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The Club 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 who 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 too 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 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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