The Beginning

In the year 1905, the late Edward Cadbury let it be known that he was prepared to allow up to fifty people to play on his private golf course (a short 9 holes at Woodbrooke between Griffins Hill and Bournville) at a fee of £1-0-0 for twelve months, Mr. Cadbury reserving the right to cancel the concession at any time.

This proved so popular that after three months Mr. Cadbury felt it necessary to exercise his right to cancel this privilege and returned the fees paid by all those who had availed themselves of it.

An enthusiasm for Golf, however, having been aroused, Oliver J. Chambers, one of the leading spirits, approached the late Thomas Quinney as to the possibility of playing golf on Mason Leys Farm. Ultimately a lease was arranged at a rent of £35 [Current Day Value Approximation £2,050] per annum, of sufficient land for nine holes subject to the conditions that no hedges were to be cut, there should be no Sunday play and that no dogs should be allowed on account of the grazing of sheep over the land. 

A meeting was held, attended by fifty six people, at which it was agreed to form a Golf Club to be called “Northfield Golf Club”.

Franklin Davis was elected President with T. E. Davis Hon Treasurer and Oliver J. Chambers Hon. Secretary.

Development of the Links

The Kings Norton professional, W. E. Lewis, planned the links (the word links was used in early days for the course) for a nominal fee. A local gardener laid the greens and tees at a charge of £2 [Current Day Value Approximation ~ £117] per green and 10/- [Current Day Value Approximation ~ £14] per tee.

A really good nine holes were played on for a time. There were no made bunkers, the hedges being considered sufficient hazards.

The fairways were cut by a horse drawn machine and the rough had to be scythed, the members helping in this work.

18 hole development

The course was laid out as eighteen holes under the advice of the late James Braid, then reigning Open Champion. Although many improvements to the course have since been made, the general layout remains as planned by James Braid.