History

BRADLEY HALL
The Home of the Distinguished Saville Family & the second oldest building in Halifax

1906 - 1910
In July 1906, six men from Holywell Green and Stainland started playing golf in a small field behind the Holywell Green Congregational Chapel. From these humble beginnings one of the finest golf courses in the district evolved.

The local newspaper at the time reported on the probability of a golf links being established on the Bradley Hall Estate following a visit by Huddersfield professional and ex Open champion Alexander Herd who was engaged to stake out a nine-hole course over forty-three acres.

In 1907 a small hut was erected as a clubhouse but by 1910 a larger clubhouse was required and donations from members realised fifty-three pounds with an extension to the hut being completed for £104-10s-9d .

The opening of the clubhouse was celebrated by an exhibition match between A.E.Lassen, the 1908 English Amateur Champion, and Harry Fulford, the then secretary of the PGA and a Bradford Golf Professional.

1911 – 1930
Sunday 2nd 1920 saw golf being played on the Sabbath for the first time.

In 1922 the Tweedale family left Bradley Hall and members took possession. The building had a number of previous tenants, mainly farmers but also cows that inhabited what is now the lounge area. £4,000 later, including a loan from the then Lord Mexborough, saw the clubhouse completed with a mock Tudor frontage.

The clubhouse opened in 1924 and 100 people celebrated at a 4/- (20p) a head luncheon.
In 1924 the old 9-hole course was incorporated into a new 18-hole course

1930 – 1950
Allan Dailey, club professional, wins the Professional Championship 1931 and in 1933 gets called up to represent GB in the Ryder Cup at Southport and Ainsdale.

In 1947 Bradley Hall GC becomes a founding member of the Halifax, Huddersfield and District Union of Golf Clubs.

1950 - 1952
In 1951 Dai Rees, British PGA champion , Ken Bousefield, Bill Shankland and Ronnie Weldon play an exhibition match raising £300 for the families of two policemen slain while performing duties.

1952 saw an EGM at the club where membership was increased from £3 to £4 for men and from £1 10/- to £2 for ladies.

1952 the Rabbits section was formed

1960
Peter Allis and Bernard Hunt of England play an exhibition match against Dai Rees and David Thomas of Wales at Bradley Hall. The bet, sixpence for birdies , five bob for two’s and a tenner for a hole in one.