Richmond Golf Club

The Richmond Golf Club is a private golf club whose 18-hole course now occupies the historic Sudbrook Park adjacent to Richmond Park, in Petersham, south west London. The Grade I listed building, Sudbrook House, in the park, is now the clubhouse. The patron of the club is His Royal Highness, Prince Andrew, Duke of York.HistoryThe Club was founded in February, 1891, at a meeting at the Greyhound Hotel in Richmond. It briefly leased a course at Old Deer Park, before moving to Sudbrook Park in Petersham, where it has been located ever since.Without a clubhouse initially, the members met in the 'Fox and Duck' public house, which they also used for the changing rooms, before obtaining the lease of Sudbrook Park and House in 1898.Golfing and CompetitionsThe club runs a full schedule of friendly and competitive golfing activities. It still runs competitions dating back to the first days of the club, of which notable competitions include:The Stephenson Challenge Cup trophies, first presented in 1895 to the winners of the singles and foursomes matchplay competitions.The Don Memorial Challenge Cup, instituted in 1895, a 36-hole scratch medal which is open to members of invited local golf clubs.The Victory and Rube Shields, a series of annual matches played between The Richmond Golf Club and Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club, first played in 1897.The club has hosted visits from many professionals including, in 1975, Tom Watson playing his first game of golf in Britain. This was the day before playing in and winning his first Open Championship at Carnoustie, beating Jack Newton in a play-off.