History of Eaton Golf Club
The original Eaton Golf Course was created during the First World War when the Second Duke of Westminster (Bend'Or) handed over Eaton Hall and its grounds to the war Office as a convalescent home for Officers. It is thought that the golf course was intended as part of the therapeutic treatment for the patients.
After the war, the Duke maintained the course and Eaton Golf Club was formed in 1920 primarily for members of the staff and tenants of the Grosvenor Estate. Eaton Park Cricket Club had been in existence for many years and after the 1914/18 war, Jack I'Anson, the former Lancashire Professional, was appointed as the Professional of the Cricket Club, at the same time being responsible for the maintenance of the golf course. The rough however was not cut until it was long enough to make hay so until harvest time, finding golf balls was a difficult task! When necessary, members shared the use of the Cricket Pavillion.
During the Second World War, the nine hole course was maintained first of all by the Army, then by the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth and following the War by the Army who took a lease at Eaton as an Officer Cadet Training unit. When the Army surrendered its tenancy in 1963, it was decided by the Estate Trustees to enlarge the nine hole course to eighteen holes and, by invitation, to extend the membership from purely Estate members to local golfers. The Proprietary Club owned by the Duke and managed by the Grosvenor Estate had the Estate's Agent as the Chairman of the Committee. The accounts were maintained by the Estate Office.
In 1965 the Fourth Duke of Westminster became President and Michael Marshall was the first Captain with Tessa Briggs, a well known Cheshire County player as first Lady Captain, both holding office for 3 years. They set a high standard for those following on and Eaton Golf Club flourished in the spectacular grounds of Eaton Hall.
For a variety of reasons the decision was taken to close the Course in the grounds of Eaton Hall and the re-birth of Eaton Golf Club at our present course in the village of Waverton, owes much to the dedication of a small number of Members who decided that Eaton Golf Club should continue. Donald Steel was engaged as Architect and the necessary finance raised from those Members who wished to be part of the new venture along with an intake of some 250 new members. Construction started in August 1991 and the course was opened in June 1993 together with an excellent Clubhouse.
Measuring 6562 yards, the pleasantly undulating par 72 course alongside the Shropshire Union canal relies heavily on the natural features, including a brook and several ponds . The natural features are attracting an abundance of wild life which gives additional pleasure when playing the course. Of particular significance are the superb greens which are a test for eventhe most acomplished of golfers and are a delight to experience.
