Wilton Golf Club
Wilton Castle
Redcar
Cleveland
TS10 4QY
01642 465265
WILTON GOLF CLUB HISTORY
A new innovation at the time was the installation of a "pop up" sprinkler system in 1977. There were four sprinklers on each hole which were operated by a fully automated system. Most clubs have these systems now but in this area at that time Wilton Golf Club was unique.
A new purpose built Clubhouse was completed in 1979. At the time it was described as "an architectural triumph" and "an impressive split level building located on rising ground affording first class views across rolling park land". Although there was a certain amount of poetic licence the Clubhouse is a pleasant and comfortable environment in which to relax or alternatively to play snooker. Refurbishment and additions have been made since the original construction all adding to the attractiveness of this facility.
A new purpose built Clubhouse was completed in 1979. At the time it was described as "an architectural triumph" and "an impressive split level building located on rising ground affording first class views across rolling park land". Although there was a certain amount of poetic licence the Clubhouse is a pleasant and comfortable environment in which to relax or alternatively to play snooker. Refurbishment and additions have been made since the original construction all adding to the attractiveness of this facility.
Formed in 1952 as part of ICI Wilton's Recreation Club, golf matches in those days had to be played on other courses as the Club did not have a Golf Course. The first Captain was Dr. J. W. Armit who was Chairman of Wilton Works. In 1954 work started on the construction of a nine-hole golf course and a well known golf architect, Mr. J. F. S. Morrison, of Colt Allison & Morrison was employed to design the layout. Thirty years previously he had been involved in the design of Brancepeth Golf Course. The course was to be constructed on parkland in front of Wilton Castle and to be financed by ICI.
The course was officially opened by Mr. P. C. Allen an ICI Director, on 30 April 1956. The first match was played against Cleveland Golf Club in June of that year and was won by the home team. There were 214 Members at that time. In 1957 a new Club Room which had been adapted from part of a stable block was officially opened by Mr. C. M. Wright, Development Director for ICI who the previous year had been Chairman of Wilton Council.
Membership in that year had risen to 320. One of the highlights in the Golf Club history was the visit of Henry Cotton to play a four-ball exhibition round. The match was watched by over six hundred spectators. Coming to the last hole Henry and his partner were level but from thirty yards he chipped in to win the match.
By 1963 the Membership had risen to over six hundred and the Club was flourishing. Plans and proposals were made to extend the course to eighteen holes. In 1964 ICI gave approval for the extension which was to be done in two stages. Six Holes to be done first followed by the final three which were to be built on ploughed land and consequently take longer to complete. The new holes were ready for play in March 1966. The extended course and a new clubhouse were officially opened in May 1967. The popularity of the Golf Club continued to the extent that in 1974 membership, which stood at over one thousand, was closed in all categories.
Membership in that year had risen to 320. One of the highlights in the Golf Club history was the visit of Henry Cotton to play a four-ball exhibition round. The match was watched by over six hundred spectators. Coming to the last hole Henry and his partner were level but from thirty yards he chipped in to win the match.
By 1963 the Membership had risen to over six hundred and the Club was flourishing. Plans and proposals were made to extend the course to eighteen holes. In 1964 ICI gave approval for the extension which was to be done in two stages. Six Holes to be done first followed by the final three which were to be built on ploughed land and consequently take longer to complete. The new holes were ready for play in March 1966. The extended course and a new clubhouse were officially opened in May 1967. The popularity of the Golf Club continued to the extent that in 1974 membership, which stood at over one thousand, was closed in all categories.
In 1999 ICI decided to sell the land on which Wilton Castle and the Golf Course were located. Funding was raised and a business plan prepared which enabled the Golf Club to purchase the course and buildings. The castle was bought by a developer who is converting the building into apartments. The Golf Club is now a private club similar to many others in the North East.
The course itself is set in parkland with an abundance of trees and shrubs which makes for a pleasant walk. Golfers however should not be deceived. What appears to be a relatively short and low scoring eighteen holes has unseen problems for the over ambitious golfer. Ray Douglas, the former Secretary/Manager of the club commented "The course is best summed up by the original contractor who constructed the course all of those years ago. 'Wilton Golf Course will never be championship standard but it will not be easy. With its individual trees, its rig & furr and its small plateau greens nobody is going to make a fool of this course'. Having played the course a few times, not too successfully may I add, I can vouch for these observations".
The course itself is set in parkland with an abundance of trees and shrubs which makes for a pleasant walk. Golfers however should not be deceived. What appears to be a relatively short and low scoring eighteen holes has unseen problems for the over ambitious golfer. Ray Douglas, the former Secretary/Manager of the club commented "The course is best summed up by the original contractor who constructed the course all of those years ago. 'Wilton Golf Course will never be championship standard but it will not be easy. With its individual trees, its rig & furr and its small plateau greens nobody is going to make a fool of this course'. Having played the course a few times, not too successfully may I add, I can vouch for these observations".
