The Belfairs Open: Course Tees Up For 90th Birthday Competition

August 4, 2016 by Southend Borough Council

The Belfairs Open: Course tees up for 90th birthday competition

Thursday 4th August 2016

Local golfers are helping celebrate the 90th anniversary of Belfairs Park Golf Course by signing up to a special open competition this month.

Golfers from Belfairs and Southend golf clubs will take part at the event on 13 August, with members of the public invited to join in the fun on the day. Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, which owns the course, will offer players taking part in the competition reduced green fees of just £11.00 on the day.

Belfairs Park golf course was first opened by the council in 1926, making this its 90th anniversary.

The opening day back in 1926 was marked by an exhibition match played by leading pros of the day, James Braid (five times open champion), J. B. Batley (Thorpe Hall golf course professional) and J H Taylor (five times Open champion and Belfairs golf professional Harry Crook.

The course was designed by the renowned golf architect Harry Colt who was also responsible for designing Royal Troon and Wentworth.

Cllr Ann Holland, Executive Councillor for Culture, Tourism & The Economy, said: “Many consider Belfairs Park Golf Course to be one of the finest municipal golf courses in the country. It has been at the heart of South Essex golfing community since its grand opening 90 years ago and it is most fitting that its anniversary should be celebrated in the same spirit of friendly competition with which it was launched.

“We are expecting a high uptake for the competition, from enthusiastic amateurs to semi-professional level golfers, so we’re advising anyone interested to book their place early to avoid disappointment.”

You can sign up for the day by contacting the starter on 01702 525345 or by e-mail to theschoolofgolf@hotmail.co.uk. You will need to leave your name, handicap and contact details to be allocated a tee time.