History of Monmouthshire Golf Club

Golf was not the first sport to be enjoyed on the land which the course now occupies; for many years the land was the home of the Monmouthshire races which lasted several days each year and drew large crowds of spectators. In 1872 the National Hunt Chase came to Abergavenny – this is now run annually at Cheltenham.

These races were held until about 1895 even after the Monmouthshire Golf Club was formed, drawing spectators in their carriages and fours, or pairs and landaus to view the grand spectacle – there was even a Grandstand on the riverside near the sixth tee area and this was where the races finished.

The Monmouthshire Golf Club was founded in 1892 as a 9 hole course with outstanding views of the surrounding hills – the Blorenge, Sugar Loaf and Skirrid – and the wooded countryside around. It is a superb example of a mature parkland course which is as tough as it is beautiful, and it is said to be the oldest 18 hole golf course in the County of Monmouthshire.

James Braid was commissioned to design the new 18 hole course which was officially opened in April 1938. Over the years the club has benefited from improvements to the club house and much tree planting, “Plant a Tree in '73”was a slogan the members rallied round, as well as an ongoing programme of course improvements – 2005 saw a huge investment in a replacement automatic watering system for tees, greens and approaches which will make a great difference over the coming years.