Dick Turpin, Bobby Locke, William III & Shooters Hill Golf Club

I was playing golf in southeast London last weekend with a former lady captain when conversation turned to the history of our course, Shooter’s Hill Golf Club and the local area.  Dick Turpin, Hitler’s doodlebugs and Bobby Locke, in no particular order, but it turns out Shooters Hill is positively steeped in history. I was captivated and immediately consulted Google on my return home.

The name ‘Shooters Hill’ was first recorded in 1226 and reputedly takes its name from the practice of archery there during the Middle Ages. The name is also commonly linked to its reputation as a haunt for highwaymen and was infamous for its gibbets of the executed ones as referred to in 1661 in Samuel Pepys diary.

The summit provided excellent cover for Highwaymen and footpads who preyed on unsuspecting travellers. It was also here that they were hung and their bodies displayed in gibbets.  Perhaps the most notorious, and paradoxically the most romantic highwayman of all, was the ubiquitous Dick Turpin who is said to have ‘worked’ the hill and who took advantage of the dark woods for his dark deeds.

Golf was first played at Shooter’s Hill in 1903 when a 9-hole course was opened. In 1907 a full 18-hole course was designed by Willie Park and then completely remodelled in the 1930′s by Messrs Harris and Colt.

In 1939, half of the golf course was requisitioned for the establishment of an anti-aircraft battery to protect London. Part of the clubhouse became the headquarters of the Home Guard and in the latter years, a prisoner of war camp for some 1000 German and Italian prisoners. A 7-foot high wire fence surrounded the camp with the cookhouse situated by the 17th green.

Incredibly, the remaining 9-holes continued to be played even though the course sustained considerable damage from bombing. Indeed, a grass bunker on the 8^th hole today is testament to the terrifying power of the doodlebug bomb.

After the war years, the course and clubhouse facilities were restored and fully re-opened for play in 1951. The big match of that year was an exhibition played by Bobby Locke and Alf Padgham. Bobby set a course record of 65.

Shooter’s Hill Road stretches eastwards from the heath at Blackheath over the hill and follows the route of Watling Street, a Roman Road linking London with Roman settlements in north Kent. This was used as a route for horse-drawn mail-coaches linking London with Dover. Passers-by who visit the landmark water tower on the hill and the nearby woods are walking in the steps of ancient Britons, Romans, Saxons and later, William III. On the northern side of the summit lies a burial ground from possibly the Bronze Age.

At 432 feet, Shooters Hill is the highest point in South London and offers sensational views over the Kent countryside, River Thames with a panoramic skyline of central London clearly visible.

Shooter’s Hill Golf Club has continued to thrive and many visitors are surprised to find such an attractive course only 8-miles from London Bridge.

The course is a challenging but fair test of golf with its rolling fairways and excellent greens for golfers of all abilities.

SHOOTER’S HILL GOLF CLUB LADIES FREE OPEN SOCIAL EVENT:

As the golf season kick’s off, Shooter’s Hill is offering lady golfers a new starter package from April 2012 with a free open social event at the club on Wednesday 4^th April at 12 noon and Wednesday 18^th April at 7.30pm. From complete beginners to experienced players, come see the club and meet the members. Everyone is welcome.

For more information telephone Amanda Buckland on 0208 854 6368 or visit the Shooter’s Hill Golf Club website for more information.

Happy St Patrick’s Day

It was six years ago I walked into my editor’s office and boldly requested a work transfer to Australia. He looked at me quizzically like I’d lost the plot entirely and snapped a robust NO before returning to his newspaper. “I’m so glad you thought your answer through” I sighed. “Isn’t this supposed to be a caring sharing company that delights in offering global exchange opportunities to staff?” “Get out” he barked back. Point taken, I didn’t need to be asked twice.

My newfound enthusiasm for all things Australia was sparked off a few months earlier following a glorious two week holiday in Melbourne with my family. The fact was I had the Aussie bug, I was hooked and would not be defeated in my mission.

Several weeks later I zeroed in on a second attempt off the back of a PR triumph against the odds (perhaps a story for another time). One of those rare occasions when the News of the World was headlining for all the right reasons and my editor had discovered newfound adulation for my being.

Enthused like a giddy kangaroo on beetle juice I pounced on the opportunity to strike again. In the tumultuous tabloid world where hero status is akin to tomorrow’s fish and chip wrapper, my reaction to the opportunity was positively cat-like.

Admittedly my manner took on cringing yet hugely effective begging-like qualities.  But it worked. The deal was all but sealed when I moved in for the kill. The clincher… I offered to give the editor golf lessons. His eyes lit up like that moment you a press cool pint of Guinness to your lips.

Which brings me rather neatly to the point of this tale. I finally made it Down Under … an incredible, breath-taking and awe-inspiring country. And it was during my travels strolling through the streets of Sydney that my trusty Canon EOS and I stumbled across the St Paddy’s Day parade. Between the Aussies and the Irish they sure know how to celebrate.

Happy St Patrick’s Day everyone, but above all, to my editor … Sláinte!

Think Globally, Act Locally

Today is International Woman’s Day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women everywhere. “Think globally, act locally” they said.  So I did and bought a plane ticket to Mauritius. To mark this joyous occasion, a few of my favourite Mauritian holiday sunset pix. Happy IWD.

A Lovely Day For It

Those who follow this blog will be well versed with my regular rants on the perils of winter golf. But also aware that topping my 2012 new years resolution scroll involves less whinging and more embracing the chilly elements. So you can imagine my disappointment, especially after a week of gearing myself up for the sub zero elements to be faced with a Course Closed sign. Not to be defeated, the only remaining dilemma is how I spend my Saturday.  Water the grass, venture out on a bike ride, spot of gardening or invite a few chums round for a BBQ?  Who says this embracing business isn’t working?

Sydney Harbour Through A Lens

In 2007 I was fortunate to spend several months on a work exchange in Australia.  I spent evenings and weekends exploring the city and waterways with my closest friend, a Canon EOS capturing it’s unique beauty.  And I’m sure you’ll agree, few cities in the world showcase a more spectacular backdrop than the magnificent Sydney Harbour.

Get your rescue wood out

Submit your wit and win a sleeve of priceless special edition News of the World Titleist golf balls. Entries close 31 December 2011.

Splashing Out At The Berkshire