Sudbury Golf Club

General information

The club was originally founded as Acton Golf Club in 1896 and moved to its present location in 1920. When the area surrounding Acton GC was being developed to create housing after the First World War, part of the course being subject to a compulsory purchase order, so Acton GC member, Sidney Skinner (knighted 1922) set about searching for a new site. That site is Sudbury Golf Course today, but was Horsenden Farm then. The purchase of the freehold cost £18,000 and a sum of £6,250 was agreed for the surrender of the lease held by Albert Toley from Major E.C. Murray, the land owner.

Having acquired the farmland, Harry S. Colt was charged with designing the new course and the firm of Fowler & Simpson set about fashioning his design. With over 100 men working to create greens, fairways, bunkers, tees, planting trees and shrubs, 14 playable holes were ready within only five weeks. On Friday 2nd April 1920 Sydney Skinner hit the first ball off the 1st tee (present day 15th), two days after being elected Chairman and Club Captain of Sudbury Golf Club. Sir Sydney remained as Captain for six years.

The course has many recognisable characteristics, such as pulpit greens, used by the famous Golf Course Architect, who was responsible for Wentworth (East/West), Sunningdale (with W. Park), Moor Park, Stoke Park, St Georges Hill and other famous courses. To find out more about Harry Colt click here. This will open a new window and take you to a website with dedicated pages for Harry Colt.

The present day clubhouse was built in 1921 and at least 4 years before any residential development on Bridgewater Road and Whitton Avenue. Changes and additions have been made through the years, but the photograph shows a building being very recognisable as Sudbury Golf Club today.

Our club owes its very existence to the foresight and generosity of Sir Sydney Martyn Skinner J.P. 1864 - 1941. It is no wonder Sudbury Golf Club members covet the prestigious (individual knockout) Skinner Trophy.

A full history, marking the first 75 years of Sudbury Golf Club, is available from the office or from the bar. We only ask that you make a small donation to The Captain’s Charity in exchange for this priceless publication.