Tunbridge Wells Golf Club Official Brochure 2012 - 2013
Welcome..................................... 05
Members’ Golf......................................................................................... 29
History......................................... 07
In-House Societies................................................................................. 35
The Course................................. 13
Visitors....................................................................................................... 39
Hole by Hole Guide.................. 16
Golf Societies........................................................................................... 41
The Professional & . The Pro Shop............................. 19
Clubhouse................................................................................................ 42
Tuition........................................... 21
Social Activities....................................................................................... 48
Becoming a Member.............. 23
Contact / Find Us.................................................................................. 50
Corporate Opportunities...................................................................... 45
0870 7707765 • www.pinnacle.uk.com • info@pinnacle.uk.com Turnbridge Wells Golf Club and Pinnacle Publishing wish to thank the businesses who appear in this publication for their support and wish them every success in deriving business from its circulation. The contents of this book are believed to be correct at the time of printing, nevertheless, we can not endorse and readers should not rely solely upon the accuracy of any statements or claims contained herein without prior consultation within the service provider.
Content 03
04 Welcome
Welcome Tunbridge Wells Golf Club is located in beautiful countryside in the heart of Kent, the county popularly known as the Garden of England.
Both novice and established golfers can enjoy a game on the nine-hole course which, while forgiving, has enough challenges to stimulate players of all abilities. The holes can be played from different tees to turn a round into the more traditional 18 holes.
The course is one of the oldest in the area, dating back to 1889, and has not changed greatly from the one first enjoyed during the reign of Queen Victoria. Certainly, it retains the same stunning views that have ensured its appeal has endured for well over a century.
The clubhouse has excellent facilities and with a magnificent location allied to the expertise of our skilled outside catering team, we have become a popular venue for functions and special occasions.
The club has membership opportunities available to suit all, with preferential rates on offer to junior golfers.
Come and see us, the welcome will be warm and genuine and, who knows, a casual visit may turn into a lifelong association.
Welcome 05
History Tunbridge Wells Golf Club was founded in 1889 by W Bruce Dick, in the grounds of the Spa Hotel of which he was the proprietor.
to fill in the gaps, we would be delighted to hear from you!
Unfortunately, no written records remain from the time and minutes have been lost, so what follows is garnered from information we have managed to piece together after exhaustive research. If anyone can provide any factual details
That was the origin of the present club Tunbridge Wells Golf Club, which was first registered at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrew’s (the home of golf) in 1896 and which by then had been extended to a nine-hole course.
When Mr Dick, “a fine upstanding Scotsman”, as one former member once described him, first came to the Spa Hotel he constructed three or four holes in the grounds for his own amusement and that of special guests.
Membership at that time totalled 210, with the subscriptions being two guineas (£2.10) for men and one guinea for ladies. Nowadays we are delighted to welcome members from all walks
History 07
of life, but this was certainly not the case in those early days. As Eric Carter pointed out in his book The First 100 Years, written for our centenary in 1989, “it was a closely-knit coterie, a club of cronies with a few carefully chosen members. “It was not open to all and sundry – local tradesmen, in particular, were not expected to cross the clubhouse threshold unless, of course, they were delivering goods.”
Every golf club has its characters and the Humphrey family have left an indelible impression on the history of our club. Sam Humphrey, a larger-than-life figure, served as our professional for 30 years, before being succeeded by his son John at the end of the Second World War. Sam’s daughter Nora once recalled an incredible family feat that saw both Sam and John record holes in one at the second hole within two days of each other. Not to be outdone, Nora completed the treble in the same week by making a hole in one at the sixth. One end of our course was very close to the neighbouring club of Culverden and negotiations took place in 1950 to buy that club when it was put up for sale. Alas, the plan never came to fruition and Culverden was soon built on, and an opportunity of turning
History 09
Tunbridge Wells Golf Club
the two clubs into an 18-hole golfer’s paradise was gone forever.
Tunbridge Wells Golf Club were now truly masters of their own destiny! The hurricane of October 1987 had a devastating effect across the country and Tunbridge Wells felt the full force too. Many trees were brought down around the course but members – both men and ladies – stoically set to work removing them over the next three weeks so play could begin again.
Then owner Alistair McNab offered to lease the club to its members in December 1969 and an ambitious programme of refurbishment was undertaken. It was typical of our membership and their outlook on life: nothing should get in the way of a good round of golf. Seven years later Mr McNab agreed to sell the club and with the help of grants all loans and the mortgage had been paid off inside ten years. Members of
History 11
Tunbridge Wells Golf Club
The Course Tunbridge Wells golf course takes full advantage of some glorious Kent countryside to offer a fair challenge to golfers of all abilities. It is expertly maintained to a very high standard and while looking a picture, it plays exceedingly well too and boasts some of the finest greens in the county. The nine-hole course measures 2,368 yards from the yellow tees on the front nine and 2,383 yards on the back nine holes
played from the blue tees. All the holes offer a good variation of golfing skills and some present quite a challenge. There are four par-3s and five par-4s. You certainly do not need to be a long hitter - the longest hole measures a comparatively modest 414 yards – instead a premium is placed on a sound short game, with chipping and putting to the fore. The ability to drive the ball accurately from the tee is also extremely beneficial, with trees in play on several holes just waiting to catch out the errant shot. The club has a team of very dedicated greenstaff and we have had some excellent feedback about the condition of the course, and in particular the greens, who some of our visitors have described as the best surfaces they have played on all year. There are many highlights to a round, but just to pick out a few: the
The Course 13
Tunbridge Wells Golf Club
2nd is our signature hole, it is a pretty little par three with an undulating green.
The 8th is a terrific par four for the men. Another dogleg right, you have to get your drive absolutely right as there is not a great deal of leeway.
The 5th is a dogleg right and requires a drive over water. The tee-shot safely negotiated you are left with quite a tricky approach hitting across an unmade road on to a green that is set in a slight basin. The green runs from left to right and a bunker on the right is perfectly placed to catch any off-centre shots.
We have a well-maintained practice putting green on which you can also perfect your chip and runs and a short game area where you can work on your pitching and bunker play. For an illustrated hole-by-hole guide and to examine the scorecard more thoroughly, check out our website www.tunbridgewellsgolf. com though you will not appreciate the sheer beauty of the course until you come and play here.
The Course 15
Hole By Hole Guide Prepare for your visit to
Hole 1, 266 yards, par 4 (Hole 10, 288 yards)
Tunbridge Wells by familiarising
Aim between the hill top trees and slightly right of centre. This will give you a clear second shot to the green. Note the position of the flag on the 9th green to your left, it may help you later!
yourself with each hole over the coming pages and make the most of your round with our hole-by-hole guide. You can prepare yourself for the challenges that await, as well as
Hole 2, 122 yards, par 3 (Hole 11, 100 yards) Seemingly straightforward par 3 but beware the undulating green. Many a fine tee shot has ended with a bogey or worse!
pick up some invaluable playing
Hole 3, 366 yards, par 4 (Hole 12, 383 yards)
tips from our PGA professional,
Aim left of centre for the best position to attack the flag. Straying too far right will make for a risky blind second shot to the green.
Sharon Thomas.
16 Hole By Hole Guide
Hole 4, 230 yards, par 4 (Hole 13, 189 yards) A long par three requiring great accuracy to hit the green and avoid the bunker to the left. Anything coming up short of the green will tend to bounce left to right towards the woods! Hole 5, 379 yards, par 4/5 (Hole 14, 386 yards) This is a dog leg right. Aim to land right and short of the white post over the lake. This will put you in a good position to attack the pin with your second shot. The Lake on the corner of the dog leg is Out of Bounds so don’t be tempted to take on too much! Hole 6, 151 yards, par 3 (Hole 15, 156 yards) Correct club selection on this par 3 is crucial if you wish to avoid the bunkers and stay on the green. Hole 7, 261 yards, par 4 (Hole 16, 261 yards) The fairway has a severe right to left slope until you reach the top of the hill, and with Out of Bounds to the right you need to take care with your tee shot on this seemingly straightforward-looking hole. Hole 8, 405 yards, par 4/5 (Hole 17, 414 yards) This is a dog leg right but unless you are a big hitter don’t be tempted to take on the corner. The green is hidden from view in a hollow and protected by a bunker to the front. Hole 9, 188 yards, par 3 (Hole 18, 216 yards) A large green which can not be seen from the tee. Aim over the white post on the top of the bank opposite the tee. Hopefully you will have noted the pin position when starting play on the first!
Hole By Hole Guide 17
Tunbridge Wells Golf Club
The Professional & The Pro Shop The PGA professional at Tunbridge Wells Golf Club is Sharon Thomas, who has been with us since 2007. Sharon’s initial link with the club was in coaching the lady members, but she proved so popular that we refused to let her go!
great deals available on golf balls, with the aim being to equal or better prices on the internet. All the major Titleist range of balls are stocked, as are Srixon and Callaway.
Sharon’s claim to golfing fame as a player was becoming the Sussex girls champion on her 16th birthday, beating an elite field at Cooden Beach Golf Club.
JRB Golf are featured as well and there is some lovely knitwear made by Glenbrae, who have created some stylish clothing for the club bearing the Tunbridge Wells Golf Club logo.
Nowadays, she focuses her time offering expert tuition to members and running the well-stocked Pro Shop. Here you will find some
The Pro Shop also has the latest MotoCaddy trolleys and a wide range of ladies and men’s clothing. Here the focus is not so much on the recognised golf brands, but on fashionable garments that look good on the course and Alice Collins – who has launched a new golf collection – is a particular favourite.
Sharon is a firm believer in golfers having a set of clubs that complement their swing and rather than selling standard equipment that may or may not suit, she encourages members to go to the custom fitting facilities of Mizuno, Callaway, Yonex and TaylorMade so they are assured their clubs work for them. Our professional is happy to accompany you on your visit if you prefer.
The Professional & The Pro Shop 19
Tuition A popular and profitable stopping-off point for golfers looking to improve their game is our teaching professional, Sharon Thomas. Sharon’s aim is to keep instruction as simple as possible, that way the student is able to retain the information without their mind being burdened by complicated swing thoughts. She generally offers 40-minute lessons on any particular discipline of the game that is proving problematical.
She has a purpose-built coaching bay constructed by the members and likes to concentrate on kinesthetics – that is making sure the pupil feels the correct positions in the golf swing. Sharon also extols the virtues of mirror-image teaching – so the student can see what they are doing and what they are supposed to be doing. This works particularly well with beginners. For the more experienced golfer, hour-long on-course lessons are available and these can be extended to 90 minutes or two hours if required. Group classes are also available by arrangement and can complement perfectly a society or corporate golfing day either before or after your round. For more details, call the Pro Shop on 01892 541386, or 07790 702230 or e-mail Sharon@tunbridgewellsgolf.com
Tuition 21
Becoming a Member Tunbridge Wells is renowned as a friendly club with a wide and varied membership. There are many established groups ready to welcome you who play on a regular basis throughout the week and weekends so you will never be short of having someone to play with. We pride ourselves on having an active membership with a full schedule of competitions for men, ladies, seniors and juniors aimed at players of all
standards. There is also a busy and varied social calendar with events for all of the family. Membership is open to all upon application – you do not need to know anyone already at the club. In fact many new members find themselves quickly part of a regular group of friends. We have a simply delightful parkland course that looks a picture all-year round and which should appeal to any standard of player. Though not overly-long it is still a test and encourages straight hitters and course management, so often neglected today in the efforts to boom a 300-yard drive off the tee. Competitive golfers can achieve an official CONGU handicap recognised worldwide, and play in regular competitions both with their fellow members and against other clubs.
Becoming a Member 23
Not everyone has the time to devote four hours to a round of golf, but our venue allows players to enjoy nine holes and then relax in the clubhouse or return to their busy lives. It is also worth remembering that members receive a membership card which entitles them to a discount on drinks.
with the support of our popular lady golf professional, Sharon Thomas, who is an excellent teacher to golfers of all ages and abilities. Excellent rates are available to junior golfers and to young adults through our academy membership. Details of current membership rates can be found on the club website, www.tunbridgewellsgolf.com. Please call 01892 536918 if you require more details.
For the beginner golfer wishing to learn the game, there could be few better places to start, with a forgiving course together
Becoming a Member 25
26 Content
Tunbridge Wells Golf Club
title body
Tunbridge Wells Golf Club
Content 27
Members’ Golf New members are always made to feel most welcome at Tunbridge Wells Golf Club and we offer numerous opportunities to enjoy a round of golf either competitively or socially. The more casual golfing gettogethers are ideal for getting to know other members and make new friends. Early every Saturday morning a group of men known as the SBS (Saturday Breakfast Society)
play 18 holes and all are welcome to join them. This is followed by another mixed group that meets at midday on Saturday known as the SAS (Saturday Afternoon Society). They play two away days a year at different courses. On Sunday another mixed group meet at midday and new members are encouraged to join them. You just need to turn up, put your name in the hat and are drawn with different partners each week. This is a quick and enjoyable way to get to know other members. Tuesdays are dedicated to the ladies’ section, who play weekly competitions and matches against other clubs, both home and away. These can sometimes take place on Fridays instead, depending on arrangements with the club we are playing.
Members’ Golf 29
On Wednesday at midday a group of men meet to play 18 holes. Known as the WACCATS (Wednesday Afternoon Cream Cake and Tea Society), they play for raffle tickets which are entered into a bumper Christmas draw.
throughout the year including summer singles and four ball knockouts. For prospective members who enjoy the thrill of competitive golf, Tunbridge Wells is a fine choice because there are numerous trophies contested annually. One of the most noteworthy is the Seymour King Trophy, a medal event played over 36 holes generally held over two days in early July.
The Top Dog Trophy is played for by the men and, as its name Thursday morning is the Veterans’ suggests, is a trophy contested by all the major winners and runners match day. This over-55 grouping up in club prize and trophy competitions, to find the champion of encourages new members to play champions. Bearing a statuette of an appealing little wire-haired fox in their matches and competitions terrier, it is a splendid piece of silverware dating back almost a century and hard to believe that many years ago it was used as a doorstop in which are normally followed by the pro’s shop until being rediscovered and restored to its former glory. lunch. The veterans frequently take part in roll-ups on Mondays Matches against other golf clubs, such as prestigious encounters as well. Theirs is a well-organised, against other well-known adversaries like the nearby Nevill Golf popular section to belong to, Club, are regular fixtures throughout the year and these are followed by a meal. It may be nice to finish on the winning side, but equally with its own society, agm, and enjoyable is the warmth and friendship that has developed between annual dinner. our club and our neighbours over the years. Most weekends there are We also run a Winter League for those that enjoy the course and their competitions and there are golf the whole year round. also various knockout events
Members’ Golf 31
Members’ Golf 33
In-House Societies The Past Captains Society The Past Captains Society was formed in 1961 and is still flourishing today. Several meetings are held each year on different golf courses in the area. A Silver Salver is played for annually. The Thrushes This society has been running for more than 30 years and gets its name from a former member who was nicknamed “Frush”.
Members are expected to be available for the annual holiday in September each year. The Beagles This society was formed in 1973 and has maintained a steady membership, although only two of the original founder-members are still active participants. Six meetings a year are held at various golf clubs where 36 holes are usually played. The highlight is a long weekend away where the Tom Morris Shield is played for. The Eagles A group of members formed the Eagles in 1982 with the intention of having a week’s golfing holiday and they have visited many resorts over the intervening years. There are trophies for each morning’s
In-House Societies 35
competition and these are presented the same evening. A golf day is held in May, when the new captain takes over and is presented with the Eagles Captain’s tie.
The Kingfishers
The Twigs
The Gads
Tunbridge Wells Integrated Golf Society was formed in 1983 and has an equal number of ladies and men. It is still going strong and a number of meetings are held each year.
This golfing association was formed in August 2001 by a trio of Tunbridge Wells members – Lionel, Mike and Paul – whose aim was to get a group of friends together to play golf on a league basis. The season runs from September to November, then February to August. This society is mixed and members of other golf clubs are included.
This society was formed in 1987 by Dave King and Mike Fishlock from which the name was derived and whose aim was to give an opportunity for business people to play who were unable to justify a week away. A minimum of three meetings are held each year playing 18 holes at different courses.
In-House Societies 37
Visitors Visitors are always made to feel very welcome at our course. Despite being less than a mile from Tunbridge Wells town centre we have been described as being a hidden gem on more than one occasion. But rather than wishing to keep one of the region’s best-kept secrets to ourselves we are most happy to see the look of delight on the faces of visitors when they discover us for the first time.
We often have special deals available and you should check the green fees page of our website www.tunbridgewellsgolf.com for up-to-date information on prices. It is also possible to book rounds of golf direct via the website at preferential rates. Special rates are available for juniors and guests of members. Like most golf clubs, we do have a dress code and all we ask is that players on the course are dressed in appropriate golfing attire. If you are unsure, check the website for a list of what is acceptable and what is considered to be a fashion faux pas. Come and spend some time with us, play nine or 18 holes and enjoy refreshment in our cosy and comfortable clubhouse offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and substantial meals.
Visitors 39
Golf Societies Golf societies are always assured of a warm welcome at Tunbridge Wells Golf Club. We pride ourselves on the care and attention we give to ensure your day runs smoothly. Nothing is too much trouble and we would be delighted to help you build your own itinerary to create a golf day agenda unique to your group. Bespoke packages are very much a speciality and are also popular with our society friends,
judging by the number who visit us year after year. Simply give us a call and tell us exactly what you want and we will quote what we are confident you will feel is a very reasonable price. We can offer an interesting, scenic and well-maintained golf course that appeals to all levels of player together with the finest cuisine and outstanding service, all at a very reasonable price. All the little extras you would expect to make your day a success are provided, such as nearest the pin and longest drive markers and you if you are in need of some competition prizes, look no further than the Pro Shop. For more information on booking a society day please contact us on 01892 541386.
Golf Societies 41
42 Clubhouse
Clubhouse The friendly, relaxed atmosphere of the clubhouse provides a comfortable setting in which to unwind after a round and to enjoy a refreshing drink and, perhaps, a bite to eat. We are fully licensed with a selection of draught and bottled beers, wines and spirits, together with an extensive range of soft drinks.
meals are available from our in-house caterers Monday to Saturday. For major events, meals following club matches, private functions and other special occasions, our catering is provided by the Purple Pumpkin. Sean Taylor, the head chef and owner of the Purple Pumpkin, has worked in London and abroad for many years and now brings his experience and innovative ideas in food tastes, style and presentation to patrons of our golf club. Call or e-mail the club for details, or take a look at the Purple Pumpkin’s website www.purplepumpkin.org.uk to whet your appetite.
A large choice of freshlyprepared sandwiches and bar
Clubhouse 43
Corporate Opportunities Tunbridge Wells Golf Club is the perfect location to bring business partners or clients, whether simply to get them out of the office environment or to enjoy a round of golf.
Start the day with breakfast before playing 9 or 18 holes and relaxing with a drink and a snack in the bar or a more traditional sitdown meal.
You will find us a welcoming and willing host of corporate days and can supply everything you need to make your day a success.
If you are looking to host a seminar in a relaxing location away from the hustle and bustle of daily business life then ours is the ideal spot. We can provide a big screen, PowerPoint facilities and a microphone to help you get your message across.
Packages can be tailored to meet your individual needs.
Whatever your requirements our friendly staff will do their utmost to accommodate them, so either give us a call or pop into the club to discuss what you have in mind.
Again, refreshment can be tailored to suit the time of day or duration of your stay, but whether it’s a breakfast meeting or a threecourse meal, satisfaction is guaranteed.
Corporate Opportunities 45
Corporate golf is a great way Examples of our corporate deals are: of rewarding your employees • Buy a minimum of 5 full memberships and get 2 free. These and clients, a way of saying memberships can be either named individuals or have bearer thank you and an opportunity to cards issued. spend productive time with them • Membership card allowing your company 8 rounds of golf in a friendly and challenging per month or 16 rounds per month, offering savings of several environment. hundred pounds. Tunbridge Wells Golf Club is an ideal venue, located less than a • 2 full memberships for named company employees with 100 complimentary guest rounds (to be used with one of named mile from the town centre, with members). Complimentary green fees for a midweek corporate free parking and welcoming golf day for up to 40 people. clubhouse we can offer a number of exceptional value • For the individual business owner - one full membership plus 25 deals for corporate membership. complimentary guest rounds plus complimentary green fees for a midweek corporate event for up to 25 people. Please note if one of the above does not meet your specific needs, we are happy to discuss your individual requirements and tailor a package to suit. Please call us on 01892 523034 if you would like to discuss any details of these offers, or to arrange a complimentary round of golf.
Corporate Opportunities 47
48 Content
Social Activities You would expect a club with a history dating back as long as ours would have worked out how to have a good time by now, and you would be right.
It would be simply criminal not to make the most of the picturesque location where we find ourselves and our annual summer ball is held in a marquee we erect on the course. This popular event gives members the chance to dress up in their finery and always makes for a memorable night.
There is a very active social side to Tunbridge Wells Golf Club and special events take place throughout the year, with one of the highlights being the club dinner-dance held at the High Rocks in Tunbridge Wells.
There is a Christmas party and New Year’s Eve party in the clubhouse and sit-down dinners follow many golfing matches enabling members to catch up with old friends and golfing adversaries. Our creativity extends beyond being able to shape shots on the golf course – if you are looking to broaden your horizons, the clubhouse is the venue for guitar, singing and art classes among other things.
Social Activities 49
Contact Us
How To Find Us
We look forward to welcoming you to Tunbridge Wells Golf Club. If you have any questions or would like further information then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Tunbridge Wells Golf Club is located just off the A264 less than a mile west of Tunbridge Wells town centre. It is about 40 miles from central London and around 15 miles south of junction 5 of the M25.
Tunbridge Wells Golf Club Langton Road
For satellite navigation purposes, our postcode is TN4 8XH.
Directions From The West
Kent
Heads towards Royal Tunbridge Wells on the A264 and you will find the club on the left, just before reaching the town centre, close to the Spa Hotel.
TN4 8XH
From The South
Tunbridge Wells
Useful Phone Numbers Clubhouse: 01892 523034 Secretary: 01892 536918 Professional: 01892 541386 E-mail:
tunbridgewelgolf@btconnect.com
Website:
www.tunbridgewellsgolf.com
Head northeast on the A26, turn left at Major York’s Road just before reaching Tunbridge Wells and then take the 1st exit at the roundabout on to the A264. The club is a short way down on he right. Alternatively, take the A267 through Frant and shortly before reaching Tunbridge Wells take the 1st exit on to the Eridge Road (A26). Turn right into Major York’s Road and then take the 1st exit at the roundabout on to the A264. The club is a short way down on the right. From The North Head towards Tunbridge Wells on the A26 and keep right at the fork with the A264 just before the town centre, following this road for just over a mile. The club is on the right. Public Transport The nearest railway station is Tunbridge Wells, which is around a mile (or a five-minute taxi ride) away. Trains from London run every 15 minutes from Charing Cross. Journey time is approximately 54 minutes.
50 Contact / Find US
Tunbridge Wells Golf Club Langton Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 8XH
Tel: 01892 523034 E-mail: tunbridgewelgolf@btconnect.com Website: www.tunbridgewellsgolf.com