History of the Golf Club
Golf was first played at our present location as far back as 1935 when the Calthorpe Golf Club owned by one Frank Mills moved from Rocky Lane, Perry Barr to Chapel Lane. Frank Mills obtained a 25-year lease from the farmer, Joe York, who owned the land over which the golf was played. The course in those days was quite basic and consisted of a series of fields each surrounded by hawthorn hedges and sheep grazed on the fairways. In spite of the sheep golf was played, although some greens were wired off to prevent damage by sheep and cattle, and stiles and gates were in some cases needed to get to the next tee. In summer water was taken to the greens by a huge tank loaded on a trailer and pulled by a tractor.
The situation described continued until 1960 when Calthorpe Golf Club was about to close – mainly because the landlord insisted that the lease would only be renewed to a Limited Liability Company. An inaugural meeting was held at the original Scott Arms Public House (since demolished), which led to the formation of Great Barr Golfers Ltd, which was incorporated on 13 April 1961.
The new club and the Landlord worked very well together and membership increased rapidly to 277 in the first year. The main priorities were seen to be to improve the facilities for members both off and on the golf course. To this end, work on removing the hawthorn hedges was essential and getting piped water to the greens was high on the agenda. Mr York also agreed to take the sheep from the Course. An automatic sprinkler system was installed in 1965/66 enabling the greens to be watered overnight if necessary.
In 1967 a new pre-fabricated Gents Locker Room was erected adjacent to the timer built Club Room. This building housed around 300 lockers, showers and toilet facilities and also a small Professional’s Shop overlooking the course, and also a trolley store.
In 1972, Mr Hawtree, a well-known Course Architect, was consulted and his recommendations to lengthen and make the course safer were put into practice. The length of the course was increased from 5730 yards to 6146 yards. The Company started talks with Mr York in 1970 regarding the purchase of the Golf Course and the buildings – these talks came to fruition in 1972.
1975 saw the start of this vision with the construction of a brick built lounge, dining room, committee room and secretary’s office. This original building is now known as the Beacon Lounge.
The Landlord retired in 1976 and a Head Green-keeper and his staff employed. In 1980 another Course Architect, Mr Hamilton-Stutt, was consulted and following his advice, the Golf Course was further improved and manicured to a high standard at least comparable to other well established Golf Courses in the locality.
Eight years later in 1988 further work of redevelopment was undertaken with demolition of the original timber built club house which was replaced by a substantial brick building comprising the back bar/lounge with snooker room housing three full sized tables and providing the ladies section with new well appointed changing rooms.
Quite recently, in 1992, came what is believed to be the final stage of Club Room reconstruction. It involved demolishing the prefabricated Gents Locker Room and building a new and larger complex joined to the main Club House building. This new construction houses a large Professional’s Shop, spacious Gents Locker and Changing Room with showers and toilet facilities and entrances from both sides of the Club House. Also provided is a raised terrace overlooking the Course, paved and bordered by ornamental walls and patio doors and windows were fitted to the lounge, giving access to the terrace.
