THE Wellington Golf Club was founded in March 1908 under the chairmanship of Louis Abrahamson, the first president of the club.
Golf was initially played next to the Berg River on the farm Olyvenhout, but due to regular flooding it was not possible to play regularly and as a result in 1910 the course was moved to its present site.
The setting of the course in 1910 was open farmland and offered magnificent views of the surrounding countryside in particular the third green which presented the players with a 360 degree view.
The new golf course and clubhouse were formally opened in 1911 with Roland Taylor as the club captain.
The original layout in its new setting was a par (bogey) 37 measuring 2509 yards (2294 m) with the greens consisting of sifted gravel.
The greens were fenced as protection from damage by roaming cattle. The course has periodically been extended and upgraded and now plays a respectable 2920 metres.
The outbreak of war in 1914 prevented the committee’s efforts to upgrade the course to a full 18 holes and subsequent attempts have been unsuccessful.
The present committee decided for the present, to concentrate their efforts on making Wellington Golf Club the finest nine hole course in the Western Cape.
Recent improvements such as an electrified fence, paved parking area, computerised irrigation system, three new greens and a major extension and upgrade to the clubhouse, bring a safe and pleasant playing experience.
The club is known for its left-handed golfers fielding a full eight member lefthan ded team against Somerset West for a Brodie League game in the 1950’s. Half the 2006 Committee was left-handed.
The late Bobby Locke played the course in 1957 setting a professional record of 59 with the amateur record of 67 being held by G Shadford set in 1941.
Fifty years ago in 1958 the club sported 120 members and this year has 774 proud members.
Two Springbok players, Mark Mahoney and Lee-Anne Pace, have emerged from the Club in recent years.
The Wellington Golf Club has always enjoyed a sound relationship with the local Municipality and thanks them for their support. When the 1950’s committee asked the then Mayor for funds for irrigation of the fairways, he replied “Why do you need grass when you chaps hit the ball through the air?!”.
As part of the centennial celebrations the Club is holding a raffle with a car as first prize and are planning a gala evening in 10 October. .
Information is available from 021-873-1919 or 082-312-8925.
