Cockermouth

Cockermouth Golf Club was formed in 1896, moving to its present location eight years later. The original 9-hole course was set out by the Silloth professional Thomas Renouf and this layout was doubled in size in 1908.

James Braid was brought in to advise on course improvements in September 1924, charging the club twelve guineas and £3-13-0 expenses, though it’s not known what changes were made following this visit.

The West Cumberland Times reported on 1st October 1924: “the future holds great possibilities for the Embleton course. The visit of Mr. James Braid of Walton Heath points to the likelihood of great improvements in the near future.

On Friday he spent all day in going round with representatives of the club and advising how the course could be lengthened, rebunkered, and made more difficult and freed from blind holes.

Mr Braid has almost as much of the artist as the golfer in his composition and one principal he impresses is that the course should be as natural as possible, in keeping with its surroundings, not having a tendency to look artificial,”

Today, this moorland course measures a modest 5,415 yards from the back tees, playing to a par of 69. Notable holes include the long par fur 8th (rated stroke index 2) and the 468-yard 12th, the only par five hole on the scorecard.