About
Chingford Golf Course is a beautiful 18-hole public golf course run by Epping Forest. The course is laid out in two returning loops, and plays a maximum 6342 yard, par 72. Please give us a call if you have any questions on 020 8529 2085. The course gives a good challenge for all players. It is five minutes walk from Chingford station which is just 25 minutes from the centre of London by train so it is ideal for a leisurely round after work.
History
Tradesmen
Chingford Golf Club was formed in 1923 by a group of local tradesmen who could only join the existing private club as “artisans”. The founding members were: C. Chasney, A.V Marshall, W.J. Oliver, C.S Perrin, W.F Richardson and J. Warren.
The first meeting place for CGC members was the Coronet Café. This was on the first floor on 1 Forest Avenue, opposite the course. A photograph of the Coronet Café as it then was can be found on the wall of the club room now. The building still exists and is clearly recognisable from the old photo. After the Coronet the club moved to a room in The Royal Forest Hotel. At this stage Chingford joined up with The Walthamstow Golf Club who became CGC members. A survival of this period is the Brock Cup. This was presented to the Walthamstow club in 1914 and continues to be one of the trophies competed for every year by CGC members.
Station Road
In 1928 we moved to our present address in station Road, Chingford. At that stage we rented the rear of the building and the upper floors. The front of the building at that stage was a shop. Its former use as a retail emporium is still evident in the building’s façade.
After the Second World War the club took over the whole building. In the late 60s we bought the freehold from the Crispin family who had a long association with the club. Mr A.S (Pip) Crispin had been president from 1923-1959 and was captain in 1935/36. His son Don Crispin succeeded his father as president and retained that position until 1995, thus matching his father’s 36 year tenure.
Notables
Over the years CGC has won some county competitions:
Ted Baldwin: County Champion 1928, 1930 and 1931
Boys Team Champions in 1957, 1958 and 1960
Youth Shield Champions in 1960
Leslie Wood Team Champions in 1958
During its 87 year history the club has had only 9 Presidents and 11 Secretaries. It has had 91 captains including the present incumbent. Archie Down, who joined in the very early years of the club, went on to be captain in 1957, President in 1995 and served on the committee as Treasurer from 1958-1994. Another well known member was Reg Allison who joined in 1947, was captain in 1987 and was famed for playing the clown at the children’s Christmas party.
The club has had many youngsters who have gone on to become professional golfers. We currently have four ex-members who are Essex professionals and one on the European Tour.