Many thanks for the photos, Paul. I now wish I had played the Valley when I was there, but I only managed a round on the Dunluce. Hopefully I can get back there and the Valley will be my first priority! Tony Muldoon’s comments regarding the 14th on the Dunluce reminded me of my 5 wood to 20 ft and 2 putt par in quite a cross wind, but I digress…
Reading this thread I remembered that recently I got a copy of the club’s history written by Ian Bamford in 1988 that I haven’t got round to reading, so I’ve had a quick look through.
It states that Colt originally designed the 2 courses in 1923 but there were land ownership issues to be resolved. In 1931 when these had been resolved Colt suggested that the “comprehensive new layout for two courses” would cost £7,000 but that he would prefer £10,000 to be spent, Sir Anthony Babington advised him that the club could not afford such expenditure and the project was nearly abandoned. In 1932 a compromise to shape out the greens and fairways to a playable extent was agreed upon at a cost to not exceed £3,200. The work was carried out by Franks, Harris and Company who had worked successfully with Colt before and the supervising architect was William A. Murray who worked for Colt. Work was carried out so fast that the course was in play at Easter of 1933 and formally opened that July. The implication is that this was the Dunluce only.
The book then goes on to state that the Ladies course (The Valley) was centred around a new ladies clubhouse built in 1928 and the old ladies course, including several holes in the triangle (?) were abandoned. The present valley course was developed piecemeal as time and finances allowed “and was the first love of Sir Anthony Babington after the completion of the Dunluce course”. The present 5th and 6th were the last significant additions and improvements. Previously the present 4th was 2 holes, a short par 4 from the present 4th tee to a green tucked into the hills on the right of the fairway about 200 yards from the 4th green, then a par 3 of some 220 yards from a tee on the left of the present fairway. The presnt 9th was the 8th and the 9th was a short hole over a large rough covered hollow to a green lying between the present 18th green and 1st tee, the contours of which are stated to be still visible? The present second nine was continually being improved upon by the efforts of Sir Anthony and Hughie McNeill.
Having not played the Valley, and the fact that its late here, I hope that all makes sense? If not, let me know and I can have another look in the book…
Cheers,
James