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Our History
The Course
at Barkway Park was built on set-aside land belonging to the
Pigg family (who are still freeholders), a member of which John
Pigg, was one of those conceived the idea of a golf course in
Barkway, and put it into reality. The gently undulating terrain
was well provided with ditches and, hedges, both of which,
particularly the ditches, remain as stroke-gobbling hazards.
Designed by
Vivian Saunders the 18 holes have always posed a challenge,
enhanced by the almost ever present wind. At just under 7000
yards off the white tees with only three short holes, the par is
a tough 74. Just after the course was opened in 1990 Vivian
visited to see if there were any problems. She was told that
most of the men were grumbling that the 2nd was to
hard – the carry over the ditch was beyond them. “Take me
out there to the back tee.” She said. A buggy was summoned and
out she went. On the back tee she pulled out a three wood. One
smooth swing later the ball, into the wind, sailed over the
ditch. “I see no problem,” she said, subject closed. The men
are still laying up short of that ditch to this day.
No bunkers were put in until the course had been in play for
a while - with laudable result that those on the course now all
present real difficulties for the average golfer of reasonable
standard. Trees were planted by the thousand, and have been slow
to establish themselves due to having to put down really deep
roots to get to the water table. This feature is however a plus
- due to the subsoil structure the land is excellent at
draining, and it is Barkway’s proud boast that except in
conditions of actual flood or snow the course is always open,
and uses the main tees and greens all year round.
The course remains as almost as designed, although the 15th
hole has been shortened to a comfortable 141 yards, and three of
the greens (1st, 7th, and 15th)
have been considerably increased in size. The greens generally
are now acknowledged to be the finest in the area – due to the
excellent policy of the current owner in putting the state of
the course as an absolute priority.
Barkway Park has a really friendly atmosphere. This was a
wish of John Pigg’s from the outset. The first committee
meeting was held – before the course was open or any clubhouse
facilities were available – in the nearby Woodman pub. The
minutes of that meeting record that those present emphasised
that there were to be no cliques, absolute equality for all
members, and that the object of the exercise was to create a
club where all would feel welcome and enjoy themselves and their
golf. All competitions, and all informal meetings during the
week are held on a draw basis, so the new member will quickly
get to know all the other members. Ladies sit on the main
committee.
We hope this brief resume of our history will tempt you
to visit Barkway Park. Green fee rounds are always available
(except for the very rare club days when the course is
completely full), and we feel confident that you will love the
challenge of the course, and enjoy a well earned pint in the
informal 19th clubhouse afterwards.
Below
you will find a copy of the scorecard for two course
records.
The 1st
one will never be broken due to it being scored on the
original course by the Clubs 1st ever Captain Matt
Maciejewski. He completed this record when the 15th
was an extra 60yrds; the overall course had a few extra yards
on all holes due to the way it was measured when it was 1st
opened. You will also notice that since the course 1st
opened the stroke index’s have since been changed.
The
2nd course record may one day be bettered, but
still an outstanding score of 70, by David Dalgarno who at the
time was playing off of a handicap of 6, meaning his nett
score was 64.
Also
on this page are lists of all Club Captains, Lady Captains,
Junior Captains, and Chief Barkers. Also listed are the Club
presidents, and Chairmen of the Club.
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