History

Huntercombe Golf Club celebrated its Centenary in 2001, having formally opened in May 1901.  Over the years the Course has changed very little from its original design and is considered by many as one of the finest inland courses in the country.

The Course was designed by Willie Park Junior, winner of the Open Championship in 1887 and 1889.  Soon after completing Sunningdale Old Course, he purchased Huntercombe Manor in 1900 along with the adjoining 724 acres, later increased to 928, and there built the Course in just 7 months. It was an instant success. The distinguished American golfer, Walter Travis, visited Huntercombe on the 11th August 1901 and reported his unqualified approval; it was the finest inland course and one of the best tests he had seen. He later added that it was “easily the best laid out links I have played over anywhere".

When opened for membership in 1901, the entrance fee and the annual subscription were both 5 guineas.  Life Memberships were available for 50 guineas.  Green fees were 2/6d per day.

The Club has had many long-serving and loyal servants.  In particular, Jim Morris, the Club Professional for 43 years, put in scores that regularly beat his age.  His eclectic scores appeared in the Guinness Book of Records.

William Morris, subsequently to become Viscount Nuffield, purchased the Club in 1926 and ran it as a sole proprietor until he sold it to the Members in 1963.

In the 1930's Gloria Minoprio, the famous "one-club" golfer and magician, started her golfing career at Huntercombe by taking lessons from Jim Morris.  For a short while she lived in ‘Bleak Villa’, the house which backs on to the Course next to the old Crown public house.

Ian Fleming, the James Bond author, was a Member for 32 years until his death in 1964.  At the start of their famous golf match, James Bond tells Goldfinger that he played off 9 at Huntercombe – a handicap that he shared with his creator!

Henry Longhurst, the war MP and renowned British golf writer and commentator, was a Member from 1951 to 1955.  He frequently mentioned Huntercombe in his writings, describing it as "one of the finest and most congenial all-the-year-round courses in England".

The new clubhouse was completed in 1964 at a cost of £22,100.  In April 1971 part of the clubhouse was destroyed in a fire.

Peter Alliss filmed two 'A round with Alliss' TV programmes with Val Doonican and Bernard Wetherill (Speaker of the House of Commons) at Huntercombe in 1985.