Did you know that Gog Magog Golf Club boasts not one but two magnificent courses? Right here before us lies a golfing haven steeped in history and sporting excellence. Established in October 1901 by John Bascombe Lock Gog Magog Golf Club quickly became a significant golfing destination in Cambridgeshire. Its initial course designed by W Duncan attracted renowned players such as Herbert Strong who launched his career there in 1902. The club’s prestigious past is further highlighted by the fact that it hosted the Wright Cup in the early 1970s and the legendary Howard Florey a Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine once graced its fairways. The club historically had a connection to the University of Cambridge with membership reserved for graduate members.
Gog Magog Golf Club isn’t just about the past. The addition of the Wandlebury course in 1999 has only enhanced its reputation. This course which is considered the second best in the county after the original is a truly stunning layout. In 2007 it even hosted regional qualifiers for the Open Championship. Imagine the thrill of competing on those very greens. The hill above this course holds the intriguing Wandlebury Ring an Iron Age plateau fort. Golf and ancient history meet at Gog Magog Golf Club.
Beyond its historical significance Gog Magog Golf Club is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its 88.4 hectares of calcareous grassland teem with a diverse range of flora including rare species like moon carrot and perennial flax. This exceptional biodiversity makes it a unique and valuable natural habitat. The club hosts the annual Lagonda Trophy a competition that has attracted golfing giants such as Luke Donald and Lee Westwood.
The name itself Gog Magog is shrouded in intriguing legends. Some say it refers to a legendary giant whose lair was located near Wandlebury Ring. The club cleverly uses the name without specifying whether it refers to one or two giants reflecting the ambiguity surrounding the legend. Regardless of its origins the name Gog Magog has become synonymous with this exceptional golf club.
So as we stand here gazing upon Gog Magog Golf Club let us appreciate its rich history its sporting legacy and its remarkable contribution to both the golfing world and the natural environment. This is more than just a golf club it is a piece of Cambridgeshire history and a testament to the enduring spirit of sport and nature.