The Beginnings

In the early 1950's, shortly after the end of the Second World War, Durbanville began to change from a rural 'dorp' to an urban suburb. Farming areas were subdivided and townships such as Kenridge and Valmary Park were developed. These were largely occupied by a young population, many being ex-servicemen. There were very active rugby, cricket and tennis clubs and it was members of these clubs that formed the nucleus of the future golf club.

The social life of the village circulated around the two hotels, The Grange and The Oxford. The Grange was favoured by the rugby community and The Oxford by the cricket community. The two proprietors, Solly Solomon of The Grange and Sonny Borok of The Oxford were themselves very active supporters of the Durbanville clubs. The Oxford became the birthplace of the early golf days and the unofficial clubhouse.

The organiser and unofficial Captain of the "Club" was one Bill Stewart (who lived opposite the second fairway on a smallholding) - a useful golfer, a popular figure and a very good organiser. He was assisted by two other locals, Monty Spiro of Spiro's Stores - a larger than life character, often seen with two caddies, one with clubs and the other with potent liquid refreshments to sustain himself; and Hugo Olivier, a keen golfer and owner of the farm Dagbreek, and father of the well-known restaurateur Michael Olivier.

The games were usually played on Sundays and held at a variety of neighbouring clubs, the favourite being the Strand. The competitions were usually held over 27 holes - 18 in the morning and 9 in the afternoon. A sweep was held at lunchtime. The favourites were teetotallers many "fresh airs" were evident on the first tee after lunch!
Handicaps were based on your previous competition's score and if you had not competed before, you played off scratch! (An idea now inherited by "The Dreggs".)

Inter-club competitions became popular none more so than the one organised by Allan Dainton against Wellington which was (and still is) very popular. It was played for the 'Wellington Boot" manufactured and decorated at the then Blackheath plant of the then British Motor Corporation where Allan was at the time employed. It was highly prized and even "kidnapped" on occasions. The Wellington Club and its lady members were extremely hospitable and the snacks memorable. Wellington also received a welcome increase in bar profits.

Our club grew in popularity and by the early 60's there was a membership of about 60 and turnout for the golf days now attracted about 40 players.

Establishing a Formal Club

Interest grew in the idea of establishing a formal club with its own golf course. Allan Dainton, Malcolm Hand and Noel Vann (all in due time to become successful Club Captains) were, after the death of Bill Stewart, nominated to organise future events and pursue the possibility of acquiring the use of an area to lay out an 18 hole course. Theo Spiro (of Spiro's Stores), Tom Simms and Geoff Hart-Davies were also co-opted to assist. Many years earlier a plan had been drawn for the laying out of a 9 hole course in the centre of the Race Course. This was however not pursued, mainly as it would have limited it to 9 holes.

After lengthy discussions the Municipality agreed in principle to lease the area on which the course now stands, once a formal club had been legally established and a plan of the layout submitted and approved. Ken Elkin, a local and well-known professional and golf course architect, was approached and he produced the layout we now enjoy - it met with Municipal approval.

At this stage the "Club" had the good fortune to gain the help and support  of Gideon Basson, the then mayor of Durbanville. Although Gideon was not himself a golfer, his popularity and his people skills were to be invaluable. He was to become the President and occupied this post for more than 10 years.

On 6 March 1967 a public meeting was held at the insistence of the Municipality to gauge local enthusiasm for the establishment of a golf club. There were about 100 local residents present at the meeting who were almost unanimously in favour of the establishment of a club. The Mayor, Mr Gideon Basson, advised those present that the Municipality had, in principle, approved the proposed situation of the course and a lease by the Municipality, at a nominal rent of "about R2-00 p.a." About 30 persons present indicated that they would be prepared to become Foundation Members in return for a contribution of R200.

was elected. Two further members, J Marais and Dr P Loubser were later co-opted. The first meeting was held at the Oxford Hotel on Thursday 16 March 1967. G Basson was elected Chairman, Messrs Algar and Vann were elected as Treasurer and Secretary. Geoff Hart-Davies presents a draft constitution which was discussed and approved subject to some amendments.

The finding of sufficient water absorbed much time and effort by the Committee over the ensuing months together with siting of a dam to hold approximately 5 million gallons of water; both of these issues were resolved by the end of 1967. The dam was completed at a cost of about R4000 and would have a capacity of 10 million gallons. Two bore-holes were estimated to provide 3000 gallons per hour. Both Mr Prinsloo of Aarwater (Pty) Ltd and Mr Starke had substantially reduced their fees.

The lease of 25 years renewable for a further 15 years at a rent of R2 p.a. was signed. This was in retrospect to play a large part in our final acquisition of the ground as it was a bargaining chip in negotiating the price finally agreed to be paid for the course.

The Birth of the Course

After this first year the official Club membership stood at 51. Recruitment of members, particularly Foundation members, was proving difficult as there was little visible progress towards a complete course. However, about R4000 had been collected and a loan of R10 000 had been obtained from the Municipality. The holding of regular outings at the Strand, Wellington and other neighbouring clubs fostered a club spirit. These neighbouring clubs, particularly the Strand, through Allan Dainton's connections as an old member, helped greatly and we were treated almost as honorary members. The golf days also became a source of funds and new members.

On 28 March 1968 the first Annual General Meeting was held. Gideon Basson was re-elected as Club President and Allan Dainton as Club Captain. The old Committee were all re-elected. 
1968 was to be a year that truly saw the birth of the course.

One of the important early decisions was the appointment of Mr Rabe as the first greenkeeper at a salary of R30 per week. 
At this stage Mr Starke's quotation for the complete cost of clearing, excluding the cost of the dam, was R10 000. A loan of R10 000 was approved by the Municipality repayable over 10 years and an overdraft facility of R10 000 was negotiated with the Standard Bank against suretyships by members of the Committee.

By the end of the year the course had been fully laid out, the grass planted and over 300 trees planted. The bulk of the trees were pines planted along the boundaries. These were largely planted by members and their families. The rate of survival was surprising as many were planted with no more than a splash of water and thereafter abandoned to their fate. Among the children who helped with the planting were Andrew Dainton, Paul Hart-Davies, Eve Starke, John Grieve and Timmy Hand. André Carlsen and his bakkie were also both constant helpers in those times. 

Clearing of the rough was a formidable task as a large part of the area was covered in Port Jackson and heavy scrub. Work parties, who provided their own equipment, spent many Sundays and their spare time clearing and taming the rough. The work was largely done with primitive equipment, e.g. spades, handsaws, home lawnmowers etc.

By June of 1969 and after many ups and downs and hard work, particularly by Allan Dainton, Noel Vann, Hanie Hanekom, André Carlsen, Peter Matchett, Malcolm Hand and the writer, the water reticulation system was in operation. This made it possible to commence with the planting of the greens at a cost of about R250 per green! Times have changed!

Another matter that occupied the minds of the Committee at this time was the club badge. Various methods to help choose a design were employed e.g. a school competition, professional and semi-professional designers. It came down to a decision between a design incorporating the Disa flower or the Municipal crest. The crest as we know won.

The Next Step - A Clubhouse

In December of 1969 the club's architect, Keith Doveton, presented a rough sketch of his proposed design. Basically it provided for a lounge, bar and reception on the upper storey and changing room, locker rooms and shop downstairs. In principle this was accepted; Mr Doveton having indicated that the estimated cost would be approximately R55,000. On 21 March 1970 a very well-attended braai was held at which the plans for the proposed clubhouse were presented and met with general approval.

One of the many problems faced at this time were constant defects appearing in the reticulation system which occupied many hours of Noel Vann's time. He must have walked the course a few hundred times.
At the end of March 1970 a new committee was elected at the AGM and Malcolm Hand became Captain and Noel Vann Vice-Captain. Gideon Basson remained President and Sonny Borok Vice-President. At this meeting the President was able to confirm that the basic construction of the course was complete. Over 300 trees had been planted and it was anticipated that the course would be open for play within 12 months.

Finance was however a large concern as the overdraft facility had been used up and R10,000 was required to carry the Club through until play could commence. The other financial headache was the financing of the clubhouse. The course did not belong to the Club and was held only on lease, thus mortgage finance was not possible. Happily both these problems were resolved, the Municipality granting a loan of R40,000 for the clubhouse and the bank increasing its facility to R16,000. In December of 1970 tenders were called for in respect of the building of the clubhouse. By the end of the year Noel had acquired a greens mower and a gang mower with trailer.

The subscriptions were also fixed for the new year: Ordinary Members: R60; Non-Playing Members: R12.50; Lady Members: R25. How times have changed!
At the AGM in March 1971 the President, Vice President, Captain and Vice-Captain were re-elected, as were the bulk of the committee. 
Money was becoming a serious problem and in May 1971 debentures were taken up by 9 Founder members, raising about R20,000. At this time a lot of concern was being expressed at the advisability of the cost plus the building contract awarded to Mr V Canone, but it was agreed that it was in the best interest of the Club and, with supervision, would work well. It was anticipated that the building would be completed by October when a formal opening day would be arranged.

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