Louth Golf Club founded 1965

“I have done what I intended to do by creating a golf course that has given many people great pleasure. In a way, that side of my work is complete. As I now reach the age of retirement, it is time for me to reduce my commitments. I would clearly like all that has been created to remain in good hands. When members suggested a scheme to purchase the club it provided the perfect solution. To this end I will do all in my power to see their dreams fulfilled”

Ted Drakes 1992.

The Louth Golf Club was the excellent idea of Ted Drakes, Tony Sharpley, the late Dick Chatterton and the late Fred Davy.

The House with its 42 acres which was the family home of the Allison family for many years had been purchased by Thomas Falkner Allison in 1869 and the Misses Allison lived there until their deaths when it was sold by auction to the four club directors in 1964.

The House retained its character despite extensive alterations and extensions to it.

When the Club opened on the 5^th June 1965 it was clear that more land was needed and a further 34 acres was purchased to enable the course to be extended from 9 holes to 18 holes. Further land was purchased over years to make the course challenging and a jewel in the crown amongst golfing enthusiast. It became at that time one of the largest courses in the County.

The course set in an area of natural beauty was a delight for members to enjoy views of the rolling countryside and the backdrop of Hubbard's Hills.

The course opened with a newly qualified and married professional Alan Blundell whose love of Wolverhampton became folk lore to members entering his shop. His banter of offering huge bargains has not changed over the years.

The main greens keeper was Bill Todd “the salt of the earth” a dedicated man for the greens.

Ted Drakes was a single handicapped golfer for fifty years.  He excelled in representing the Club, the County and England Seniors. He later became President of the Lincolnshire Union of Golf Clubs.

With the passage of time Ted Drakes managed to purchase the Club outright. It was a thriving Club with its splendid course and its two squash courts.

However in 1991 it became apparent that the Club was up for sale as Ted Drakes wanted to retire. The Club had been marketed at 2.5 million which too many seemed a lot to pay for the Club.

However there were worries that the Club might be sold to an outside company as it had permission for a hotel and no one would know who that might be or whether the cost of golf would be prohibitive to members and the next generation of young golfers.

Accordingly a meeting was called of the General Committee and Past Captains to see whether it was possible that the impossible could be achieved.

A sterling committee consisting of Basil Coxen, Jim Needley, Derrick Turner and Mike Covey was formed to see whether it would be possible to purchase it.

Long nights were spent in the Clubhouse considering whether if a share issue was issued what should be the cost of the share.

Initially it was thought that members should pay what they could afford in terms of the cost of a share. This it was said would cause some divisions and eventually it was agreed that the share cost should be £1500 and each member would have the same status and equality with one another. This took off but at that time a price had not been agreed.

Members questioned the wisdom of negotiating for the purchase when a valuation had not been obtained. The difficulties were immense as there was no money to fund a valuation and Ted and Jeanne Drakes had already got their own valuation at £2.5 million. So a compromise would have to be reached when it was known what the members could raise in terms of cash.

At that time the Machrie Hotel and Golf Club on the Isle of Islay was also on the market for £2.5 million and so comparisons were made. Kenwick Park was also opening up and looking for new members and so doubts were expressed as to whether some of our members would leave to join that Club and would profits of the Club be sustainable with such close competition.

Banks and Building Societies were considered a likely source for funding and the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation was approached by John Stubbs to see if they would assist but alas Louth was considered to be too remote for financing the purchase of a golf club. Had we been trying to purchase Wentworth a different view would clearly have been taken.

Paddy Shillington was instrumental in approaching the R and A for a loan to help the cause and they were pleased to assist.

There were also questions raised as to whether there was another interested party in purchasing the Club.

Whether there was or not Ted and Jeanne were determined and patient enough to give the Members the first opportunity of purchasing it.

When the price negotiations were finally settled for half of the original asking price there was a sense of relief and joy amongst members. Trevor Moody as the Captain of the year had made an emotional appeal that the purchase was something sacred to the Town.

Ted knew that the members had secured the purchase, it was sad that he died shortly before the completion day.

However, his memory will live on and members will always feel a sense of gratitude to him for making all this possible.

Since the purchase has been completed members have volunteered or cajoled into becoming Directors of the Club and on the committee. It has always been a matter of working together.

Of course there always will be comments about the Course, the food, the facilities as that is in the nature of golfers and in prevalent in golf clubs throughout the world.

What is clear is that what appeared to be the impossible dream became a reality and may the Club go from strength to strength.

We all know that we are all custodians of the Club but if members do their bit they can continue to enjoy the wonderful friendship and fellowship of golf.

Thank you Ted.

J. L. Needley 2005.