and fauna, and the rhododendrons in spring? Marvellous. Founded in 1903 it was


built on


farming ground and the first Captain was the farmer Major Green; and revealing the Club’s foresight the Major’s daughter became its first Lady Captain the following year. It was around this time that William


Lever became involved with the Club. He was soon to become Viscount Leverhulme and thus began a relationship between his family and Bromborough GC lasting generations. This coincided with Gladys Ravenscroft becoming a member too, and although she is associated with other Clubs in Wirral, including in 1958 as the first Captain of the Hilbre Club at Hoylake, it was at Bromborough that she learnt the game under the eye of the professional, Fred Robson. He was a legendary man who guided


her to great things, including winning the title of British Ladies champion in 1911. To crown it all, in 1913 she also won the United States Women’s National Trophy. What a woman. But


Fred ‘Ginger’ Robson was


presented with an mystery by Gladys who was a lady of ample proportions. At times he became a little confused as to why she tended to hit numerous shots over the top. At last he identified the problem. “It’s no good, Miss Ravenscroft,” he announced. “You’ve just got to get your bussies out of the way of your wrissies.” There is a fine portrait of Gladys in


the Club hall commissioned by Lord Leverhulme and painted by Frank Copnall.


ROYAL LIVERPOOL GOLF CLUB 2018–2019 MAGAZINE 55


Many say that Heswall has one of the finest balconies in golf


HESWALL GOLF CLUB Just five miles from Bromborough and has also staged its centenary. The original course was designed by


Jack Morris. the professional at Hoylake. The Club’s founders were an enlightened lot and declared that, “One of the objects of the Club is the abolition of golfing widows in the district.” Many holes have changed over the


years but you will experience a fine course played in two halves: eleven holes by the clubhouse, and the other seven down by the banks of the Dee estuary, which ensure some excellent views throughout your round.


Left: Bromborough


Above and below: Heswall Golf Club


There are some really good par threes,


one very long par five along the shoreline, and, in my view, two wonderful par fours on the 13th and 15th holes. I played recently with their Centenary Captain, Judge John Roberts, a fine player with his own style, a sort of thumping motion as the club approaches the ball, then a sort of whang! after the assault. Idiosyncratic but highly effective. Heswall is a fine, testing course, and


with the number of trees it boasts it is hard to believe one is so close to the sea. After the round a few beers on the


terrace are recommended. The elevation gives you a great view of the course, the


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