How many golf Clubs are there in Essex?

As far as we know the first golf club in Essex date back to the 19th Century including some of the more well-known clubs such as Royal Epping Forest Golf Club (1888), Chelmsford Golf Club (1883), Malden Golf club (1893), Romford Golf Club (1894) with others being establish in the early 20th Century such as Thorndon Park Golf Club (1920).

Of course, the 1990’s saw a huge amount of course being built and but the turn of the millennium there was reported as many as 82 golf course in Essex. This figure has since reduced with estimations now standing around the 70-sh mark.

Many Essex based golf course suffer from a clay base which can sometimes means the courses struggle with wet weather in the winter but those that maintain their course, have proved that it doesn’t have to effect golfers in the colder months.

One of the Older Club is Clacton Golf Club, which was established in 1892 and at the time of writing had just celebrated it 125th anniversary.

The course was designed by Jack White, when a small band of enthusiasts leased 40 acres of grazing land close to the town centre and roughly laid out nine holes.  After four years the land was taken back for residential development and the club moved to the other side of town where it leased, initially, 50 acres to provide nine holes, then a further 50 acres in 1909 to give 18 holes. Much of that land is still part of the present course, though there have been many changes in boundaries and layout since then.

The course now covers 110 acres and runs alongside the sea wall and inland to West Road. It is flat, part wooded and part open, and comprises five par 3s, nine par 4s and four par 5s. Total length from the competition tees is 6448 yards and the standard scratch score is 71. For ladies it is 5526 yards (SSS72).

There is an excellent practice ground of 10 acres, which is accessed by carefully crossing the 18th fairway. Two practice putting greens and a chipping area together with two practice nets are located close to the clubhouse. Practicing on the course is prohibited. The course is well bunkered and fleets, which cross fairways or form boundaries, are a peculiar feature providing many water hazards.

So, for those old and new to golf, there is plenty of variety and golfing option available to the golfer!