Founded 1895 · Birmingham golf heritage
The History of Handsworth Golf Club
A proud golf club story shaped by early vision, a historic clubhouse, a distinctive fishing lake, distinguished members and generations of golfers in Handsworth Wood.
A proud golfing heritage since 1895
Heritage, character and a warm welcome in Handsworth Wood.
Handsworth Golf Club has a rich and proud history dating back to 1895. From its early beginnings as a nine-hole course to its development into a respected 18-hole parkland golf club in Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, the club has always been shaped by its members, its course and its sense of community.
Today, Handsworth remains proud of its heritage while continuing to look forward. The club combines tradition, character and a warm welcome, offering an active golf and social environment for members, visitors, families and guests.
The original vision
From a founding idea to a long-standing Birmingham golf club.
The early story of Handsworth Golf Club reflects ambition, commitment and a clear desire to create a proper golfing home for the local community.
Handsworth Golf Club began with the vision of the Reverend J. R. Wallington and Mr E. J. Abbot.
The club originally started life as a nine-hole course approximately one mile from its current location.
The club moved to its present site towards the end of 1896, establishing the setting members know today.
An 18-hole layout was completed in April 1899, helping establish Handsworth in the local golfing landscape.
The fishing lake
A peaceful feature with roots reaching back to the 16th century.
One of Handsworth’s distinctive features is the lake overlooked by the clubhouse.
The lake was originally man-made in the 16th century to provide fish for the local priory. It remains part of the character and setting of the club today and is still available to members as a fishing lake, holding a healthy head of carp.
Together with the course, clubhouse and mature parkland setting, the lake helps give Handsworth its peaceful and established feel, close to Birmingham but with a strong sense of space and character.
Distinguished members
Celebrating members who made a lasting contribution to the game.
Over the years, Handsworth Golf Club has been proud to have many distinguished members. Two of the most celebrated are Carl Bretherton and Bridget Jackson MBE.
Carl Bretherton
A lifelong member and respected golfing figure.
Carl Bretherton was introduced to the club at the age of eight in 1902 by founder E. J. Abbot and remained an active member until his death in 1976.
He served as Captain in 1924 and 1954, and as President from 1937 to 1948, 1951 to 1954 and 1956 to 1976.
Among his many achievements, he won the Irish Open Amateur Championship in 1919, beating the legendary Tommy Armour 4 and 3 in a 36-hole final.
Bridget Jackson MBE
Handsworth’s most decorated member.
Bridget Jackson MBE has been associated with Handsworth Golf Club since 1941 and is recognised as the club’s most decorated member.
Her playing record includes representing Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup in 1958, 1964 and 1968, alongside major achievements in English, German and Canadian ladies’ golf.
After her outstanding playing career, Bridget went on to make an equally important contribution to golf administration, including becoming President of the English Ladies Golf Association in 1992.
Proud of our history, focused on the future
History is part of what gives Handsworth its character.
Handsworth Golf Club is proud of its long history, its distinguished members and the generations of golfers who have helped shape the club since 1895.
That heritage remains important today, but it is not simply something to look back on. It helps guide the club’s future as a welcoming, active and forward-thinking Birmingham golf club with a standout parkland course, strong facilities and a friendly club atmosphere.
Discover more about Handsworth
Continue exploring the club.
If you would like to learn more about the club, you can explore our course, discover club life at Handsworth or read more about Bridget Jackson MBE and her remarkable contribution to golf.
Handsworth Golf Club
Ready to become part of the next chapter?
Explore membership, visit the course or contact the club to find out more.