Walmersley was founded in 1906 when the demand for the game exceeded the facilities available to Bury Golf Club, then located at Redvales – the present location of Bury Sports Club.
Land was selected over a number of farms, principally that now occupied by the present 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12th holes. A really interesting article A Breezy & Bracing Site was published in the Bury Times at the time.
The club flourished for the next 60 years or so, during which the course and clubhouse were developed and the present access road was constructed, with the work being done by the members themselves! The course was known as an “excellent nine holes.”
Additional land had been purchased at the adjacent Broomses Farm – now the site of holes 13 to 16. By the late 80’s, funds had been raised and plans drawn up to extend the course and the new 18 hole course was opened in 1995.
Whilst providing an interesting test and allowing the club to considerably increase the membership, the course was short with a Par of 69 and SSS of 66.
In the late 90’s, further land was purchased on the west side of the M66, the site of the present 3, 4 and 5th holes. In 2009 the extended course was opened, with a Par of 71 and a SSS of 70.
We are founder members of the Bury & District Golf Association and have provided many of their officers from within our ranks. In 1992, a Past Captain, Norman Forrest became President of the Lancashire Union of Golf Clubs and in 2009 he became President of The English Golf Union.
The club has always been run “professionally” by members, for members and we are proud that we have created Bury’s Hidden Gem, whilst keeping strict control of our own finances. Members new and old know the club as a friendly place that they can feel a part of and contribute to the development and success.
This is a very brief version of the club’s history. If you are interested further, please speak to our Treasurer or Secretary.