History

Golf was first played here in the early 1890s, enthusiasts persuading a tenant farmer to let them knock a ball about among his sheep.  The fine downland turf and sweeping natural contours made an ideal location, and nine holes were laid out and a club established in 1894, with a wooden clubhouse built (in the hollow to the right of the short 8th).  The first minutes in 1900 reflect the appointment of a committee to negotiate a land lease and in 1903-4 an eighteen-hole course, including three holes over the railway line by the 12th, was designed by JH Taylor (one of the famous triumvirate of Taylor, Vardon and Braid). A substantial clubhouse, essentially the same today, was also built on the current site. Vestiges of old tees and greens are still visible.


The 1920s
New land (now the 3rd to 7th holes inclusive) acquired in the1920s released the three “railway holes” and this has been the major change to Taylor’s course.   New bunkers were constructed in 1992-3, better placed for the modern game, so that now, instead of merely punishing the high handicapper, they challenge good players and make them think hard about choice of club and line.


The 1930s


The  “News of the World” Professional Matchplay Championship was played here in 1933 and won by Percy Alliss.  During and after the Second World War, several exhibition matches were also played here in aid of the Red Cross, the NSPCC and other charities.


The 1960s


Open Champions and Ryder Cup players such as Henry Cotton, Alf Padgham, Harry Weetman and Tony Jacklin always enjoyed their visits to Purley Downs.

The 1990s
Richard Boxall (now of Sky TV fame) was the winning professional at our Centenary Pro-Am Tournament in 1994, a year notable also for an exciting match played against the “Old Tyme Golfing Society” whose members played impressively with hickory-shafted clubs.