A HISTORIC golf club known as the ‘jewel’ of Furness which boasts hundreds of members is marking its 100th year.
Barrow Golf Club is celebrating the milestone this summer in a series of events which will unite past and present members in a weekend full of golfing celebrations.
The club’s oldest member, who is also set to celebrate her 100th birthday this year, is hoped to be involved in the commemorations.
To mark the Rakesmoor Lane club’s centenary year, The Mail is looking back at the inception of the golf club more than 100 years ago.
In September 1921, concrete steps were being taken for the proposed new golf club.
A promotion committee was formed, with Mr J.W Bray acting as honorary secretary, who gave the question of a new club closer consideration.
After putting forward a scheme to see the amount of forthcoming support, the report received exceeded expectations.
The course was ‘undoubtedly the finest in the district for the purpose, the land being all a golfer could desire both for quality and space’.
A great deal of interest was shown in the proposal, with intentions to make a start on the course in early-October, so that the course would be ready to play by March 1922.
On Friday October 7 1921, a general meeting of the Barrow Golf Club was held within Victoria Park Hotel where a large number of men and women were present to receive the report from the promotion committee.
On the recommendation being put to the meeting, it was carried unanimously to carry out the necessary arrangements for the proper formation of the club and the preparation of the course.
It was agreed that the club adopt the name of the ‘Barrow Golf Club’.
The chairman said the proposal had been ‘most excellently received’ in regard to immediate acceptance for membership and further promises of support.
By the beginning of March 1922, despite the vile weather for the outdoor work, excellent progress appeared to have been made on the new golf club.
Nine temporary holes had been roughed out and were available for play by the members who wished to take advantage of them until the formal opening of the full course, which was planned for early-April.
On Saturday June 10 1922, the new course was formally opened by mayor Alderman Fairbaim who opened the course with a fine shot. The ball was gathered and would be mounted and kept as a souvenir by the club.
Nearly 100 years later, the club remains a popular playing spot, known for its variety of holes and charming views.
Steve Trainer, honorary secretary and centenary captain, said: “Barrow Golf Club has presently grown to around 600 members ranging from a very vibrant junior section through to seniors and super seniors.
“Our oldest member celebrates her 100th year this year and it is hoped that she will be involved in our centenary celebrations.
“Barrow Golf Club was instrumental in embracing the Girls Golf Rocks initiative which has led to an increased membership of our junior girls section.
“Barrow Golf Club is best described as a jewel on the edge of the Lake District. An extremely welcoming and very friendly golf club that is blessed with the most spectacular views of any club in the UK.
“Our centenary celebrations will last throughout the season with fellow centenarians Dean Wood GC playing matches home and away against us together with an end of season tournament with our friends at Furness Golf Club.
“We have a full weekend of golfing celebrations through the weekend of June 10, 11 and 12 when past and present members will take to the course and enjoy a get together in the clubhouse afterwards.”
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