Club History

A brief History

of Rothley Golf Club

The first recorded meeting of the Rothley Park Golf Club was held in the club house on 23rd August 1911. At that meeting, chaired by the President, Major Abbott Robinson, the Greens and House Committees were elected, the list of Gentlemen and Lady Members proposed and seconded and the Rules and Regulations agreed. It was noted that ‘no Caddies were to be allowed on Sunday’, and the club’s existence commenced.

The land comprising the course was part of the Temple Estate owned by Mr F.Merttens, who, as such, was also the proprietor of the club.  Work commenced on the course in earnest and by the time of the official opening, 12 holes had been completed. The course was officially opened in May 1912 and photograph of the opening is on display in the clubhouse. Exactly a year later James Braid and Harry Vardon celebrated the completion of 18 holes by playing a 36 hole exhibition match. Match details can be found in the history of the club below.

In 1915 the members took over ownership of the club, the constitution was altered and the Rothley Park Golf Course Company Limited was registered to administer the lease of the land. This arrangement continued until January 1977 when the members took the courageous decision to purchase the course, all of its buildings and 20 acres of farm land. As a result the club’s future was secured and placed in full control of the members, and this remains the case today.

In October of 2017 members voted to change from a Private Members Club to a fully incorporated company limited by guarantee. In April 2018 the new Company, Rothley Park Golf Club Ltd, came into being with a Board of six Directors led by Chairman, Phil Watson.