Whilst I was searching for some information on another course I came this article in The Scotsman Thursday, 12th November 1896. It referrers to an ‘Interesting Match Near London’ between Taylor (of Wimbledon) & Jack White (of Prince’s G C), played over Prince’s course at Mitcham Common. I attach the first page but those wishing the full 3 page, just e-mail me and I will forward a full copy.
The point of this post and I believe a very important point is it questions the history of the course. If true, and I seen no reason why it would not be as it would seem to reflect some very interesting phases of the Common as well as the Golf Club history i.e. the involvement of some considerable amount of money (£10,000) – perhaps by Sir Harry Mallaby-Deeley .
The article clearly states that the initial effort to clear the site for a course some 6 years earlier was abandon. That this work was undertaken by Tom Dunn & a Committee of Tooting Bec Club who ‘Gave it up’.
Due to demand for golf courses in the mid 1890’s another group of golfers (perhaps lead by Sir Harry Mallaby-Deeley) visited the area and called in Tom Morris. They describe this course ‘is one of the very best inland greens in the country’, not my opinion, not nondescript and ordinary as mentioned by others.
I can understand the choice of Old Tom, being well known as a course designer and for his work of clearing and widening the Old Course.
Whatever my opinion, this article clearly has implications as to who designed the course and states that Tom Dunn and his (financial) supports gave up.
I have passed on the full article to the club but as usual very little response so far.
The article is as follows:-
