Our History
Over 130 years of golf at Ryton
Ryton Golf Club's history dates back to 16 March 1891, when 17 men gathered at Ryton railway station to establish a golf club for local working men.
The club became Ryton Working Men's Club in 1894 before adopting the name Ryton Golf Club in 1909.
These working-class roots remain an important part of the club's heritage and its long-standing reputation as a friendly, welcoming golf club.
- Golf comes to Ryton
The story begins at Ryton Willows in 1879, when nine holes were laid out on land between the River Tyne and the Newcastle–Hexham–Carlisle railway.
The course was created by Mungo Park, Open Champion of 1874 and the first professional at Tyneside Golf Club. The original nine holes measured 2,480 yards and were named Marsh, Stile, North, Mid, Tree, Table, Tyne, Boat House and Station.
1879
Mungo Park
Ryton Golf Club is Born
On 16 March 1891, 17 men gathered at Ryton railway station with a shared ambition: to establish a golf club for local working men. This marked the beginning of what would become Ryton Working Men's Golf Club, laying the foundations for the club we know today.
At a time when golf was largely associated with wealth and privilege, Ryton's working-class roots were an important part of its identity. The club offered local working men the opportunity to enjoy the game, compete and become part of a growing golfing community.
The first membership subscription was just one shilling per quarter, and the club wasted little time getting started, holding its first competition on Good Friday of that same year.
- 1891 -
- A new name
In 1909, the club officially became Ryton Golf Club.
1909
- The move west
Ryton moved from the Willows approximately one kilometre west to the Dr Stanners site on the south bank of the River Tyne. A new nine-hole course was created, with a wooden hut serving as the clubhouse.
Ladies were also admitted to the club at this time, with a Ladies Committee later formed in 1928.
1911
Ryton Willows 1st Tee - 1901
- A new clubhouse
A new clubhouse opened for Ryton's members in 1929, receiving its licence to serve alcohol two years later. The building was eventually rebuilt in 1975 around the frame of the original wooden clubhouse.
1929
- The Jubilee Vase
The first trophy for competitive ladies' golf, the Jubilee Vase, was presented in 1931 — and remarkably, it is still played for by Ryton's ladies today.
1931
Ryton Clubhouse
- Nine becomes eighteen
When adjacent land became available from the local council, Ryton Golf Club was able to expand.
On 17 July 1982, the new nine holes came into play for the first time, creating the 18-hole course enjoyed by members and visitors today.
1982
P.R.Brougham & D Johnson, 1984
- A century of Ryton
Ryton Golf Club celebrated 100 years since its formation in 1891, marking a century of golf and community at the club.
1991
- A new clubhouse
The club continued to develop, with the current clubhouse officially opened on 24 September 1994.
1994
New Clubhouse
- 125 Years
Ryton celebrated its 125th anniversary with a year of activities and competitions, marking another major milestone in the club's history.
2016
Ryton Golf Course
A Family Club, Then and Now.
Family and community have been part of Ryton Golf Club from the beginning. Several of the club's earliest members were related, starting a tradition that has continued through generations.
More than 130 years later, Ryton remains proud of its history, its friendly character and its place within the local community.