GolfClubAtlas.com > Golf Course Architecture
Alluring ALNMOUTH VILLAGE GC: 20-21 Winter Tour
Sean_A:
The 1874 Open was of historical importance because it was the first time the 9 hole Musselburgh links hosted the event. All eyes were on the high flying duo of an in his prime Young Tom Morris and Willie Park, who already possessed seven Open titles between them. However, it was the ex-seaman and younger brother of Willie Park Sr playing in his first serious golf tournament, Mungo, who carried the day on the back of a 37 & 38, posted over the first two rounds.
The wifi password is a subtle homage to M Park.
While successful, Mungo seems to have been in the shadow of his older brother’s (Willie) success in all aspects of golf, including architecture. This isn't surprising given the fact that Mungo was a fisherman/sailor the first 20 years of his career. True or not, it is fitting that some credit Mungo with the design of the original 9 holes of Alnmouth GC. If Mungo did design the course it was while doing a stint in the navy. What is certain is that Mungo was the first professional for this pocket-size 9 hole links wedged between the winsome village and Alnmouth Bay. Being established in 1869 it is thought this is the oldest 9 hole links in England and the 4th oldest course in England, but let us not use these descriptors as ways to diminish the quality of the course. With lovely terrain and high quality turf, Alnmouth is the real deal.
It is clear the village remains prosperous, being built on the back of its thriving port which in the 17th & 18th centuries exported large amounts of grain, so much so that there were once 16 granaries in Alnmouth. Many of the granaries are clearly visible today in their converted states. A huge storm in 1806 changed the course of the Aln which effectively cut the village in two. This was the beginning of the end for Alnmouth as a port.
The arrival of the train (still in operation) in the mid 19th century gave new life to Alnmouth as a holiday destination. Unlike some small ports, Alnmouth has retained much of its original charm and in addition to superb natural amenities, the town offers social amenities such as cricket, rowing, boating, rugby and two golf clubs.
The Boat Club's Ferry Hut.
Rowing Club.
It is easy to confuse the Village Club with the much newer HS Colt designed Alnmouth GC (1931) next door on higher ground. For a short period Alnmouth GC had two courses, the upper and downer, until the Village Club was formed in 1936 and took over the management of the downer links. This in itself isn’t odd until we note that the parish has less than 500 residents! While the links seem a sleepy affair these days, this once was a base of some power in English golf. Alnmouth was one of 24 clubs which controlled the Amateur until the R&A took the reins in 1919. It should also be mentioned that Horace Hutchinson thought Alnmouth important enough to include it in his famous British Golf Links. From the description in the book, it is also clear the current routing and hole numbering is the same at least as far back 1897.
Despite recent interior work, not much about the exterior of the golf pavillion (on the right) has changed since this photo was taken. The once sandy nature of the links is no longer as evident except in as much as the course drains extremely well. The gentleman in the photo is stood near the current 1st tee.
More to follow.
Ciao
Niall C:
"It is easy to confuse the Village Club with the much newer HS Colt designed Alnmouth GC next door on higher ground."
One post in and you're having a dig at me already !!
Niall
Sean_A:
Niall...you had me going the wrong way!
Onto the course. The card is a perfect reflection of the course and house. There is no nonsense of a card showing 18 tees...its a 9 hole course.
The first as seen from the road. For those who believe there is no finer terrain for golf than can be found at St Andrews and Deal...Alnmouth Village offers a hint of promise.
Not a great starter, but not an easy short hole either. It is clear the club takes the Village aspect of the name seriously. It is literally a 1 minute walk to the centre.
Evidence of a much sandier past. This sleepered bunker was right of the 1st green.
The next six holes all have something to shout about. The 2nd takes us to the boat houses. In days gone by there used to be cottages in this fairway. There is a red herring narrow alley down the right which offers not a scintilla of advantage.
Much like Granny Clark's Wynd, the beach access road is crossed in both directions.
A closer look at the tiered runaway green.
No freeloaders!
The third green is not unlike the 2nd.
Yes, the Village course is very becoming!
Continuing the hard on the beach theme, the rather modest 4th at 360 yards is the third longest hole on the course.
More superb terrain.
Climbing to the 6th fairway offers a better idea of what the 4th is about.
The final hole out plays to a wee corner of the property. It is a very short 4 which would make perfect sense in the summer. The ladies tee also makes for a great par 3. Yes, the location is sublime, but the hole is of exceptional quality.
The 5th green from the 6th fairway.
More to follow.
Ciao
Thomas Dai:
Looks extremely cold and windy so well done for getting further than just the car park and the clubhouse! :)
I recall walking some of lower holes during a non-golf holiday a few years ago and thought that the course looked like it would a whole bunch of fun to play. And, as you say, it really is right by the village.
Looking forward to seeing the rest.
Atb
Mark Pearce:
You were there on Saturday. I didn't get past Doncaster on Friday night because of the weather. I walked the dog in Newcastle on Saturday afternoon and was as cold as I have ever been. Playing golf up the coast is impressive.
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