After many attempts in 1890 by Mr J Moore it was in November 1891 that the Whitby Golf Club was formed by a number of Whitby gentlemen and registered on the 4th December 1891. The principal promoters were Major A Simpson, Lieutenant Colonel T N Marwood, Captain J C Simpson, Mr A 0 Marwood, Mr H Weighill, Mr J Moore and Mr L Greenwell.
The club was not based in Whitby but at Goathland, a moorland village nine miles away. The privilege to play there was granted by the Duchy of Lancaster, Lords of the Manor and the commoners of Goathland. The course, consisting of 6 holes, was mapped out on the village common with every hole having a special feature. It was certainly unique with long drives required and golfers played at their own risk in every respect. The Club issued membership tickets on the express understanding that it took no liability for accidents. This caution was necessary because the golfers played alongside the road as well as across it several times and in and out among the houses. Care had to be taken at the No 1 “Church” hole or the No 4 tee to ensure the church clock was not on the point of striking when making a stroke. When play was delayed because of ‘danger”, mainly people in the way, the golfer could observe the various gardens and at one hole one could call at the Post Office to collect any letters!
MrWeighill and Mr Moore were the secretaries and once the course was planned negotiations were commenced to make accommodation for members visiting the links. The Club Room adjoining the Goathland Hotel was opened in the summer of 1892.
The first Annual General Meeting of the Club was held at the Crown Hotel Whitby in January 1892, when the vicar of Goathland, Reverend E B Hare occupied the chair. According to the Whitby Gazette of the 8th January 1892 an election of officers took place and the following were successful.
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Whitby Golf Club, Low Straggleton, Sandsend Road, Whitby, YO21 3SR
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