Bromsgrove Golf Centre Timeline
The Early Days
Golf is no stranger to this corner of Bromsgrove as the game was first played on the present site some 100 years ago on a course described as consisting of “9 rather sporting holes”.
Originally founded in 1894, Bromsgrove Golf Club was based at Breakback (just off Rock Hill).
In those days golf was only played on Saturday afternoons, the greens having been mowed in the morning. The rest of the course was left more or less in a natural state probably grazed by cattle or sheep. This early course would certainly not have borne any resemblance to todays with its well tended fairways and manicured greens.
First Move to Slidelow
The golf club moves to Slideslow Farm for the period 1904 to 1912, the site of today’s Club. The course measured 2537 yards, with a bogey of 38.
In its early days the 800 men and 20 lady members of Brommsgrove Golf Club enjoyed inter club rivalry with matches played against neighbouring clubs including Moseley, Kings Norton, Kidderminster, Stourbridge and Ipsley (Redditch).
Slideslow Farm
Having purchased Slideslow Farm back in 1956, many of our current members still recall the old farm shop selling a variety of fresh produce particularly the sacks of potatoes and home reared meat.
Familiar sights at the time were the herd of pigs grazing amongst their shelters on the land bordering the Redditch carriageway- now the 18th fairway.
Golf Restored
It was decided to first test the market with a golf range which could give an immediate return unlike a course which required a further 18 months of constant attention before being mature enough and fit for play.
In 1989 the Bromsgrove Golf Centre was born consisting of a 41 bay floodlit range and accompanying facilities.
Interest was high and with land available an application was submitted to build a 9 hole course and on the land remaining a short Par 3. On the basis that it was not believed that a 9 hole course alone totally fulfilled the needs of golfers, the Par 3 project was shelved indefinitely biding time until the purchase of additional land could provide the much needed extension to 18.
Construction of the 9 hole course begins.
Club Formation
The success of the first 9 holes soon became very apparent thanks to the initiative of Ted and his sons Philip and Adam who invested in the flair and style of the highly respected golf course architects Hawtree & Son.
Many golfers at this time started asking about membership which resulted in the Club being formed in 1993, the affairs of which are managed jointly between the Members.
Bromsgrove’s 18 Hole Course is Born
The current 18 hole layout is launched in 1996, to wide praise. The course now consists of a unique series of well defined adventurous holes, some with panoramic views.