Willie Park Jnr Special Edition
Featuring The Serene Willie Park Jr. Designed
www.templegolfclub.co.uk
Willie Park Jr. 1864 - 1925 Born in 1864, Willie Park Jr. originally made his name as a Scottish professional golfer, winning the Open championship on two occasions. Park was also a successful golf equipment maker and writer and most notably, in his later years, embarked on a significant career as one of the world’s best known golf course architects which proved to be a worldwide business. Willie’s father, Willie Park Sr. won the first Open Championship in 1860 and ran a club and ball making company in Musselburgh, East Lothian where Park Jr. learned his trade, caddying and working with his father. By 1880, Park had mastered his trade enough to take on the role of ‘Assistant Professional, club and ball marker, steward and greenkeeper’ at Tyneside Golf Club in Ryton to the west of Newcastle and at the age of just 22, he laid out his first golf course in 1886.
Willie Park Jr. & some of his designs from around the world
Atlantic City Country Club Northfield, New Jersey North at Olympia Fields Country Club Olympia Fields, Illinois
Park Jr. did not charge a fee for the architectural design of the course at Innerleithen but instead obtained a preferential ‘franchise’ for the supply of William Park and Sons clubs to members. By 1900, Willie Park Jr. was at the peak of his prowess and had designed several golf courses in Scotland. Park’s first well known brief was Sunningdale, now known as the Old Course, followed almost simultaneously by Huntercombe. Following these completions, Willie Park Jr’s. golf course architecture became renowned and highly regarded the world over. Park’s inland golf courses were known to encompass length and imagination so much so that his skills were instructed in Canada, the Americas and on many European golf courses. Characteristics of Willie Park Jr. golf courses are identifiable. Park’s par 3’s often included features to snare or disorientate the golfer, such as a diagonal hazard to distract the player, or to provide an artificial perspective to the hole. In addition, Willie’s greens were typically described as ‘a tipped platter with two fried eggs’. The legendary golf course architect, Willie Park Jr. has also published two books, ‘The Game of Golf’ and ‘The Art of Putting’ – which was an integral part of his own game.
By the time of his death in 1925, Willie Park Jr. had completed over two hundred golf courses.
Waterford Golf Club County Waterford
Henley Road, Hurley, Berkshire, SL6 5LH
T:01628 824 795 E:secretary@templegolfclub.co.uk W: www.templegolfclub.co.uk
A serene setting for golf in the Thames Valley Located close to London, Berkshire benefits from excellent transport links to the city as well as the rest of the UK by both road and rail. A popular destination for golf breaks, the county appeals due to its affordable luxury and some of the country’s finest inland golf courses.
A Willie Park Jr. Classic Golf Course Whether choosing to socialise and relax, eat or drink, the panoramic views across the Thames Valley from the clubhouse windows present the ideal backdrop.
The Berkshire town of Hurley is a fantastic base to explore the area; combining great value and excellent facilities with some stunning golf. With a picturesque setting on the banks of the River Thames, Hurley sits between Henley-on-Thames and Maidenhead. The pretty village is full of history and natural beauty, with something for all to enjoy.
Temple Golf Club in Hurley has been established for over 100 years and offers unparalleled beauty, inspiration and character in a serene setting a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Due to the chalk-downland nature of the golf course, it is free-draining and does not really become affected by adverse weather that the UK can sometimes experience, meaning that course is playable all-year-round. The Club’s greenkeeping team ensure’s that the golf course is maintained to a very high standard guaranteeing that the Temple course is in the same pristine condition in the winter as it is during the warmer months.
Societies are welcome to take on the fairways and enjoy the tremendous hospitality of Temple Golf Club throughout the year. The Club offers a variety of packages for groups of 12 golfers or more which can be tailored to meet the requirements of the visiting party.
Temple was designed in 1909 by twice Open Champion and renowned golf course architect, Willie Park Jr. The par 70 golf course which measures 6,210 yards from the championship tees is gently undulating with stunning views over Marlow and the Thames Valley.
Temple Golf Club promotes an affordable, flexibile and family-friendly environment which is enjoyed by many visitors each year. Also built in 1909, the Temple clubhouse retains much of its original character although investment and improvement over the years has seen it become a social hub for all manner of occasions.
Built on land once owned by the Knights Templar, The Temple Links as the course was first known, was designed in 1909 by twice open champion Willie Park Jr.
Temple’s wonderful array of golf day deals combine excellent golf with high quality dining options served in the superbly-appointed clubhouse by a team of attentive and dedicated staff.
A trip to Temple Golf Club will be memorable for all of the right reasons!
A Willie Park Jr. Classic Golf Course