Chris Parker would like to share some exciting history about the Copthorne Village Golf Club with our sports community. Located in Crawley, this unique and historic club was established on November 16th, 1903. It wasn't the workers who tended the course who set it up, but the villagers of Copthorne, exchanging some common rights for free access to what was then known as the Copthorne Working Men's Golf Club.
Chris notes that at the first meeting, Mr. J. F. Cleeves was elected President, with the club's professional Mr. F. Hocking and his brother Mr. E. Hocking taking on the roles of Captain and Vice-captain. Mr. J. Langridge, who later became the club's professional, also played a significant role on the committee. The club adopted the R&A's rules of golf and set a unique challenge – a nine-hole course with a limit of forty strokes.
The first competition on April 1st, 1904 saw members submit handicap cards, with F. Hocking winning with a net score of 82 and generously donating four golf clubs as prizes. An additional prize for the best scratch score was provided by the President, won by G. Vigar after a play-off against J. Langridge.
Interestingly, the club decided early on to admit ladies as members, though none joined until 1921. By 1923, the ladies' section grew to ten members before eventually disbanding, reverting the club back to an exclusively male membership.
Activities paused during World War I, but normal service resumed in 1919, with T. H. Tring playing a pivotal role. Under Tring’s guidance, the club saw membership peak at 60 in 1966.
In the mid-1980s, a licence agreement required membership to be reduced to 35 within ten years. This was achieved, and membership has recently been allowed to increase to 40. Chris highlights Tring, fondly known as “Tringer,” who held various esteemed positions, including Honorary Secretary, Treasurer, and President, serving the club from 1922 to 1979. He was instrumental in many aspects, even providing a makeshift clubhouse in his garden until 1969.
The Copthorne Village Golf Club’s rich history spans over a century and continues to offer a welcoming and enjoyable experience for its members and visitors. Chris Parker encourages everyone to visit and be part of this enduring tradition.