New Mills Golf Club

Welcome to the New Mills Golf Club 

The New Mills Golf Club is a members club located high in the foothills of the Pennines, near the borders of Derbyshire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester. Its position on the edge of the Peak District National Park makes it ideal for golfers visiting the area. The location is renowned for its natural beauty and affords panoramic views of the Cheshire Plain and beyond to the Welsh Mountains in the west. Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District, provides a dramatic backdrop to the course in the east. The club was established in 1907 and comprises 18 holes, providing a challenging course for all levels of golfer.

Message from the Club Captain, Mike Brennand

I first joined New Mills Golf Club in 1968 as a keen junior member having been the proud recipient of a full matched set of clubs from a former Captain and long standing member, the late Harold Froggatt (read about him in the Club History).

Unfortunately, that keenness did have its disadvantages and I recall one particular occasion whilst practising in the back garden of the family home on High Lea Road when a golf ball took a ricochet and not only broke the window into the dining room but also managed to smash my Mother’s prized glass vase which had pride of place on the window cill. Needless to say after that episode I was limited to air balls only!!  I continued to play and enjoy golf at NMGC for several years but then other interests, such as squash, took over.  It was always my intention to re- join when the body could no longer stand the ravages of high impact sports. This I finally did in 1986, and have continued my membership from that day.

As all who play at NMGC are aware we are often bedevilled by strong winds.  I recall one occasion when I had gone to play a few holes after work one evening, in the days before we became an 18 hole course, and as I was walking onto the first tee a member at the time whose name escapes me but was fondly known as ‘the carpet bagger‘ (who I can recall  only ever played on his own ) was coming off the course .  I said hello and commented on the strength of the wind “Wind laddie ,“ said the carpet bagger somewhat indignantly ,” you don’t know what wind is!  When I was a younger man and well able to strike a golf ball I smashed a driver off the tee on the 7^th . (now the 16^th .) The wind got hold of it and it finished behind me!!”  A likely story, but still entertaining.

We have had some great characters as members of our club and I am pleased to say that we still have many, as well as some upcoming promising contenders.

Golf, especially at New Mills, is a game to be enjoyed in the company of friends, both on and off the course, and it is a tribute to the members that we have so many long standing and loyal people as well as the ability to attract and maintain new members in all sections of the club.  We pride ourselves on the friendly and convivial atmosphere here.  I cannot think of any where I would rather play and have many happy memories from my time at this great club and am truly honoured to represent NMGC as Captain for 2010.

“Golf, “ as someone once said, “is not a sport but an obsession” and all of us that play this often infuriating game can testify to this fact.

Message from the Club Lady Captain, Avis Proctor

My first thoughts about playing golf were prompted by an advert in the ‘High Peak Courier’ which said ‘Ever thought of playing golf? Then ‘phone Carl at New Mills Golf Club and have a free lesson’.

So I ‘phoned and booked!

When the day came it transpired that Carl had been unexpectedly called away however, Lady Captain at the time, Patricia Johnson, and Barbara Done stepped in to give me my first golf lesson. Very embarrassing!!! I must have had at least 50 fresh air shots! So I booked some lessons with Carl. His most frequently used word was ‘nearly’!! However, I have to say he was incredibly patient and encouraging and still is!

Golf is a very frustrating game. I am not a natural player nor I am I particularly competent but I really enjoy it.

My son Mark used to be a member here and being friends with last year’s Captain and Lady Captains Graham and Joyce Hadfield asked them both to ‘look after my mother’ which they did.

I’m confident that if like me you’re one of those ladies not quite sure about whether the game of golf is for you if you give Carl or myself a ring we’ll be happy to meet you and set you on course to begin playing this incredible game at one of the most welcoming and friendly clubs in the North West.