournaments around the country

• His credentials as the University captain of Varsity team, R&A Rules

Committee member and experience at Rye as both designer and Hon Secretary secured him the role as Secretary at Sunningdale.

• His skill in course design and attention to detail found him advising other clubs on how to best improve their course and the rest is history as they say….

• He was the first non-professional golfer to become a golf course architect

• He predominantly worked with:

• Alister MacKenzie (Alwoodleys Hon Sec)

• Charles Alison (Stoke Poges Sec)

• John Morrison (joined partnership 1923 when MacKenzie withdrew)

• Formed a company in 1928 (Colt, Alison and Morrison LTD)

• Advised and participated in the design or redesign of over 300 golf courses

• Whittington Barracks Golf Club

How did he get involved here?

• In 1926 a new lease was agreed to include a lot more land (originally the land reached the old 9th fairway, and the extension gave land up to the corner of our current 13th/14th

• Following this, in 1927 the minutes document the proposal of a scheme to extend the course into one of 18 holes

• A Special General meeting was held at the Swan Hotel Nov1926 chaired by the then captain (Major Longstaff) to discuss an 18 hole course, and it was at this point a decision was made to contact Mr H S Colt for his expert advice.

• He wasn’t the only architect that had tendered for the work, but his reputation was growing following success with other courses

• He wasn’t the cheapest, but wasn’t the most expensive either Colt visited the Club on the 3rd January 1927

• The then professional Mr W Godridge had drawn and prepared a plan which Harry Colt stated was excellent, with the addition of a few minor alterations could be improved upon.

• Harry was very impressed with the natural features of the heath and stated “you could not find better turf on any course in England’’

• He advised to lay out the new greens, alter existing greens and clear the fairways £1000 - £1500 would be required In today’s money that equals (£78,000 - £118,000)

The debate of the time was how it would be funded and it was agreed

• Funded by some lifetime memberships of £40 (£2300)

• Membership Loans of £5 multiples would fund the project

• Colt came back in 1936 to make amendments and then his partner

(John Morrison) came again in 1947 and made changes to the 2nd, 9th and

15th

• We had a new tee for third to lengthen the hole and an alt tee for 17th, current 15th.

better reflect the Colt design principles

People of Note in the Clubs History

These are people who have been influential in the Clubs development or have had a great playing career that has enhanced the Clubs. Their detailed careers where available can be found at the end of this document.

Robert Summer-Smith

Robert Summer-Smith was secretary twice 1902 and 1926 and Captain in 1929? He left a bequest of £200 which at the time was the equivalent of £8000 today. The money was used to employ men to dig trenches and lay water pipes to all greens, and to purchase honours boards. Members still play for the Summer-Smith Cup.

Colonel Longstaff

Colonel Longstaff was secretary when Harry Colt was employed and urged all members to agree the 9 to 18 upgrade. Members play for the Longstaff Cup which I think is unique in that the winner is the member who having played under par can then use the below par shots to see how far he can get starting again from the 1st tee, i.e. a score of 3 under par would allow the member three shot down the 1st and as far as they will take him.

Jacob

Pat Dewes

Pat Dewes was a solicitor and was on the committee in 1993 when the army offered the course to the members. He found a flaw in the MODs pricing in that they had assumed we were leasing a Golf Course and clubhouse, in fact we were only leasing the LAND for a golf course and not the course. Pat told the MOD that we would plough up the course before handing the land back. The MOD reflected and changed the price from £5m to £960000 which the members accepted.

Ivor Fernyhough

Martin Poxon

Martin Poxon was a member of the 1975 Walker Cup team

Debbie Warren

Colonel Owen

Andrew Dathan

Andrew has had a wonderful amateur career playing 186 times for the Men’s County team and being County President twice. His detailed career is listed in the appendix.

Appendix

Andrew N. Dathan

Born in 1947, he started golf at the age of 15 at Trentham Golf Club and was chosen for the Staffordshire Junior team in 1963 to play at Oxley Park GC against Shropshire & Hereford when he was one of only two members of a 12 man team that had a single figure handicap. (The other was the son of the pro at Walsall GC, Roger Fritton to whom he was runner up in the Staffordshire Junior Championship at Newcastle GC in 1964).  That year they both played in the first Four Counties Championship (Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire & Hereford) that tournament is still played for to this day.

He went to Birmingham University and played in the British Universities Championships where he won the English Universities Championships in 1969 and 1970.  In 1970 he also came second in the British Universities Championship and was selected to play for the British Universities against the Swedish National team where he won his matches.  As a result he was awarded a Full Blue for Golf by Birmingham University, only the second person ever to be so honoured (at redbrick Universities the rule was that a sportsman had to play for the National Team to be awarded their full colour). 

He graduated to the County Second Team and eventually the First Team where he went on to play some 186 times winning 98 matches.  He joined what was then Whittington Barracks GC in February 1973 where he is proud to have been a member ever since. He was County Captain in 1980 & 81, and the County won the West Midlands League I 1980.

He played in the Open Championship at Birkdale GC in 1971. The most memorable moment being when two young boys asked him for his autograph.  He, of course obliged and signed with a flourish, and handed the book back.  The lad looked at my script, showed it to his friend and said “See I told you it wasn’t him!”  They had gone before he thought to ask then who they thought he was.

He won the Staffordshire Amateur Championship at Leek GC in 1971 (71, 71 = 142), as a member of Trentham GC, and won it again in 1975 at the Trentham Golf Club (67, 74, 73, 72 = 286) but this time as a member of Whittington Barracks where with the help of Ivor Fernyhough and Martin Poxon he also won the team prize, the Scarf Shield.

The two years that he won the County Amateur Championship, Staffordshire went on to win the County Championship of England, a feat that the County has not repeated since! In fact, in 1975 he could boast that he was the Foursomes Champion (with Chris Poxon), the Team Champion (with Ivor Fernyhough & Martin Poxon), the Matchplay Champion and the Stroke-play Champion of the Champion County of England!

Other than this, perhaps his biggest achievement was to win the 72 hole competition of the Aggregate Scoring in the Birkdale Goblet and Formby Hare where he scored 74, 72, 73, 73 = 292 with many International players competing.

In 2008 he took the examination to become an England Golf referee, and to maintain that status the examination has to be retaken every three years.  In 2018, he was asked to referee the British Universities Championship at Little Aston GC, (he took his 1970 runner-up medal to show the organisers!). He has enjoyed refereeing many Championships, including, of course, the County Championship of England at Whittington Heath GC in 2024. 

He was elected as County President for 2010 & 11 and became County Seniors Captain for 2012 & 13 for whom he played 110 times winning 44.5 matches.

In 2023 it was the Centenary of the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs and it was tremendous honour when he was asked to be President again for this special year.