Gosforth Park Ladies Golf Club will celebrate its centenary in 2023 with a series of events, including an open this summer.
The club, which shares its course and clubhouse with The Northumberland Golf Club, was formed on February 19, 1923 – having first submitted a request to form a ladies’ club in September 1905. At that time, wives and daughters of members were allowed to play on the course but had no standing, tees, score cards or eligibility for handicaps. The records are incomplete, but after many failed attempts to change this, the ladies acquired a champion to their cause – Joseph Miller, a past captain of The Northumberland – and after 19 years, Gosforth Park Ladies Golf Club was officially created in February 1923. By 1930, the club had 124 members, 97 of which held LGU handicaps.
The centenary celebrations began with a 100th birthday party in February and events planned for later this year include a hickory club event with traditional dress on April 23; a Centenary Trophy competition on September 19; and a black-tie Anniversary Ball on November 4 at The Grand Hotel Gosforth Park – which will be hosted alongside Northumberland Golf Club’s 125th birthday celebrations.
There will also be a Centenary Open on Monday June 12 – entries are open now at www.golfempire.co.uk/golf-clubs/gosforth-park-ladies-golf-club.htm
Julie Hughes, who will serve her second term as the club’s captain in 2023, said: “Our records have many stories, both amusing and sometimes unbelievable, of the struggles endured to be able to play our beloved game. Women and girls’ golf has come a long way since those archaic days and, as we celebrate our centenary, we are mindful of the courage and determination of the women in our club’s history. Going forward, we are proud of our prestigious club and expect great things for the future.
“It’s been a very busy two years of planning and it’s going to be fantastic to see all our events come to fruition. There’s a lot to look forward to this year, with events for our members along with our Centenary Open in June – when we hope to welcome visitors from across the county and beyond.
“Coming together with The Northumberland Golf Club to celebrate our big birthdays in November will hopefully cap a great year for both clubs.”
