In 1929, additional land was acquired beyond the farm on the right hand side of the 10th fairway and a well-known professional from the Hollingwell Golf Club, Tom Williamson, was engaged to re-design the course.

The new course was opened on Saturday 12th April 1930 by Mr W Lindsay Everard MP. It was reported that Mr Everard was no the most competent of golfers and he was undoubtedly aware of the large crowd which had assembled and of the presence of four well-known professionals. The result was an air shot – you can imagine his relief when he connected at his second attempt.

There followed an exhibition match between Tom Williamson, who had designed the course, Arthur Havers of Sandy Lodge, an ex British Open Champion, Abe Mitchell of St Albans and C A Whitcombe of Combe Hill; four excellent golfers of their day. This time the match did last the 18 holes and the result was all square.

One young man who was a member at that time was unable to attend the opening ceremony but he has certainly made up for his absence ever since. Within 6 weeks of his joining the club in those very early days, he was invited to serve on a committee and from that day he served on every committee in the club. He was Club President from 1951 to 1968, the Honorary Captain for several years and served on the Board of Directors of the limited company for many years. He was made the only life member in 1950 and became the Patron of the Club. His name was Archibald Wesley Swann.

The course was no 6080 yards long with a bogey of 75, but the additional area was causing problems due to poor drainage. Many tones of fine cinders were spread on the fairways to improve this with partial success. Unfortunately balls did not last very long when played over this area and many complaints were received. With the new design came the first sand bunkers.

The most hole was so called because the tee was in the centre of a most situated at the opposite side of Keyham Lane West to the tee. Carp swam in the water and golfers approached the tee via a wooden plank. This tee was to remain until immediately post war when the land was sold to the City for part of the Netherhall Development.

It is interesting to note that during this time the green fee to play the course was 12?p and at the weekends 17?p. Caddies could be engaged for 6p.

Licensing laws seem to have been a little more restricting in those days, with the bar closing at 9pm during the week and at 8pm on Sundays. A gentleman’s subscription was £4.20 and a lady’s £2.62.

These were the days when sand was used to tee up a ball and when hand-made clubs were known as mashies, niblicks and brassies and cost 75p. Common golf balls of the day were the Dunlop 29 and 31.

Transport was a problem and many members travelled by Toone’s bus service to the village and then walked to the course. How keen they must have been.

Whilst there were no bacon sandwiches and coffee on Sunday mornings, as is the custom now, the proprietor of the village shop in the summer did provide minerals and ice cream at Long Tom Green, which was then at the top of the field near to Nether Hall.

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