Shanklin & Sandown Golf Club

The Shanklin & Sandown Golf Club course was established in 1900 as a nine-hole course after considerable effort to clear the land of high gorse. Dr. John Cowper was the original inspector of the project, whose expertise helped determine the suitability of the location for a golf course.

Originally designed by Tom Dunn, who passed away after completing nine holes, James Braid was brought in to further develop the course, eventually completing the 18 holes in 1903. The course's initial layout featured overlapping fairways and multiple greens on the course's highest point, which presented a significant danger for players due to crossing holes.

Financial challenges led to the issuing of multiple debentures, which were not paid off until 1925, and by the 1914-1918 War, the club's circumstances had changed dramatically, with a shift in membership demographics and a reduction in visitors. The course underwent another major alteration in 1923, when it expanded to include three new holes and changes to eliminate much of the fairway crossing.

The period leading up to World War II saw fluctuating fortunes for the Club, and the war itself brought a decline in activity with Shanklin & Sandown being in a prohibited area. A faithful few, including Captain S T Ricketts and the Secretary Fred Shilling, kept the Club active during the war years, and though it struggled post-war to balance its budget, the Club recovered through increased membership and visitors.

From 1950, the Club's Golden Jubilee, to the Diamond Jubilee in 1960, the Club saw membership more than double and visitor numbers increase. Eventually, all the course land was purchased by the Committee, and the Club could make significant investments in modern maintenance machinery and Clubhouse improvements, reflecting the growing popularity of golf influenced by televised golf programs.

Prestigious tournaments such as the Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and Channel Islands County Championship and the Ladies County Championship have been hosted at Shanklin & Sandown. Notable players, including English Amateur Champion Ian Patey, have graced the course, and the Club has been visited by celebrities within the golf world over the years.

Visitors can book tee times up to six days in advance by calling the Pro Shop at 01983 404424. Twilight rates (after 4:00 PM) are available April through August. County Cards and James Braid members can play for £45.00 excluding Saturdays.

Members of Isle of Wight Golf Clubs can play weekdays after 12:00 Noon for £30.00 and Sundays after 9:30 AM for £35.00 (not available Saturdays).