THE 1893 CLUB

GOLF clubs around the world have joined the new 1893 Club, an initiative led by the Captain’s Committee of Wellingborough Golf Club. Since March this year, golf clubs formed in 1893 have been invited to join the new club and offer one courtesy round of golf per year to members of all other 1893 clubs. There are more than 50 clubs worldwide formed in 1893 and the responses continue to arrive back here at Harrowden Hall with the majority joining the scheme. With an initial 18 clubs registered by last month the decision was taken to launch the 1893 Club from September 1 2011. “Reciprocal golf is becoming more common as clubs search for an increased value and offering to members,” explained Wellingborough Golf Club Captain Bill Morgan. He continued: “The positive response from clubs all around the world has been fantastic and I’m really pleased that we are able to offer these new relationships via the 1893 Club.” The 1893 Club operates under a simple set of gentlemanly regulations and play is strictly restricted to those members of clubs formed in 1893. Additional, non member players and guests may play but must pay a green fee. The 1893 Club also welcomes “car loads” rather than “coach loads” under the simple initiative. Morgan added: “Our own reciprocal agreement with Peterborough Milton has worked very well this year with an almost equal number of members visiting the respective clubs and enjoying courtesy.” A guide to the 1893 Club is available from the Wellingborough Golf Club office and includes the rules of the club and further details of the member clubs.

The initial entries to the 1893 Club are: Abernethy, Inverness-shire; Accrington, Lancashire; Baberton, Edinburgh; Brechin, Angus; Cirencester, Gloucestershire; East Brighton, Sussex; East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Enfield, Middlesex; Harborne, Birmingham; Long Ashton, Bristol; Lothianburn, Edinburgh; Newtonmore, Invernessshire; Robin Hood, Solihull, Birmingham; Royal Norwich, Norfolk; Stanmore, Middlesex; Townsville, Queensland, Australia; Wellingborough, Northamptonshire; Westgate & Birchington, Kent.

New entries include: Flixton GC, Manchester, Kirby Muxloe GC, Leicestershire and Wells GC, Somerset

CLUB RULES

1. The clubs forming The 1893 Club offer courtesy to members of the other clubs once per calendar year per individual member on a simple reciprocal basis.

2. Any tee times, bookings and arrangements to play to be made in advance with the secretary of the respective club.

3. Only members of those clubs registered with The 1893 Club can take advantage of the courtesy. Guests of club members will not be offered courtesy.

4. Approval to play criteria may involve a letter of introduction from a “home” club and/or a handicap certificate and should be confirmed by the player in advance of the visit.

5. All dress codes and club rules must be observed at all times.