The History & Heritage of MGC

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Leading amateurs and well-known professionals from all over the globe have walked our fairways

Ryder Cup legends including Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, Howard Clarke and Mark James have competed at the club; so too stars of the future including our own Joe Bannan and Casey Jarvis (winner of the 2017 Reid Trophy).

The Club has produced many great golfers who have represented both county and country. Roger Smithies, represented Lancashire over a long period of time. Kelly Tidy and Rachel Connor represented Lancashire and England and went on to become tour professionals.

Anne Sharman, Donna Barnes, Elaine Clark, Karen Clayton, Jennifer Fallows, Sophie Powell, Sue Warrington, Gareth Clarke, Andy Davis, Tom Thorpe, Beth Greenhalgh and Katy Jane Stanley are amongst our members who have represented Lancashire.

Thursday, August 29, 2020

October 1882

In October 1882 the club’s eight founder members played their first round of golf over a small nine-hole course of some 1856 yards at Manley Park in the Whalley Range district of Manchester. They had no clubhouse and had to share the land with the farmer’s cattle and sheep.

Thursday, August 29, 2020

1883

In 1883 when it was considered that the latter club had ceased playing the words St Andrew’s were dropped from the title and the original Manchester Golf Club was called “The ‘Old’ Manchester Golf Club”, a title it retains to this day.

1898

The inevitable encroachment of urbanisation compelled the club to find a new location and in 1898 the Club moved to Trafford Park.

The land was leased from the Trafford Park Estates Company, who had purchased the de Trafford’s family estate in 1897.

Trafford Hall became the Clubhouse and despite the proximity of the Manchester Ship Canal, the new course was hailed as the most prestigious in the area.

1910

Industrial development and fears that the lease would not be renewed when it expired in 1912 again forced the club to seek new land.

In 1910 the club announced that it intended to move to Hopwood Park, the owner of which, Edward Robert Gregge Hopwood, had agreed to lease the land for 35 years dating from Christmas Day 1912.

30 March 1912

The course laid out on approximately 247 acres, was designed by Harry Shapland Colt, one of the foremost golf course architects of his time. It was ready for play by September 1911 but not open to members until 30th March 1912.

Apart from relatively minor modifications the general layout of the course has remained much as Mr Colt originally designed it, although it has been lengthened from its original 6145 yards to 6491 yards.

1925

Ownership of the club was secured in 1925 with the purchase of its freehold for £10,000.

1985

The most radical change to the club was the extensive alterations made to Hopwood Cottage in 1985.

These changes are perfectly illustrated by the clubhouse as it is today.

Otherwise most of the characteristics of ‘This beautiful park ……’ as it was described in 1911, have been retained.

This is a Club that supports and inspires golfers to become the very best that they can be. Our Junior Development programme is second to none in the region and as a result Manchester Golf Club will continue to churn out top golfers for many years to come.

MGC extends a warm welcome to all visitors. Book a round of golf on our championship course today.

Set in over 240 acres or in metric terms one square kilometre the course is predominantly moorland in character but with heathland and parkland features – when you play this course you will find yourself surrounded by scenic, rural views.

If you’re looking for a venue to host your Company Day or Society Day Out in 2021 then look no further than The Manchester Golf Club.

Thinking of joining the club?

MGC has an extensive range of membership options avialable.

Choose The Manchester to hold a challenging Golf Event, Conference or Special Occasion.

MGC is known for its legendary Wedding and Event organisation where stunning surroundings, fabulous food and wine combine to ensure truly memorable occasions.

Should you have a specific enquiry please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team.

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Limited places from £35 per player

Festival Week

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Find Out More

The Manchester Golf Club

The Manchester Golf Club

The History & Heritage of MGC

Leading amateurs and well-known professionals from all over the globe have walked our fairways

October 1882

1883

1898

1910

30 March 1912

1925

1985

Festival Week

Festival Week

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Additional Party, Event and Meeting Spaces

The Chapel Private Dining & Meeting Room

Hopwood Suite Party and Function Room

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