220
This Club has been the means of promoting a knowledge of the game, and the interest taken in it by local residents has gradually increased until now the register contains a large number of well-known names. Like the Club itself, its meeting place was at first humble - a single room in the Grandstand sufficing but with increasing membership, the need of better quarters has long been felt. This has resulted in the erection of the fine granite building, from the plans of one of the most enthusiastic members. Having a full knowledge of the requirements of a golfer, the architect has arranged the building most successfully. There is the large club-room around which are the lockers for the members' implements, while at one end is a refreshment bar, and at the other a dressing room, where every convenience is to be found.
Commodore Boyes opened the proceedings with an able and humorous speech, setting forth the history of the Club, its membership, and the negotiations and discussions which had resulted in the erection of the building.
This done, Mrs. Rumsey (wife of the Harbour Master) unfurled the Club's standard and formally wished "Success to the Hongkong Golf Club".
Several matches were played after the opening. The Mixed Foursomes were won by Madame O'Gorman and Mr. G. Stewart who returned a card of 61 gross, 59 net. Miss Gordon and Mr. W. W. Thompson also returned a card of 59 net and in the play off, the former couple won.
Other entrants were Mr. and Mrs. Dalrymple 63, Commodore and Miss M. Boyes 65, Capt., and Mrs. Eccles 66, Miss Boyes, and Mr. V. A. C. Hawkins, 66.
Despite the wet weather nearly 20 entered the competition for the Captain's prize. Mr. G. Stewart, best golfer in the Colony at the time, won this competition with a card of 43. Other scores were Mr. C. A. Tomes 52, Mr. V. A. C. Hawkins 48, Mr. J. Bell 52, Mr. H. L. Dalrymple 50, Mr. C. W. Knox 56, Capt., A. G. Ferguson 54, Mr. C. Palmer, 55; Major Thomas 60, Mr. W. A. Duff 58, Mr. G. H. Grace 59, Lt. Col. The O'Gorman 65, Mr. G. W. F. Playfair 62, Rev. R. F. Cobbold 60, Mr. C. W. Spriggs 65.
It was in October 1897, that the Hongkong Golf Club was given permission by Her Majesty, Queen Victoria to use the word "Royal" as a prefix to its title.
The Golf Club House was extended in 1899, and again in 1906 when a new lease was granted. It was burnt down in February 1918, and was not rebuilt until 1930. To-day the Club is in a more flourishing position than at any time in its history.
CLUBS 22 (Continuation)
In an earlier article (see 23/10/33) the story of the foundation and growth of the Hongkong Club was published. I now find in the newspaper files of 1897, references to the completion of the new Club building.
#1 moved in "on July 26, 1897. The removal from the old premises on Queen's Road,