Welwyn Garden City Golf Club was founded in early 1923 after a decision to form the club was made on October 3rd, 1922, at the Cherry Tree Restaurant. Local residents, inc luding Mr. D Leitch, Mr. S Ogilvie, Mr. J Wadland, and Dr. R. L. Reiss, who became the club’s first Captain and only President, led its formation.
The New Town Agricultural Guild gladly sub-let a field for £25 per year, and even put in fairways for an additional £40. The original 9-hole, 2,440-yard course (the “old nine”) was played twice, with access to the Waggoners Public House via a wicket gate. Members navigated wartime allotments and sheep on the course, with a green located beside today’s Ladies' 14th tee.
In 1927, the course expanded to 16 holes but was quickly adjusted to a full 18 holes. At the time, players carried a niblick, a few irons, and a scythe—used to clear grass around balls hidden in the fairway. The game ended when all 12 allocated golf balls were lost!
The club welcomed female members on equal terms as men, with the founding committee of 11 members including five women. Handicaps and competitions were open to all. The original 9-hole course lasted until 1928, while changes to the layout continued through the 1970s and beyond.
Golf legend Sir Nick Faldo is closely associated with the club, with a board in the clubhouse honoring his achievements. The original clubhouse, opened by Captain Reiss in 1928, was replaced in 1981 and officially reopened in 1982 by the Hertfordshire Golf Union’s President, Mr. William Fernie. Further expansions were completed in 1988.
