A momentous milestone in the history of Belfairs Park was celebrated on Sunday, as the municipal golf course marked its centenary with a special competition.

The Centenary Competition brought together 84 golfers representing the five local “Kindred” clubs: Belfairs, Boyce Hill, Rochford, Southend and Thorpe Hall.

For the occasion, the course was restored to its original layout, evoking fond memories for those who had played it before the course was altered to its present configuration in the 1990s.

The event planning was instigated when Councillor Steven Ayeling approached Peter Mahoney, Honorary Secretary of Belfairs Golf Club, to organise the event. Peter immediately contacted the other clubs and, together with his dedicated team of helpers, deserves great credit for ensuring the competition ran smoothly and for providing the post-round refreshments.

Credit must also go to the course ground staff, who had worked tirelessly in the days leading up to the event to ensure the course was presented in fine condition.

Course History

A nine-hole course, known as Leigh Park Golf Club, was already in existence at Belfairs Farm during the First World War. The original clubhouse survives to this day and is situated close to the present 4th tee at Belfairs Golf Course.

In 1919, Southend Borough Council compulsorily purchased the Belfairs Estate as part of its ambition to promote sport and recreation in the town. The Council subsequently created Belfairs Park, incorporating an 18-hole golf course, football and cricket pitches, bowling greens and a trotting track.

The renowned golf course architect Harry Colt was contracted to redesign the course, extending it into the surrounding woodlands. The work involved clearing trees and reshaping the landscape to create the new layout.

On Saturday, 11 September 1926, Mayor Alderman Dowsett officially opened Belfairs Park Golf Course, making it the first municipal golf course in Essex.

In front of a reported crowd of 500 spectators, the opening was followed by a fourball exhibition match featuring Harry Crook, the Belfairs Golf Club professional; James Braid, a five-time Open Champion; J. B. Batley, the Thorpe Hall Golf Club professional; and J. H. Taylor, another five-time Open Champion.

100 years later, the course may have changed considerably, but the centenary celebration provided a fitting opportunity to remember its remarkable history and the generations of golfers who have enjoyed Belfairs Park since its opening in 1926.