The Mere Golf Resort & Spa

Timperley Golf Club, formed in 1893, ran into difficulties when the club owner died in the early 1930s. The club was bought by Altrincham Urban District Council and became Altrincham Municipal Golf Club, resulting in a number of the members moving to Whitecar Lane, Higher Baguley, where they opened a new 18-hole course.

The new arrangements didn’t last long though and the club was soon on the move again, joining forces with three directors from Marbury Hall Country Club to create the Mere Golf Club at Knutsford. James Braid and George Duncan, the club’s first professional, were called in and tasked with laying out the new course.

The book James Braid and his Four Hundred Golf Courses by John F. Moreton & Iain Cumming states: “In Braid’s opinion the course would stand the test of time because of the sandy soil and fine drainage. He took one day to complete his plan. Duncan supervised the construction and the first nine holes were ready for play by 1st January 1935.”

The authors continue: “The full eighteen were opened on 11th May 1935, by a match between Braid and Duncan against Cotton, then Open champion, and partner. Cotton played very well and his side won 3 and 1.”

The book indicates several holes have since been altered at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa. For instance, the 4th was changed on Braid’s advice in 1949 when an additional woodland area was acquired to fashion a new doglegged hole. The line of the par three 14th has also been changed slightly and a more recent modification was made by Nick Faldo, when he constructed a new green on the closing hole.

Harry Weetman won the 1952 British Masters here by four strokes from fellow Englishman Arthur Lees.