TYRRELLS W
ith its unusual mix of parkland and downland, plus a Grade II listed clubhouse, Tyrrells Wood
has long been recognised as one of the finest golfing venues in Surrey. The original course was designed by five times Open Champion James Braid, one of the most respected and prolific course designers of his day. Later improvements were made by Harry Colt. The course, near the town of Leatherhead, is set among a myriad of specimen trees framing magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. At between 300 and 600 feet above sea level it provides a wonderful setting for golf. The Club opened for regular play in 1923. By 1924 Major Henry Keswick, the proprietor, had persuaded the very high profiled Sir Rowland Blades to become the first captain, a position he held for three years. During that time he was also
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Lord Mayor of London. By late 1928 the club was a flourishing concern with some 400 Members. Today the club boasts a healthy membership of 900. The typical downland nature of the
area was transformed by a substantial tree planting programme implemented in the late 19th century which continues to this day to maintain the character of the course.
The chalk down slopes provide an ideal free draining soil that supports the natural habitat. There are over ten species of wild orchids along with many other interesting flowers and fauna. Although the course has undergone continuous improvement over the years, care has been taken to preserve Braid’s unique approach to green and bunker design. The course has seventy six bunkers which provide their own individual challenges to both the players
and groundstaff alike. The greens are soil pushed up and are managed under a traditional maintenance regime of cutting, feeding, verticutting, topdressing and aeration. The course is maintained by a team of seven including the Course Manager who works tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the members, management and, indeed, the Greenkeepers themselves.
The Course Manager is none other than Billy McMillan, the current BIGGA Chairman who, like many previous encumbants of the position, has a strong affinity with Greenkeeping having spent over thirty years working in golf course management.
Billy has been a Greenkeeper all his working life coming into the industry at the age of sixteen. In his time he has been a Course Manager at nine different
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