The Deepdale (Scarborough) Golf Company Limited (1939-1963)
A new company, The Deepdale (Scarborough) Golf Company Limited, was formed and incorporated on 17th]une 1939. R. H. Stephenson, G. B. Parker, Mrs P. S. Tankard, Mrs E. Plaxton, F. W. Plaxton, Miss B. O. Anderson and F. C. Whittaker were listed as Directors. As had been in the past, a separate committee managed the affairs of "South Cliff Golf Club".
The Articles of Association said that the objects of the Company are to establish and maintain a golf and social club and any other club or clubs for the promotion of any games or pastimes or for other purposes and to manage and control such club or clubs, and to promote a golf course or courses, a cricket ground or grounds, lawn tennis courts, bowling greens, swimming baths, cycle tracks, aerodrome, aviation grounds and other pleasure grounds, and in particular to layout certain lands at Scarborough for the purposes of the aforesaid and as pleasure gardens, fruit gardens and ornamental gardens.
But with the advent of the Second World War in 1939 areas of the course were taken over by the Ministry of Agriculture and were ploughed up in support of the "Dig for Victory" campaign, which was intended to make the Country more self-sufficient in food. Part of the Clubhouse was requisitioned for use by the Armed Forces. The Royal Artillery and the Home Guard manned defensive positions along the cliff top and down the valley, and the Club was required to put machinery and any old junk on fairways to deter any potential attempted landings by enemy aircraft.
At the end of hostilities, the first Committee meeting was held on Sunday 9th December 1945. The Club was left with virtually no resources and the course needed a lot of work to restore it to playing condition. Maintenance equipment was either worn out or obsolete. However, there was plenty of enthusiasm. The loyalty and industry of members pulled the Club through and put it on the road to recovery. It was decided that pre-war handicaps would apply until 1st May 1946, and all members were to be asked to put in three cards by that date, when revised handicaps would be allocated. It was also decided that no entrance fee be charged until the membership had reached 400 Gentlemen and 300 Ladies. The Professional from pre-war aim Wade) was re-employed.
As the Club developed, a full time Steward and Stewardess were employed and also a Head Greenkeeper. Water was laid on to all greens (a water supply only, not sprinklers in those days).
Scarborough and District Golf Union was reformed. Norman Allatt became Chairman of the Club, John Sutcliff took over as Hon. Secretary and Rowland Claridge was appointed Club Professional after the previous Professionals, Jim Wade and Tim Wilson, left.
1949 saw an innovation when a charity match was arranged against the Bronte Archers. Play was under better ball rules. Archers had to forfeit one stroke if the arrow landed in a sand bunker. To hole out, the arrow had to hit a 4 inch disc. If the arrow fell within one yard of the disc, one stroke was added. This event proved to be a popular competition and continued successfully for a number of years.
In 1957 a golf ball dispensing machine was installed in the entrance hall. The proceeds were shared between the Club and the Professional. In the early 1960s when gaming machines were becoming popular the ball machine was moved out and a gaming machine moved in. A welcome income was generated, and when electronic big jackpot machines came along the financial fortunes of the Club changed dramatically, with many thousands of pounds per annum being taken from them. A special high stool was bought so that one Lady member could play in comfort. £14,800 was taken that year, which was equivalent at the time to 328 gentlemen's subscriptions of £45. In more recent times the machines' popularity has waned with not nearly so much coming from them, but during their heyday the influence they had on the Club's finances was tremendous.
During the 1950s discussions took place as to the benefits of changing the status of the Club into a single company limited by guarantee, and not having a share capital. It was not until 1963, however, that such a company was formed.
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Minutes - February 1951
C.B. Parker presented a cup to be played for by the Gentlemen's section, the committee to decide what form the competition should take. It was agreed that it would be of a knockout competition in two sections, scratch to 12 handicaps and 13 to 24, the winners of each section to play each other in a 36 hole final. The format was soon changed to the present system.
50 year celebrations at the Grand Hotel (February 1953). Left to right: Mrs Jeffery Dennis, the Mayor and Mayoress (Councillor and Mrs J. W Hardcastle), Mr Jeffery Dennis (Club Captain), Mrs Mary Toogood (Lady Captain), and Mr Tom Scott (editor of Golf illustrated).