Five Golf Courses With a Military Background, Given Rising Defense Budget Spending
Dig into the roots of England's golf scene, and you'll find a connection with the military that runs deeper than fairway divots. From the south to the Midlands, those green links have been a second home to service personnel for well over a century.
Army & Golf: A Matchmade in Aldershot
In the early 1880s, golf in England was still finding its footing—though it wasn't long before Scottish expats serving in the Army sparked interest. One such regiment, the 1st Battalion, the Cameronians, stationed nearby in Aldershot, proposed building a golf club in 1883. This esteemed institution, now one of the best golf courses in Hampshire, has seen five clubhouses, six titles, and eight courses. Its current form, designed a half-century ago, stretches across 6,631 yards of pine and birch-laden terrain.
Whittington Heath: A Course with History on Heath
Head over to Staffordshire, and you'll find Whittington Heath, the oldest golf club in the Midlands. Established in 1886, it originally offered a 9-hole course built on a former race track. For some time, golf was exclusive to military personnel, until Harry Colt expanded it to 18 holes in 1927. The course recently underwent changes, preparing for a proposed High Speed 2 rail link, and continues to be one of the best golf courses in the Midlands.
Southwick Park: A Friendly Course with Navy Roots
Only a few miles from the historic port, Southwick Park was founded in 1977 as a naval recreational facility. Its charm lies in a walkable, parkland layout that follows a lake and a stream. Though it's now an independent club, the British Armed Forces Service Police Academy remains a nearby neighbor.
Tidworth Garrison: A Harry Colt Masterpiece
Nestled next to the military camp of the same name, Tidworth Garrison is Harry Colt's undeveloped masterpiece. Built in 1908, the course was shaped to provide a natural, undeveloped layout, making it a taste of traditional golf. Standout holes include the final par-3, the 13th, which challenges players with a side-sloping approach to a well-bunkered green.
Upavon: A Pilot's Golfer's Paradise
Close to Tidworth, Upavon Golf Club's story is intertwined with flight. Founded in 1912 by airmen, it lies adjacent to an RAF airfield, where Douglas Bader, one of the most famous pilots of World War II, honed his golf swings between flights. Upavon offers a challenge in the form of its downland test, with variable wind and breathtaking views to distract from the job at hand.
While not all courses can boast a direct military origin, the increased presence of military personnel has undeniably enriched the history, culture, and spirit of golf clubs in the south and Midlands. Whether it's the stories of WWII military occupation or the blending of local and military communities, these golf courses offer more than just a round of golf—they offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of England's past.
- The military's influence on the golf scene in England extends beyond fairway divots, as evident in the establishment of the 1st Battalion, the Cameronians' golf club in Aldershot, one of the best golf courses in Hampshire.
- In Staffordshire, Whittington Heath, the oldest golf club in the Midlands, has links to the military, having been initially exclusive to military personnel and experiencing expansion during the tenure of Harry Colt, a renowned golf course architect.
