The History of The Royal Port Alfred Golf Club

The first ideas began in the 1890's with a group led by Dr. W.F. Atherstone who tried to start a course on the East Flats which had become derelict after the Kowie Harbour Improvement Company went bankrupt. However the Town Council only gave permission in 1906 and on 31/7/1907 Dr Atherstone and four others launched the club with donations of £20.

He designed the first 9 holes (with approval from a Port Elizabeth professional Mr. A.E. Gray. The greens were made of shell grit (Kimberley Blue was too expensive). The second nine - designed by Mr. L. Waters of Royal Johannesburg - was completed in April 1908.

Shortly afterwards a 3 day tournament was arranged and 5 professionals completed for a prize of £30. G.H. Fotheringham won with a score of 313 for 72 holes. 9 over for the rating of 76 par.

"Golf in Port Alfred" became popular with special train rates for golfing excursions. Many donated money to buy land and a new layout was completed in 1914 with grass greens, bunkers and hazards.

The new clubhouse (still in use) was opened on 16 December 1916 - the pub had opened 16 days earlier! A popular magazine of the time reported "The Port Alfred Golf Club" affords golfers an opportunity of playing a course which has no equal in South Africa; there is nothing to prevent Port Alfred becoming the Mecca of South African golfers".

In 1921 Princess Arthur of Connaught played a few holes with Lady Graham. A large crowd gathered as the pro. Mr. J. Macintosh teed up the ball for the Princess. After halving the first 2 holes a westerly gale blew up and the ladies retired. She named the 18 holes, 12 names still remain including the "Connaught" the 17th.

The publicity surrounding the Princess's visit resulted in the SAGU holding the 1922 S.A. Open & Amateur at Port Alfred. The Open was won by Mr.F Jangle & the Amateur by W.C. Stent . The 1927 Ladies' Championship & the 1932 Men's championships were also held at Port Alfred.

A further result was the granting of "Royal" status by King George V on 6/2/24. Royal Cape had been granted Royal status a year earlier & Royal Durban & Royal Johannesburg followed the next year.