Spa

About the club

On Friday 1st February 1907 at 7.30pm as a result of untiring work by a local lady, a Miss Moore, later described as the founder of the Club, a public meeting took place in the Court House in Ballynahinch. The purpose of the meeting was to form a Golf Course in the immediate vicinity. The area favoured was the Spa, which was known locally for its health resort, and the healing qualities of the local Spa Welles water. At the meeting, which was chaired by Mr R A Evans, a local Solicitor, speakers enthusiastically addressed the crowd as to the advantages of having a local golf course. Among those who spoke were the Rev John McAdam, the Rev Thomas McCreight and a Mr R B Bailie. The motion was carried and plans were made as to the acquiring of land and finance to proceed. On the 11th February a further meeting took place and the first officials elected. They were, President – Captain Ker, the owner of Montalto estate, Vice presidents, Captain James Craig, MP: Colonel Wallace, John Arnold and Major Forde. The Captain was W J Hurst and his Vice the Rev Thomas McCreight. The location was confirmed as being part of the Montalto estate, which is situated between Ballynahinch town and the Spa area. The course was designed by Mr G L Bailie of Howard Street Belfast and laid by Hugh Rush. Unfortunately no other information re the two gentlemen was reported at the time. With incredible speed they undertook their task and on the 27th April of that year the opening ceremony took place, already some 70 members having been secured. The course was described as being somewhat short, the longest hole being 230 yards, the grass as being beautifully short and as having no scrub. The honour of striking the first ball was given to Miss Dorothy Hurst, the club Captain’s daughter. Mr Hurst at that time owned the Mill in Drumaness , a village situated some 3 miles from the course.