Stratford-on-Avon Golf Club was established in 1894 in the Shakespearean village of Wilmcote.

At that time, Queen Victoria was still on the throne, when six men and three women gathered at the Union Club in Stratford to form the club.

In 1924, we moved to our current location, where the course was designed by J.H. Taylor, a five-time winner of the Open Championship, and F.G. Hawtree. The new course was officially opened in 1928 by Sam Ryder, accompanied by his famous professional, Abe Mitchell (the figure atop the Ryder Cup), along with three British Open champions. Sam Ryder served as Vice President and became Captain from 1929 to 1931.

The Second World War temporarily disrupted the course, as large sections were designated for vegetable growing and gravel extraction. Fortunately, this has created some interesting challenges on our 10th, 16th, and 17th holes.

The 18th-century barn, courtyard, and stables on the site have been transformed into our clubhouse today. The distinctive barrel-roof bar, featuring an open fire and shared by Sam Ryder and many past Ryder Cup players, remains a favourite spot for all to enjoy.

The photograph below was taken on April 27, 1928, showing Abe Mitchell playing out of the left-hand bunker on the 16th hole.

In 1994, John Gee, who served as the Club Captain in 1986, published the book “A Confident Century.” This book chronicles the development of the club, beginning with its first course in Wilmcote, followed by 29 years at the 9-hole course in the Welcome Fields, and culminating in the move to our current course on Tiddington Road in 1925.