Eltham Warren Golf Club

The Eltham Warren Golf Club was established in 1890 in what was then a large village of Eltham, which held historical significance due to the presence of Eltham Palace and royal association. The club originated as Eltham Golf Club, created by eight friends who had been informally playing golf on the land, with its first meeting occurring on 7th May 1890, at the house of one Mr. Walter Richardson.

The initial golf course was a 6-hole layout occupying 17 acres of land leased from a Mr. Edwards for an annual rental of £10. While the exact boundaries of the original course are uncertain, it included land up to the edge of Bexley Road and was expanded over time to form the current playing area. The course faced several transitions in ownership and leasing agreements before securing a direct lease from the Crown in 1905, thus expanding the course and altering its name to Eltham Warren Golf Club.

During its early development, the club's management and maintenance were handled by members, who even invested in equipment such as a greens cutter and a fairways mower. By 1912, the club had opened its first proper clubhouse, which was built for approximately £1400, funded by member loans and a bank overdraft.

Through both World Wars, Eltham Warren Golf Club faced challenges, with formal activities being suspended and key individuals like Mr. E.J. Brown and Mr. A.G. Tomkins serving extended periods as Captain to maintain the club's operation. Post-World War I and II, the club experienced growth in membership and had to restore the course and clubhouse, which had suffered from war-related damages.

By 1951, efforts began to ensure the club's future by negotiating a new long-term lease with Cluttons. This resulted in a required expenditure of £2,000 on improvements to the existing clubhouse, which was damaged by fire in 1956 and subsequently rebuilt with modern enhancements at a cost of £14,000, partially covered by insurance.

The latter part of the 20th century saw Eltham Warren Golf Club tackle inflation and rising maintenance costs, leading to an increase in membership fees and levies for capital improvements. Additionally, the construction of The Rochester Way Relief Road necessitated changes to the course layout, creating new challenges such as drainage issues and fairway damage that were not fully resolved until 1989.

Visitors are welcome on weekdays only, Monday to Friday, until 4:30 pm in the summer and 2:30 pm in the winter. Booking in advance is essential; please call the Pro Shop at 020 8850 4477 to check availability and book.