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History
HOME OF THE RYDER CUP
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Samuel Ryder
Founded in 1905, Verulam Golf Club was originally designed as a nine-hole course by civil engineer, Ernest Phillips. Six years later, James Braid, a member of the Great Triumvirate, designed and extended the course to 18 holes on land leased from the Earl of Verulam.
With only 130 acres of land and rolling features to work with, James Braid produced a course that continues to challenge even the professionals of today.
In 1911, Samuel Ryder was appointed Club Captain for the first time (he would hold the office twice more in 1926 and 1927). Samuel Ryder was determined to bring professional tournaments to the club and his efforts ensured the early survival of Verulam, as a well as the development of golf across the globe.
Other famous golfers to have played the course include the other members of the Great Triumvirate, John Henry Taylor and Harry Vardon, while Abe Mitchell, Henry Cotton and Alex Herd also had the pleasure of playing our magnificent course. The course has remained in its original layout but over the years has been updated with the installation of an irrigation system, building of new tees, concentrated woodland management and recently a refurbishment of the bunkers to meet present day playing standards.
In the mid-1980s, 5,500 saplings were planted to balance the felling of several trees in an extensive woodland management programme. Since being planted the saplings have grown significantly adding variety and life to the woods lining the fairways. This, combined with with the annual Tree Fund planting programme creates a woodland scene of varied colours all the year round. Many things have changed since that time but the course still provides as stern a challenge now as it did in those pioneering days at the start of the 20th century.
