Second Nine Holes

THE SECOND NINE HOLES

In 1964, the club first became aware of 40 acres of land on the other side of Primrose lane was being put up for sale. This land was where the original course was situated in 1902.

An extraordinary meeting was called to consider the purchase of the land by the club. The chairman explained that if additional land were purchased, heavy expenses would be involved. The meeting decided to give the Management committee authority to negotiate the purchase of the land.

There was a referendum to members asking whether or not they wished the club to be extended to 18 holes, and asking for loans free of interest to assist in the purchase of the land. The treasurer later reported as a result of the referendum loans totalling £4750 had been promised and the decision was taken to try and purchase the land with the help of a bank loan.

In August 1964, it was reported that representatives from the club attending the auction namely Mr B Beckett and Mr J V Fletcher had been successful in their bid and had obtained the land for the sum of £8050.

It was decided that the greens committee plus co-opted members would finalise plans for 9 holes on the new land.

In 1964, B.I.I.C informed the club that they would extend the lease on the first nine holes for a further 10 years until 1974

In July 1966, the first 3 holes on the new land was opened for play.

In June 1967, a further 3 holes were brought into play.

In April 1968, the final 3 holes on the new land was opened for play and for the first time in their history Helsby Golf Club had an eighteen hole golf course.

On Christmas Eve 1970 the clubhouse was completely destroyed by fire. The fire was reported to the fire brigade and the police by the landlord of the “Brown Cow” (now the Helsby Arms) at 1.45am. It was stated that although the fire brigade were quickly on site their efforts to control the fire was hampered by an insufficient supply of water.

In Feb 1971, three huts were erected on land that was once the site of the old clubhouse.

The largest one of these was loaned to the club by Mr J.V.Fletcher and used as a temporary clubhouse. The other huts were used by the professional and for the storage of machinery.   

During 1975, talks began with B.I.I.C regarding the purchase of the first nine holes. B.I.I.C board of directors eventually agreed to sell the land for £8550.

Once again the members were asked to provide interest free loans. Sufficient money was obtained from the members and with the help of a bank loan the land was purchased.

The club no longer relied on leased land and the whole course and clubhouse belonged to the members.