Welcome
to the Totteridge Residents’
Association Annual Yearbook.
Sport and recreation are the themes for the 2006 TRA Yearbook. The Totteridge Hunt – which still met on the Green when our President, Eileen Eskenzi, moved into the area 40 years ago – is now no more than a historical footnote. But as you will see, Totteridge continues to afford the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities both indoor and outdoor. Whether you enjoy team sports like cricket, prefer one on one competition, as in tennis and golf, or relish the loneliness of the long distance (marathon) runner, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to keep fit within a mile or two of home.
SOUTH HERTS GOLF CLUB
by John Preston
One of the attractive amenities in Totteridge is South Herts Golf Club. Situated on the ridge on the north side of the lane, it occupies 140 acres of undulating parkland. There are two courses, the Vardon course of 6,400 yards and the Rees, a nine hole course of 1600 yards. There is also space for a large practice area, a real luxury only 15 miles from central London. The club house overlooks part of the course, with glorious views from the dining room and terrace. The flora and fauna in the area are manifold, with many attractive trees and different species of birdlife. Nesting boxes for the birds are provided around the course and looked after by club members.
The club was established in 1899, by members of Muswell Hill golf club, who were concerned about the short lease held on their own course, and wished to play golf on Sundays, this not being allowed on church land. The club originally purchased one acre of land, on which was erected a small club house, and leased the rest of the area. 0ver
the years more land was acquired and the club now owns the whole of the present site. The original clubhouse was built in 1901 and various additions were made until 1959 when most of the buildings were destroyed by fire. This provided an excellent opportunity to construct a more prestigious building which was opened in 1961. Another fire in 1982 allowed further reconstruction, with the addition of the Dai Rees lounge, opened in 1987. Major refurbishment was undertaken in the 90’s, funded partly by an unexpected windfall from V.A.T. Nevertheless the clubhouse today has much the same character as in 1961.
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The original course was designed by Willie Park junior in 1900. Willie Park and Harry Vardon designed a second layout in 1902 and a third layout was designed by Harry Vardon in 1931.The fourth layout was also designed by Harry Vardon in 1937, which
is the course very much as we see it today. Although in the London postal area, the club is considered to be part of Hertfordshire for golf affiliation. Indeed South Herts, West Herts, Mid Herts and East Herts golf club seniors participate annually for the Four Herts trophy. The club captain is a member of the Herts captains’ group and many other Herts golf activities embrace the club. The main course is not particularly long, but the combination of trees, undulating fairways and small sloped greens, provide a true golfing challenge. The course is used from time to time as a prequalifying regional venue for the Open Championship.
The club is well known in golfing circles due mainly to its two long- serving professionals, Harry Vardon and Dai Rees. Vardon, the professional from 1902 to 1937, was one of the great names in golf both here and in the USA. Six times Open Champion, he also won the US Open and was a major figure on the world stage. He lived at 37 Totteridge Lane, opposite the tube station. He died in 1937, and is buried in St. Andrews churchyard. The American Ryder Cup team visited his grave in that year, and laid a wreath. Every year on the weekend of the Vardon Trophy, a wreath is laid by officers of the club. Dai Rees CBE was the club professional from 1946 until his death in 1983. During his long career he won a total of 39 major tournaments, played in nine Rvder Cups, was captain five times and led the team to victory in 1957, a feat not to be repeated until 1985. He was made an Honorary life member in 1950, a rare privilege in those days. Both Harry and Dai were allowed considerable time away from the club, and Steve Thomas was the assistant to both of them for over fifty years. The professional since 1994 is Bobby Mitchell, who is a very competent golfer. He is kwell known in Hertfordshire, but spends most of his time managing the club’s professional business together with his assistants, teaching and advising on and selling golf equipment and accessories.
The club organizes many other activities during the year including dinners, dances, concerts, bridge and snooker. Of course golf is the main objective; there are some 700 members in different categories. Apart from internal competitions, matches are played against other clubs by both men and ladies. A major event of the year is the Hudson Trophy competed for by selected golf clubs around the London area. Like most old established clubs, South Herts has finally emerged, albeit cautiously, into the 21st century, with Lady members being admitted on an equal basis for voting rights and subscriptions.
Like most golf clubs, a car is the best mode of transport to and from home. However, the Northern line and a bus route do provide possible alternatives. When the club was first established and cars were not so common, the Great Northern Railway offered discounted travel facilities. Those were the days! Consequently the membership was more local than that of today, which now reflects the wide social and cultural background of those who enjoy the game of golf.
John Preston
Club Secretary
0208 445 2035
www.southhertsgolfclub.co.uk
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