135th anniversary, a testament to the enduring popularity and success of the club.
Today, Gosport & Stokes Bay Golf Club stands as a picturesque and challenging 9-hole links course situated on the stunning South Coast of England. With 18 tees and 11 greens, the course offers a variety of playing options that will put golfers of all abilities to the test. The club boasts unrivalled panoramic views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight, providing a stunning backdrop for a round of golf.
Visitors to Gosport & Stokes Bay are greeted with a warm welcome and a comfortable environment. Green fees are welcomed, and membership applications are open to all who wish to challenge their golfing skills on one of Hampshire's most rewarding courses.
The club takes pride in its rich history, dating back to its formation in 1885 as the United Services Golf Club, providing a golfing facility for officers in the army and navy stationed in Portsmouth. Over the years, the club evolved, changing its name to Gosport & Stokes Bay Golf Club in recognition of its broader appeal beyond the military community.
The original nine-hole course was laid out on Haslar Common and the glacis of Fort Moncton. It was on this course that the term “bogey” originated. In 1890, Mr. H.
Rotherham of the Coventry Golf Club introduced the concept of playing against a “ground score,” which determined the number of strokes a golfer could be expected to take on each hole. The idea caught on, and in 1892, the term “bogeyman” was coined during a visit from the Secretary of the Great Yarmouth Golf Club. This term eventually gave birth to the name “Colonel Bogey.
Over the years, the club has undergone changes and improvements. The combination of the ladies' course with the Services course in 1893 resulted in an 18-hole course, which has since been reduced in size due to flooding and land sales. The club celebrated its centenary year in 1985 and remains a vibrant and thriving institution.
In recent years, the club has invested in enhancements, such as an irrigation system for the greens and various drainage improvements. Thanks to the hard work of the Green Staff, the course is now not only visually stunning but also a challenging and at times, intimidating golfing experience.
As Gosport & Stokes Bay Golf Club celebrates its 135th anniversary, it invites golf enthusiasts from near and far to come and enjoy the beauty and challenge of golfing on the South Coast. With its rich history, warm hospitality, and breathtaking views, the club promises an unforgettable golfing experience for all who visit.