Handsworth Golf Club Heritage

Bridget Jackson MBE: Our Most Decorated Member

Celebrating one of the most distinguished figures in Handsworth Golf Club’s history, her outstanding playing career and her lifelong service to women’s golf.

A remarkable contribution to golf

Celebrating Bridget Jackson MBE

Handsworth Golf Club is proud to celebrate Miss Bridget Jackson MBE, one of the most distinguished figures in the club’s history and a person whose contribution to golf has been recognised at the highest levels of the game.

Bridget has been associated with Handsworth Golf Club since 1941 and has given exceptional service to the club, to women’s golf and to the wider golfing community.

Her achievements as a player, captain, administrator and ambassador for the game are a source of great pride for everyone connected with Handsworth.

Since 1941

A proud Handsworth connection

Bridget’s long association with the club reflects the pride, tradition and character of Handsworth Golf Club, founded in 1895 and still an important part of Birmingham golf today.

Highest recognition

Honorary Membership of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews

Handsworth Golf Club was delighted to see Miss Bridget Jackson MBE become an Honorary Member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

This prestigious honour recognises a lifetime of dedication to golf. From all the members and staff at Handsworth Golf Club, we offer our warmest congratulations to Bridget on this outstanding recognition.

Bridget Jackson MBE holding her Hall of Fame trophy

A distinguished playing career

Representing club and country with distinction

Bridget Jackson enjoyed a remarkable amateur playing career, representing Great Britain and Ireland and England with distinction.

1954 Girls’ British Open Amateur Champion.
1956 English Ladies Closed Champion and German Ladies Champion.
1967 Canadian Ladies Championship winner.
3 Curtis Cups Represented Great Britain and Ireland in 1958, 1964 and 1968.
England International

Selected as an England international nine times during a highly respected amateur career.

Vagliano Trophy

Played against the Continent of Europe on four occasions.

World Amateur Team Championships

Selected as playing captain for England in the first ever Espirito Santo Trophy in 1964, where England won bronze.

Bridget presenting a trophy to the winner of the Bridget Jackson Bowl

Curtis Cup and international recognition

Bridget’s Curtis Cup story began in 1958, when she was initially named as a reserve for the Great Britain and Ireland team against the United States.

Following the withdrawal of Philomena Garvey, Bridget played in the match at Brae Burn, which finished in a 4½–4½ tie.

International achievement

A leading amateur golfer of her generation

Bridget went on to represent Great Britain and Ireland again in the Curtis Cup in 1964 and 1968, strengthening her reputation as one of the leading amateur golfers of her generation.

Her international involvement continued beyond her playing career. In 1973 and 1975, she was non-playing captain of the winning Great Britain and Ireland teams in the Vagliano Trophy.

View of five bunkers protecting the fifteenth green

Leadership and service

An outstanding leader within women’s golf

Following her playing career, Bridget became an outstanding administrator and leader within the game.

Chair of the English Ladies Golf Association from 1971 to 1972. President of the English Ladies Golf Association from 1993 to 1995. President of the Ladies’ Golf Union in 1998 and later an Honorary Vice-President. Made an MBE in 2003 for services to women’s golf.

Career timeline

Key moments in a remarkable golfing life

A heritage-led overview of Bridget Jackson MBE’s playing career, leadership and recognition.

1936
Born in Birmingham Beginning a golfing story closely connected to the city and to Handsworth Golf Club.
1941
Handsworth association begins A long connection with the club that remains a proud part of its heritage.
1954
Girls’ British Open Amateur Champion One of the first major milestones in a distinguished amateur career.
2003
MBE for services to women’s golf National recognition for a lasting contribution as a player, leader and advocate.

A proud part of Handsworth’s story

A lasting part of the club’s identity

Bridget Jackson MBE’s long association with Handsworth Golf Club is an important part of the club’s heritage.

Her achievements continue to inspire members and visitors, and her contribution remains a lasting part of Handsworth Golf Club’s identity.

Founded 1895

Proud of our history and focused on the future

Handsworth is proud to be a long-established Birmingham golf club with a rich history and a strong connection to people who have made a meaningful contribution to the game.

From our 18-hole parkland course in Handsworth Wood to our welcoming clubhouse, active club sections and friendly atmosphere, the club remains a place to play, meet, celebrate and belong.

Discover more

Explore the history and life of Handsworth Golf Club.

Learn more about the club’s heritage, course, clubhouse and community.