Golfing tales echo through time at Royal Blackheath Golf Club. This is England’s oldest golf club. Legend says that more than 400 years ago, Blackheath Golf Club was founded. In 1608, it became the first ever golf club. There is no hard evidence. But, the legend is older than most golf clubs. Royal Blackheath is without question the oldest golf club in England.
In the late 16th century, James VI of Scotland was heir to the English throne. When Elizabeth I died in 1603, James VI of Scotland became James I of England. He moved to the Royal Palace in Greenwich. James’s Scottish court brought golf to England. Courtiers found space to play at Blackheath. They were above the palace. Royal player Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales, golfed in 1606.
England and Scotland were not yet united. Scots stayed together in London. They shared golf. Few Englishmen had seen it. This made golf the ideal vehicle. Scots were the first golfers at Blackheath. The golfers of Blackheath are descended from these Scottish nobles.
Blackheath Golf Club says it was founded in 1608. Golf was played at Blackheath before then. Individuals shared a unique bond. They formed a club. Club accounts before 1787 are missing. Minutes before 1800 are also missing. There is no documentary evidence of the 1608 date.
Club artifacts show it existed by 1745. The Edinburgh Almanac listed golf societies. It recorded Blackheath as being established “prior to 1745” since 1830.
Bernard Darwin knew the Royal Blackheath Golf Club. He was Charles Darwin’s grandson. He was a golf writer for The Times for 46 years. Darwin stated that it is the oldest golf club in the world.
King James brought golf from Scotland. He settled at Greenwich Palace. There is evidence of golf at Blackheath early in James’s reign. Blackheath Golf Club was formally established. It is the oldest golf club in England. The club is proud of its Scottish heritage. They celebrate it at “Wee Dinners”.
Eltham Lodge is the clubhouse. It was built for Sir John Shaw. He was a banker to Charles I. The Royal Blackheath Golf Club moved to Eltham Lodge in 1924. Alexander Duncan became the first Captain of Blackheath Golf Club.
The Spring Medal began. It is the oldest golfing medal. The Club created the concept of an “open” competition. It was with the Boys Open Medal. This predates the Open Championship by 13 years.
Blackheath won the first inter-club golf match. They won the Grand Foursomes Tournament at St Andrews. They beat the Royal & Ancient in the final. The trophy is the first silver claret jug used for golf. It is in the Club’s museum.
Thomas Dunn designed the course in 1892. James Braid added to it. He was a member of the Great Triumvirate of British golfers. The Royal Blackheath Golf Club moved from the heath to Eltham. The Club bought its freehold from The Crown Estate. They updated the course under Ken Moodie. Royal Blackheath hosts the Open Royal Blackheath Trophy.
Eltham Lodge is the spectacular clubhouse. It is a Grade I-listed building. It dates back to 1664. Sir John Shaw built it. Hugh May designed it. He was inspired by buildings in The Hague. The Lodge was a forerunner to Georgian styles. Renovations modernized Eltham Lodge between 1750 and 1755. The building has evolved over the years. Today, it is stunning British architecture. It is a fitting home for England’s oldest golf club.
The clubhouse has a golf museum. It has trophies, artifacts, and memorabilia. It is a must-visit for golf lovers.
Royal Blackheath Golf Club is incredibly proud. It is the oldest golf club in England. Its history began when courtiers served James I. They played golf on the heath. Royal Blackheath continues to celebrate this Scottish heritage.