The Coulsdon Court Veterans Golf Club is looking forward to celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024. Based at Coulsdon Manor Hotel & Golf Course, and founded in 1949 by Samuel B. Fidler of Stoats Nest Village, better know as “Frank” for his attitude to life and others. Frank’s idea was to start a club for local men of senior years where they could socialise and play golf. Many original members would have been ex-servicemen. The club has grown from the original twenty-eight to the present sixty members. And the ethos of playing golf and socialising still stands to this day as Frank had planned.
The Coulsdon Manor course was originally laid out in the 1920s by top PGA designer Harry S Colt, who designed many courses including Sunningdale and Royal Lytham & St Annes, a regular British Open venue. Renowned for its variety of trees in a beautiful setting, the course is basically level (a much-appreciated contrast to many local courses) while challenging, enhanced by a recent redesign of certain course features. The Manor House provides a warm, relaxing ‘19th hole’.
Frank was the first club captain and served in the role for six years. Over the following seventy-five there have been a further fifty-seven captains. Each year the captain chooses a charity for the club to support. For example, recently McMillan, Prostate Cancer, GOSH have been supported and next year we are looking to support Club Soda which helps local people with learning disabilities. Funds are raised throughout the year by members taking part in various activities, this year for example the captain played a gruelling four rounds of golf in one day with our professional. Over its lifetime, the Club has raised approaching £250,000 at today’s prices for charitable causes.
The club has reserved tee times on Monday mornings. There are monthly medals. trophy and knock out competitions with individual prizes and played to World Handicap System and England Golf and Surrey Golf requirements. There are also Monday social games and the informal “roll-up” every Thursday morning provides more opportunity for social golf. Throughout the year there is a programme of matches against other local clubs. Teams for these events are not picked on a handicap basis but designed to give all members an equal chance to take part. Outings to other golf courses are also arranged, the chosen venue reflecting the preference of club members.
In summary, the club has a rich history, a distinguished home course and a strong membership characterised by camaraderie, mutual support, fun, friendship and the enjoyment of golf. If you are interested in joining a friendly competitive club and getting involved in varied golfing activities you should contact …
75 years in the making….
2024, CCVGC enjoys its 75th Anniversary. Established in 1949, the Club has enjoyed a flourishing history growing in numbers from 15 to the 60 plus today. We have had many great golfers and characters in our ranks to grace the Club’s history and development and enjoyed many memorable occasions.
As we draw to the end of our 75th Anniversary year, we have to report on two sad farewells from former, stalwart. Club members.
Terry Hardy, a former Captain, left us in November. He was a towering figure who partnered the late John Stacey at about 5 foot nothing. Known as “Little and Large”, they were a fun pair whose banter carried over several holes. Terry kept us all in place as well as the dog walkers with his care for the course. In fact the family house backs onto the fairway bunkers on the 14th hole. Many times, after a trophy competition, he would host a meal, drink and presentation in his back garden. Such a kind, considerate person. His widow Rose is a member of the Ladies Club and like Terry, a most likeable individual. Thanks Terry for your friendship and all that you did for the Club. It will never be forgotten.
Sadly too we said goodbye to Bob Mackison earlier this month. Bob was unmistakably recogniseable on the course as his stature was virtually doubled over. It was amazing how he was able to hit a golf ball, leave alone return creditable scores. You could not keep Bob down as we experienced when he hounded the ground staff to get the irrigation system fully functional and the pro shop to get their booking system organised. He did us many favours from which we benefit today. And always with a smile on his face. A pleasure to play with for his golf and engagement in the F1 circuit. We shall miss you Bob. Thanks for all you did for us and your warm company and friendship.
George Paulson