Seaton Carew Golf Club has renamed its clubhouse bar area The Bunting Lounge to celebrate the Bunting family’s near-150-year association with the club.
Derek Bunting and Seaton Carew president Mick Chalk unveiled a plaque to commemorate the renaming. Derek, 89, who now lives close to Formby Golf Club, also teed off on the links where his brother Edward – who died in November 2020 – was a widely respected figure.
Derek said: “While I left in 1961, Edward carried it on. I would come back and play with Edward here. It’s a fantastic place and remains close to my heart.”
Edward was twice captain at Seaton Carew, in 1975 and 2000, and was, like his father and brother, an active member of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.
Seaton Carew captain Norman Bagley said: “When Edward died and made his bequest to the club, we had to recognise him in a way that very few are. Edward and his family have served the club incredibly over the years. The lounge being named in honour of the Buntings means people will always come in and ask questions about Edward and his family.”
The Buntings have been involved with Seaton Carew since the earliest days of the club. CJ Bunting – the grandfather of brothers Edward, Derek and Gerald – was first involved around the 1870s and went on to become secretary. The family connection was carried on by CJ’s son Gilbert, who also hailed from Hartlepool, and was a referee at six Ryder Cups.
Derek added: “I joined Seaton Carew when I was 14. We had just come out of the war, so there was barbed wire around because it was a possible invasion beach. The club has done the Bunting family the great honour of naming this wonderful room the Bunting Lounge to recognise the family’s deep involvement in the club’s history. Edward loved this club. Golf was his life.”
