Since those early days, the course has undergone considerable changes. The present 18th hole is a comparatively new one replacing the old 4th hole. This was a short hole played from a tee near the quarry on the 3rd/I 3thto a green tucked down in the trees to the left of the present 4th fairway. Those who remember this hole consider it to have been a very good one indeed. In addition several holes have been lengthened, notably the present 8th and 9th. However, the most striking changes have been in the growth of the trees. Old photographs show how the present 12th tee was clearly visible from the car park below the 4th tee; the present 15th had few trees to the left and none at all inside the wall on the right; the present 16th tee was in a patch of clear ground and a sliced drive was likely to be easily playable! One can assume that the present 5th and 14th were also largely clear. Parts of the course have certainly sunk e.g. the present 10th and 12th greens. There was a quite definite tree-free quarry behind the present 3rd green.
There have been changes, too, in local rules - at one time players who found one of the numerous quarries on the course had the option of declaring their ball out of bounds; a ball driven into the well from the 11th tee could be lifted without penalty (ladies had this privilege from the 6th tee also).
In the past few years, the Club has purchased the access roads to the Clubhouse and the field below the car park. It is likely that this land will be used to create a new 18th hole and perhaps provide for a practice green and maybe a practice area. Negotiations are near completion for the purchase of an area of land to the left of the steward's bungalow to be used to build a shed to house equipment. Such improvements can only be to the good, and will be in addition to improvement work being done elsewhere, notably to the 15th green. It is always going to be difficult to undertake major work on the course as the Club is restricted by the terms of the licence and by the requirements of such bodies as "English Heritage" and the Nature Conservancy Board. Indeed few would wish to alter what Mother Nature has so gloriously provided as to do so might destroy the true qualities of the course. However, where minor changes can be made with the approval of all, then the Club will endeavour to act in the interests of all - golfers and public et al.
Credits
Thanks are due to Roger Anthony for compiling the Centenary book.
Acknowledgements are due to Jack Speller. Jack May, Gerry Ryland, the late Ron Baldwin and many other members and friends who have provided information and encouragement in the writing of this Centenary book.
There have been changes, too, in local rules - at one time players who found one of the numerous quarries on the course had the option of declaring their ball out of bounds; a ball driven into the well from the 11th tee could be lifted without penalty (ladies had this privilege from the 6th tee also).
In the past few years, the Club has purchased the access roads to the Clubhouse and the field below the car park. It is likely that this land will be used to create a new 18th hole and perhaps provide for a practice green and maybe a practice area. Negotiations are near completion for the purchase of an area of land to the left of the steward's bungalow to be used to build a shed to house equipment. Such improvements can only be to the good, and will be in addition to improvement work being done elsewhere, notably to the 15th green. It is always going to be difficult to undertake major work on the course as the Club is restricted by the terms of the licence and by the requirements of such bodies as "English Heritage" and the Nature Conservancy Board. Indeed few would wish to alter what Mother Nature has so gloriously provided as to do so might destroy the true qualities of the course. However, where minor changes can be made with the approval of all, then the Club will endeavour to act in the interests of all - golfers and public et al.
Credits
Thanks are due to Roger Anthony for compiling the Centenary book.
Acknowledgements are due to Jack Speller. Jack May, Gerry Ryland, the late Ron Baldwin and many other members and friends who have provided information and encouragement in the writing of this Centenary book.
Development of the Club
It is worth noting that success in the playing area has followed since, in 1986/87, the A" team won promotion to Division 1 of the N.G.F.L. after many years in Division 2. Though relegated the following year, they bounced back 1988/89 and held their place at the end of that season. Such success, together with the improved facilities on offer, has seen the membership increase in number to 375 so that there is now (1990/91) a waiting list for full membership. At the same time, the numbers of junior members have grown and this is now a flourishing section of the Club. The Seniors Section has long been strong in numbers and it is only the Ladies who have found it difficult to recruit. However, those ladies are an enthusiastic and valuable section and it is to be hoped that their efforts will be better rewarded in the future.
It is worth noting that success in the playing area has followed since, in 1986/87, the A" team won promotion to Division 1 of the N.G.F.L. after many years in Division 2. Though relegated the following year, they bounced back 1988/89 and held their place at the end of that season. Such success, together with the improved facilities on offer, has seen the membership increase in number to 375 so that there is now (1990/91) a waiting list for full membership. At the same time, the numbers of junior members have grown and this is now a flourishing section of the Club. The Seniors Section has long been strong in numbers and it is only the Ladies who have found it difficult to recruit. However, those ladies are an enthusiastic and valuable section and it is to be hoped that their efforts will be better rewarded in the future.
Painswick Golf Club
( Est 1891 )
Further Development of the Course .