About Us
Discover the Extraordinary History and Vibrant Community of Newcastle Under Lyme Golf Club
Newcastle Golf Club's story is as unique as it is fascinating, starting with a fairytale wedding in Italy and a founding president exiled from Russia. Established in 1908, the club has always defied conventions, welcoming women from its inception and fostering strong community ties. With a course that's evolved into one of North Staffordshire's finest and a modern clubhouse that serves as a hub for local events, our club continues to blend rich history with contemporary charm. Discover more about our remarkable journey and vibrant community—find out more below.
Discover the Extraordinary History and Vibrant Community of Newcastle Under Lyme Golf club
Newcastle Golf Club's story is as unique as it is fascinating, starting with a fairytale wedding in Italy and a founding president exiled from Russia. Established in 1908, the club has always defied conventions, welcoming women from its inception and fostering strong community ties. With a course that's evolved into one of North Staffordshire's finest and a modern clubhouse that serves as a hub for local events, our club continues to blend rich history with contemporary charm. Discover more about our remarkable journey and vibrant community—find out more below.
A Fairytale Beginning
It all began with a fairytale wedding in Italy…
Astonishing. Eye-popping. Romantic. The history of Newcastle Golf Club is unlike any other golf club in Britain – and today that history is being added to by its members, young and old, as they create stronger links with the town, its schools, its organisations and businesses and, above all, its people.
Defying Conventions from the Start
From its very first day, the club has defied the stuffy conventions that are associated with more staid establishments by welcoming women as equal members. On October 10th, 1908, when the club began, women couldn’t even stand for Parliament in this country – but the club’s 90 gentlemen members proudly welcomed 40 lady members on that first day. Today, by extending a warm welcome to younger people in the area and introducing them to the game we love, our club is still pushing the boundaries.
The Remarkable Story of Grand Duke Michael
But let us begin at the beginning……
When it comes to defying convention, our founding president wrote the book. As Grand Duke Michael of Russia, he fell in love with Sophie de Torby, a beauty at the court of Emperor Alexander lll. One of her grandparents was the celebrated Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. Against the will of the imperial court, he married his lover in the spectacular Russian church in San Remo, Italy. For marrying Sophie without permission, the emperor banned Michael from Russia.
Early Days at Keele Hall
He and his bride lived for a time at the Geisha Cottage on Cannes Golf Club in France before settling in 1901 at Keele Hall in Staffordshire, leasing the property from Ralph Sneyd. Michael became the first president of Newcastle Golf Club in 1908, a position he held until 1924. He and his family moved to London where he became firm friends with King Edward the Vll. He died on April 26th, 1929, two years after losing his beloved Sophie. They are buried in Hampstead church.
Humble Beginnings
After a life in the Russian imperial court, Grand Duke Michael had been President of a club that had humble beginnings. In early 1908, a group of local businessmen, keen to help the town develop its own golf course, got together and leased two fields on Westlands Farm from Mr. Ralph Sneyd of nearby Keele Hall. Michael happened to be living at Keele Hall at that time. On the 10th of October of that year, a 9-hole course was opened, Newcastle-under-Lyme Golf Club was born – and Michael agreed to be our first president.
Growth and Development
Recovering after the turmoil of the 1914-18 war, the club extended the course to 14 holes in 1924 and added four more holes in 1926. Since then, extensive tree planting and new holes cut through an Oakland plantation (Hand’s Wood) has made Newcastle Golf Club one of the finest clubs in North Staffordshire. Mature, tree-lined fairways, and testing par 3’s make the course demanding and challenging for both high and single-figure golfers.
Modern Facilities
Off the course, the simple wooden hut that sat in what is today our visitors’ car park has evolved into a modern, light-filled facility for club members and the community alike. A big step forward came on April 17th, 1958, when the new clubhouse was opened by the Mayor of Newcastle, Alderman W. Welsby.
Continuing Improvements
Today, the improvements keep on coming. The hugely popular terrace was opened in 2021, providing the perfect spot to enjoy food and drink with glorious views of the course. In recent years, the club has developed an enviable reputation for excellent catering and has become a ‘go-to’ location for many local organisations looking to enjoy modern facilities, good service, and high-quality food in a relaxed atmosphere.
What our guests say
