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Bradley
Hall Golf Club was the dream of a handful of men
living in the Holywell Green and Stainland area. The
dream became reality when, in July 1906 they started
playing on a small piece of rented land near to the
present course. This soon proved inadequate and, on
the 1st February 1907 a lease on 43 acres
adjoining the present course became effective and the
club was born. Alex Herd, the Huddersfield
professional and former Open champion, advised on the
layout of the new nine hole course.
By
1909 a wooden clubhouse had been built on the hillside
overlooking the course. In
1922 an opportunity presented itself to acquire, from
Lord Mexborough, the lease on the run-down Bradley
Hall together with over 100 acres of land. It was an
opportunity not to be missed. Four thousand
pounds was spent converting the old house into a
magnificent clubhouse and laying out a new 18 hole
course.
George
Franks, foreman for many years to the great golf
course architect, Dr. Alister MacKenzie, was appointed
to design and build the new course and after
completion in 1924 he remained at Bradley Hall for
another two years acting as professional/greenkeeper,
although he was never registered with the PGA.
The
new club was first opened with a grand dinner and
smoking concert in January, 1924 and was officially
opened by Lord Mexborough in July, the same year.
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