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A golf course was built on Hungerford Common in the early 20th century, although the dates of the original course are unclear. Some references say it was
a 9-hole course, but Robert James advises (Feb 2013) that it was in fact only a 5-hole course.
The Inquiry by the Charity Commissioners in August 1905 into all the affairs of the Town and Manor noted that "For the use of Port Down yearly rents are paid
by various clubs, £5 by the golf club...".
There was a Golf Club hut near the gate-keeper's hut at the Down Gate.
The Newbury Weekly News of 19 Mar 1931 recorded that "Members of Hungerford Golf Club, restarted two years ago, decided on Monday to close down the course on
the Common again".
It appears that it operated from c1903-1925, and re-opened in 1929, although it is unclear just when it finally closed. The NWN report (above) stated it was to
close in Mar 1931, and Angela Evans (in 2002) spoke to her aunt Mary Peart (who was brought up in Dun Mill trout farm) who confirmed there was no golf course in 1932. Alan Jackson (of
"Through the Green") thought it "failed to survive WW2". He also thought "James Braid was involved in the design". Jack Williams recalled (interview 1993) that the golf club closed in the
1930s.
It would appear that the dates were c1903 - 1925, and 1929 - 1931.
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