Stanmore GC, originally a collaboration between local people and Victorian hotel magnate Frederick Gordon of Gordon Hotels Ltd. was originally laid out by prolific golf course designer Tom Dunn of Musselburgh, Wimbledon and Tooting, Stanmore, a hybrid resort and members golf course/club complimenting a new country house hotel at Bentley Priory (latterly Fighter Command during WWII). But after decades of alterations brought about by ball and equipment improvements, and following WWI, the club commissioned Dr. Alister MacKenzie to design a ‘modern’ course in the new strategic style.

In a letter dated 18-09-1921 Dr. Mackenzie writes to the club his ‘thrifty’ Yorkshire ways apparent.

“As your committee are well aware large sums are often expended in Golf Course Construction work, and it would be possible to spend much more than £1,000 at Stanmore with satisfaction to your members.

On the other hand, my considered opinion is that if £1,000 is expended on the lines I suggest excellent results can be obtained which will be most satisfactory to all concerned”

The completed works came in at only slightly over budget with Mackenzie’s deign fee invoiced at £100.

Modern day Stanmore, as do all Middlesex clubs, represents a modern approach to the game of golf, the club membership reflects the diverse community of golfers who live, work and play their golf in and around London. Members include golfers who grew up under Chairman Mao of the PRC, Africans, Indians, Pakistanis, a goodly number of Irish members, and even a few Scots! all of which makes the clubs annual international hard fought and great fun!

Over its long history the club has sported many notable personalities including Thomas Blackwell of the Crosse & Blackwell soup empire, Admiral of the Fleet (First Sea lord) Earl Jellicoe, Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding (Battle of Britain), and former club sec. Colonel Godfrey Rampling, winner of the (Jessie Owens) 1936 4x400m Olympic gold medal.