Stratford on Avon Golf Club was founded in 1894 in the Shakespeare village of Wilmcote by six men and three ladies.  Jack Burns, British Open Champion 1888 became our first Professional.  The Club soon moved to nine holes on the current site of the Welcombe Golf course where it remained until 1925. 

The present 18 hole site at Tiddington was designed by J H Taylor (six times winner of the Open Championship) and F G Hawtree in 1924. It was officially opened in 1928 by Sam Ryder with his famous professional Abe Mitchell (the figure on the top of the Ryder Cup) and three British Open champions (see Prominent players). Sam Ryder was Vice President at the time and became Captain throughout 1929/31. 

Sadly the Second World War intervened.  Allotments fringing the course were allocated to members for growing vegetables.  The 7th; 15th and 17th and later the 12th were used to grow potatoes.  Gravel was extracted from the 10th, 16th and 17th leaving deep depressions.

Imaginative tree planting from the outset (and ongoing) has matured into a veritable arboretum. Sprinklers were added to the greens in 1970 and to the fairways in 1992.  The 18th century barn, courtyard and stables were transformed into the clubhouse. The distinctive barrel roof bar and open fire, shared by Sam Ryder and prominent players over the years, remains for all to enjoy.  Attractive extensions have added modern comforts with style. The grandson of the original course designer, Martin Hawtree (consultant to the R & A for the Open Championship courses) ensures that course changes are in keeping with modern needs but safeguard the subtleties of the past.  See ‘ A Confident Century’ by John Gee for a full history of the Club’s first 100 years.