Frilford Heath Golf Club

History

Frilford Heath was founded in 1908 by Dr Harry Challenor (a local physician), A.E. Preston, and T.S. Skurray, the head of Morland Brewery (which was located nearby in Abingdon). The club held its centenary in 2008.

Clubhouse

Throughout its long history and gradual expansion to 54 holes, Frilford Heath has had several clubhouses. After the original thatched clubhouse was destroyed by fire as a result of a storm, a new building was erected in 1921 near the junction of Faringdon Road and Oxford Road. After the Second World War, Frilford Heath House Estate and its woodland, which bordered the course, was put up for sale. Fearing the estate could be bought for development, the club purchased the property to avoid endangering the isolation the club enjoyed. The original country mansion, heavily restored, replaced the 1921 building and now serves as the clubhouse.

Courses

Red Course

The earliest of Frilford Heath's three courses, the Red Course was designed by the Open Champion J.H. Taylor in 1908.

Green Course

The shortest of Frilford's golf courses, the 6,015 yard, par 69 Green Course was initially designed as a 9-hole course and was created by Frilford's first professional, J.H. Turner, to supplement the existing 18-hole Red Course. The course was extended in the years following the purchase of Frilford Heath House in 1964.

Blue Course

The club's latest addition is the 6,728 yard, par 72, Blue Course, designed in 1994 by Oxfordshire-based golf course architect Simon Gidman. The Blue Course was set out on an additional 169 acres of heathland purchased by the club in 1991.

Site of Special Scientific Interest

Most of the club grounds are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest as Frilford Heath, Ponds and Fens.

References

References

1. "Our History". Frilford Heath Golf Club.
2. "About Frilford Heath (Red Course)". William Hunt Trilby Tour.
3. "Frilford Heath Golf Club, Blue Course". England Golf Central.