Golf clubs

Wildernesse Club was one of the earliest golf courses in Kent, formed in 1890 by its first patron, Lord Hillingdon (formerly Sir Charles Mills Bt., M.P.) on land to the east of Wildernesse House (now Dorton House, home to the Royal London Society for the Blind). Prior to 1890 golf had been played on the Wildernesse estate over a small 9 hole course on land which was also used for cricket. In summer the estate hosted week-end house parties, a popular way for the landed class to entertain relatives and friends and on Saturdays Wildernesse House played cricket matches against many club sides. Golf was probably a diversion for the non-cricketers and perhaps for the ladies too. One regular visitor to Wildernesse at this time was Lord George Hamilton, brother-in-law to Lord Hillingdon, a politician and keen golfer. It was Lord George who suggested to Lord Hillingdon that the golf holes would be greatly improved if they were moved to the present site, east of the mansion. The suggestion was accepted and in 1890 the original nine holes was laid out, sadly by an unknown professional golfer. In 1891 the first official round was played between Lord Hillingdon̍s eldest son, Charles William Mills M.P. the Club̍s first President and John Stewart Norman, founder of New Beacon School and the first (Honorary) Secretary of Wildernesse. By 1892 a full 18 holes was in play and in 1895 Lord Hillingdon provided a clubhouse which stood between the present 7th tee and the 8th green.