Sene Valley Golf Club
Folkestone & Hythe Golf Club Ltd.
Sene Valley Golf ClubIn 1965 The Radnor Estate purchased the site of the former Hythe Golf Course and engaged Henry Cotton to design a new course using the bones of the old course as a starter. They also constructed a new clubhouse. The new course was then leased back to the members in 1966. Some of the original course in the area of what was the 1st and 18th holes, was sold of for residential development to help pay for the construction of the new course and that area is now occupied by Sene Park. To compensate for the loss of those 10 acres, a further 18 acres were acquired at Whitenbrook on the eastern boundary. Henry Cotton retained one or two of the old holes and turned a number through 180 degrees but it was also necessary to create new holes.
So the present Sene Valley Course occupies most of the original area of the old Hythe Course but the configuration of the holes are different. Dress Code in 1890s - Men to appear on the course attired in gaiters. heavy woolen socks, knee breeches, red coat with brass buttons and deer stalker hat. The ladies attire is a red hip length coat with white lapels, long black dress and straw boater with a band in club colours. |
Designer of the CourseHenry Cotton (1907-87) was much more than the winner of a three British Opens. He also championed the cause of British golf professionals seeking a higher ground in their country's society, and became a patriarch of the European Golf Tour. Described as witty, handsome, intelligent, urbane and a non-conformist, Cotton authored 10 books, designed golf courses and was the most respected and prolific British instructor of his era. His philosophy was simple: "To be a champion, you must act like one."
Cotton's devotion to practice was almost maniacal, for he believed the only secrets to becoming a champion golfer were hard work and strong hands. For hours upon hours, Cotton was known to hit balls from thick rough until his hands blistered and bled. It was an obsession that paid off, as he won the British Open in 1934, 1937, and 1948. In addition to those popular victories, Cotton also won 30 tournaments in Europe. He played for his country in three Ryder Cup matches and twice captained the British team, but most of his time after his last British Open victory was dedicated to instruction, designing golf courses and giving back to the game that had given so much to him. He was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1980. |