Rowlands Castle Golf Club

Rowlands Castle Golf Course was first established in 1902 on approximately 50 acres of rented farmland from Sir Henry Clarke-Jervoise, with the original 9-hole design being a collaboration between G. C. Vernon-Inkpen and William Eames. The original shaping of the course prominently featured manual labor, with the presence of mounds and ditches reflecting the course's early construction methods.

Post-World War I, the golf course was expanded to 18 holes in 1922 through an additional 60-acre lease, incorporating a design by renowned golf architect H. S. Colt. By 1963, the club had purchased the freehold of the property, and in the winter of 1971/72, new changes were implemented resulting in a layout that endures to this day, featuring a par of 72 and stretching over 6600 yards.

Currently, the course occupies about 120 acres, characterized by comprehensive irrigation systems and significant investment in drainage infrastructure, enhancing the course's playability during the winter months. Structural developments of the course include the procurement of a freehold and addition of land which improved the original layout, offering 18 holes with modern amenities.

Terrain challenges for the course maintenance team stem from the local composition of clay, flint, and chalk, demanding continuous effort to uphold optimal playing conditions. One of the distinct features of the course is a series of swallow holes which participate in the local water drainage system, complemented by the presence of two public footpaths traversing the grounds, contributing to the transition of the course's landscape over the past 50 years into what is now classified as a parkland course.

Upkeep of Rowlands Castle Golf Course is managed by a dedicated greenkeeping team led by the Head Greenkeeper and supported by a Course Committee, with routine tasks adjusted for seasonal demands. The maintenance practices, which are crucial for the health of the grass, include a range of activities from top dressing to irrigation, aiming to maintain high-quality playing surfaces year-round.