Queens Park (Bournemouth) Golf Club

About the club

The course was officially opened on the 25th October 1905, The Mayor of Bournemouth struck the first ball to open the town's second golf course: there is no record as to what happened to the ball, but the professionals then took over with an exhibition match between J H Taylor, Harry Vardon, James Braid, and Alex Herd. They played two singles; Vardon against Braid, and Taylor against Herd. The matches were followed by over one thousand spectators, and ended with Braid carding 74, Vardon and Taylor 75 and Herd 77 - against a Bogey of 82.The new course was much longer than its counterpart, and a much more severe test of golf. It quickly eclipsed neighbouring Meyrick and it attracted many important tournaments, including the Daily Mail; which in the 1939 tournament resulted in a unique five-day marathon. Henry Cotton and Archie Compston were tied on 292 after four rounds, were still tied after a play-off, and again after another thirty-six holes, then Cotton won on the Saturday April 1st.The local professional, Don Curtis had backed himself to win, but claimed that he was thwarted by the Park Superintendent, who used the bowling club mowers, which upset the 'nap' on the greens and ruined his putting technique!