Tradesmen
Chingford Golf Club was formed in 1923 by a group of local tradesmen who could only join the existing private club as “artisans”. The founding members were: C. Chasney, A.V Marshall, W.J. Oliver, C.S Perrin, W.F Richardson and J. Warren.
The first meeting place for CGC members was the Coronet Café. This was on the first floor on 1 Forest Avenue, opposite the course. A photograph of the Coronet Café as it then was can be found on the wall of the club room now. The building still exists and is clearly recognisable from the old photo. After the Coronet the club moved to a room in The Royal Forest Hotel. At this stage Chingford joined up with The Walthamstow Golf Club who became CGC members. A survival of this period is the Brock Cup. This was presented to the Walthamstow club in 1914 and continues to be one of the trophies competed for every year by CGC members.
Station Road
In 1928 we moved to our present address in station Road, Chingford. At that stage we rented the rear of the building and the upper floors. The front of the building at that stage was a shop. Its former use as a retail emporium is still evident in the building’s façade.
After the Second World War the club took over the whole building. In the late 60s we bought the freehold from the Crispin family who had a long association with the club. Mr A.S (Pip) Crispin had been president from 1923-1959 and was captain in 1935/36. His son Don Crispin succeeded his father as president and retained that position until 1995, thus matching his father’s 36 year tenure.
Notables
Over the years CGC has won some county competitions:
Ted Baldwin: County Champion 1928, 1930 and 1931
Boys Team Champions in 1957, 1958 and 1960
Youth Shield Champions in 1960
Leslie Wood Team Champions in 1958
National Champions –NAPGC winner of Ballentyne Trophy 2020
During its 98 year history the club have only had 10 Presidents, 11 Secretaries and 93 Captains including the present incumbents. Archie Down, who joined in the very early years of the club, went on to be captain in 1957, President in 1995 and served on the committee as Treasurer from 1958-1994. Another well known member was Reg Allison who joined in 1947, was captain in 1987 and was famed for playing the clown at the children’s Christmas party.
More recently John Clark who joined in 1968, served on committee for many years, Captain 1980, President 2006-2011, also Trustee and still to be seen on his buggy on the course and running the midweek swindle.
Bryan Woods who joined in 1971, served on committee from 1978, Captain in 1985, Trustee and Secretary from 2009-2014 when he sadly passed away.
Bryan Sinden who joined the club in 1974 served on committee from 1977, Captain 1989, Secretary 1990-2009, Treasurer from 2009-2020, President 2015-2019, Trustee and once again Secretary from 2020.
Finally Terry Rymer who joined in 1985 was Captain in 1993, current President, served as golf committee chairman since 1994.
All these gentlemen have, and still do, play an important part in
the day to day running of the club.
Red Rule
It was once a requirement that all golfers should wear red when playing the course. This is no longer the case.
Oldest Course
1888 and was believed to be redesigned by James Braid
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