The Addington Golf Club

Designed in 1913 by John Frederick Abercromby, The Addington is a fine course which will challenge and excite golfers of all abilities.

Affording expansive views of the metropolis from hilltop tees like those at the 14th and 16th, the fairways wander through mature pine and birch trees and create a feeling of intimacy in stark contrast to the looming mast of Crystal Palace and the backdrop provided by the Natwest Tower, Canary Wharf and the Shard.

On 10 July 1913, Addington Golf Syndicate was incorporated with a share capital of £1000. The top signatory for the syndicate was JF Abercromby (‘Aber’), an excellent golfer who, despite having no previous knowledge of golf course design, had undertaken management of the Worplesdon and then Coombe Hill course builds. The Addington was soon to become his third and finest course and Aber stayed there until his death in 1935.

There was much controversy over the building of the first ‘old’ course at The Addington; a month after the syndicate was incorporated a local paper wrote: “New golf grounds, like new picture palaces, are springing up apace. I understand the latest intention is to provide a golf ground in Addington Park, where the shades of previous archbishops may protest in vain against this sacrilege”.

The article went on to say “I understand the use of this ground is to be strictly confined to people of a very high circle – and indeed that no one under a peer of the realm is to be allowed to peer over those realms of past Episcopal glory.” This account proved to be very true; between the two World Wars, The Addington became one of the three most favoured clubs surrounding London, its members being of such high standing that it became informally known as ‘Royal Addington’ – indeed, King George VI became Patron of the Club in 1937.