Hong Kong Golf Club [c.1891-????] | Gwulo: Old Hong Kong

Hong Kong Golf Club [c.1891-????]

Current condition: 
Demolished / No longer exists
Date Place completed: 
c.1891-01-01 (Year, Month, Day are approximate)

The Club originally had quarters in a dark and cavernous place under the Grandstand which was kindly lent them by the Jockey Club Later the Club had a matshed and in 1894 the Golf club applied to Government for a site for a permanent Club House Which was erected next year.

 

The Clubhouse was extended in 1896, 1899 and 1906 when new lease on different terms was granted. It was burnt down in February 1918 and wag not rebuilt till 1930. From 1918 till 1929 the Club were indebted to the Jockey Club for the use of certain stands or boxes until the latter were pulled down; and a matshed served as Club house for some eighteen months pending the completion of a new permanent building in March 1931. The course was a 9 hole one, at first utilizing most of the ground inside the racecourse but a s cricket and football needed more space it was altered in 1908 or early in 1909, to more or less  its present position encircling the playing grounds area only.

 

The membership between 1891 and 1894 was about 50 only. But apparently two successive Governors were devotees of the game. It is whispered that Sir William des Voeux Road had a pool in the middle of Happy Valley filled in because he lost so many balls in it. In 1897 the membership had risen to 250 and Sir William Robinson, who was then described as " the best friend the Club had ever had ", applied through the usual channel, on the occasion of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, for permission to alter the name of the Hongkong Golf Club The Royal Warrant was issued, and since then the Club has been. The Royal Hongkong Golf Club.

 
Source: Old Hong Kong by Colonial Vol 1

Photos that show this place

1899
1910
1928