Woburn Golf Club History

1974

The Marquess of Tavistock (later to become 14th Duke of Bedford) at a meeting with Milton Keynes Development Corporation announced his intention to build a golf course.

Pictured: The start of Woburn Golf and Country Club

1975

Construction of the Duke's Course commenced. Founder membership was introduced, the cost of which was £1,500 (over 30 years of age) or £2,000 (under 30 years of age) to include an entrance fee and lifetime subscription.

Pictured: The first club brochure

1976

The Duke’s Course was officially opened for play by the Marquess of Tavistock in July.

Pictured: The First Shot

1977

Alex Hay appointed as Club Professional having previously been Professional at Ashridge Golf Club. The club operated out of a log cabin as a temporary clubhouse.

Pictured: The Log Cabin behind the 16th

1978

Manuel Pinero was one of the first Tour Professionals to play the Duke's Course when he competed in the ATS Pro-Am. The first Professional event to be staged at Woburn.

Pictured: The Marquess and Marchioness of Tavistock with Manuel Pinero

1979

The new Clubhouse opened. The Dunlop British Masters was staged on the Duke’s Course and was won by Graham Marsh. Manuel Pinero and Bernard Langer both had holes in one.

Pictured: The Clubhouse opens

1982

The Brabazon Trophy was staged on the Duke's course. Bernard Langer, Greg Norman, Jan Stephenson and Beth Daniel played in the BBC/Cathay Pacific Men v Ladies Series at Woburn.

Pictured: Bernard Langer competing in the Men v Ladies

1985

Alex Hay appointed as Managing Director. The Dunhill British Masters was staged – won by Lee Trevino who hit a 3 wood to within 18 inches for an eagle three on the 18th.

Pictured: Alex Hay

1986

Seve Ballesteros wins his first Dunhill British Masters title.

Pictured: Seve Ballesteros receiving his trophy from the Marquess of Tavistock

1989

Nick Faldo follows Sandy Lyle by winning 'The Masters' and then went on to win 'The Dunhill British Masters' in the same year.

Pictured: Nick Faldo with the Dunhill British Masters Trophy

1994

A strong field for 'The Dunhill British Masters', including six past winners who were entertained by Lord and Lady Tavistock at Woburn Abbey. The tournament was won by Ian Woosnam.

Pictured: The Marquess and Marchioness of Tavistock with Past Winners

1998

Eddie Bullock took over from Alex Hay on his retirement as Managing Director. Work on the construction of the Marquess' Course commenced.

Pictured: Eddie Bullock who later went on to become Captain of the Professional Golfers Association

1999

Bombs found adjacent to the 18th tee on the Marquess’ Course as construction of the course nears completion.

Pictured: A few of the bombs excavated from the Marquess Course towards the end of construction

2000

Alex Hay appointed Club Captain for the millennium year. Photographed with the Marquess of Tavistock on the 4th June at the official opening of the Marquess' Course.

Pictured: Alex Hay and the Marquess of Tavistock

2001

Woburn Golf Club celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a Summer Ball. The Victor Chandler British Masters was the first tournament to be staged on the Marquess’ Course.

Pictured: The Marquess and Marchioness enjoying the Summer Ball

2002

Justin Rose won the Victor Chandler British Masters on the Marquess’ Course by one shot, following an epic battle with his great friend Ian Poulter.

Pictured: Justin Rose enjoying his first victory as a Professional

2003

Ian Poulter became attached to Woburn as Touring Professional.

Pictured: Ian wearing the Woburn logo

2004

Ian Poulter became the first Woburn Member to compete in The Ryder Cup.

Pictured: Ian with the Ryder Cup

2006

The inaugural IJP Junior Invitational was hosted on the Marquess' Course.

2007

In May, Jason O'Malley was appointed as General Manager of Woburn Golf Club. Carl Mason wins Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters for second year.

Pictured: Jason O'Malley

2011

Lauren Taylor became the first Woburn member to win the 'Women's British Amateur Championship' and 'BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year'. The English Amateur Championship was staged at Woburn.

Pictured: Lauren Taylor

2012

The Duke's, Duchess and Marquess courses are all ranked in Golf Monthly Magazines' Top 100 Courses in the UK and Ireland. the first 54 hole venue to have all three courses featured

Pictured: 3rd Hole Duke's Course

2013

17 year old Charley Hull becomes the first Woburn Member to represent Europe in the Solheim Cup. Charley finished her first season as a Lady Professional by winning the LET Rookie of the Year.

Pictured: LET Rookie of the Year - Charley Hull

2014

Final Qualifying for The Open was staged on the Marquess course.

2015

The Tavistock Short Game Area opened and The British Masters supported by Sky Sports was staged on the Marquess course, hosted by the Club's Tournament Professional, Ian Poulter.

2016

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary the Club staged its first Major Championship, The Ricoh Women's British Open which was played on the Marquess course