BLACKMOOR Golf Club will celebrate its centenary in 2013.

Although not as old as three other long-established local clubs – Farnham, Hankley Common and Hindhead have already passed 100 years (Liphook reach the milestone in 2020) – Blackmoor is rich in tradition and blessed with a course that, while presenting a stern test for the golfer, also enjoys a spectacular heathland setting.

Blackmoor gained in prestige five years ago when the course was judged good enough to stage an Open Qualifier.

And every April, Blackmoor hosts the Selborne Salver – the first half of the Hampshire Hog – and one of the top amateur tournaments in the country.

The Salver has been running for more than 25 years and past winners include Peter McEvoy. Justin Rose has also competed and narrowly failed to win the year before he turned professional.

Blackmoor has also featured in Golf Monthly's top 200 courses in the UK.

Since its original design and formation by Harry Colt in 1913, Blackmoor has matured into a beautiful heathland course which adheres to the modern tradition of the game.

Located at the western end of the belt of glorious golfing country which covers the Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey borders, Blackmoor lies in a stretch of the dark purple heather from which the club takes its name.

Groves of birch and fir abound, while the fine sandy soil, firm natural turf and the heather 'rough' virtually guarantee the quality of the golf played throughout the year.

Originally opened as a 12-hole course, the planned extension to 18 holes was delayed until 1924 by the First World War, and, indeed, it was not until 1984 that Blackmoor, as it is today, was finally completed.

The opening match in 1924, which was played by the famous quartet of Tolley, Wethered, Harris and Hezlet, was reduced to 16 holes due to atrocious weather.

Despite this, the players were recorded as giving enthusiastic approval for the course, now regarded as one of Harry Colt's greatest lay-outs.

Much later, the immortal Henry Longhurst wrote: "Blackmoor is what you may call a 16-hole course. Anyone can do a good score not counting the 8th or the 14th or whatever it may be. But when you have got round the full 18 holes, trying hard with a card and pencil and no putts given, whatever you may have done, at least let no man scoff until he has done better."

The original clubhouse, built in colonial style with a pleasant lounge and bar looking out over several holes, has been improved over the years to its present stylish comfort, while trying to retain an unpretentious and genial atmosphere.

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In order to maintain its position as one of Hampshire's finest courses, the club has been involved in a heavy investment programme. In the late '90s, a comprehensive irrigation system was introduced. Since the deluge of 2000, the drainage system has been completely overhauled with the result that this autumn, despite further heavy downpours, the course has remained open at virtually all times.

Blackmoor has also been involved in a major tree- clearance programme, both to ensure the greens and tees have adequate light and air circulation and to maintain the heathland character of the course.

A new practice ground opens next year and the club is to invest a further £300,000 in new greensheds to house the increasing amount of equipment required.

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Keen to prevent too much of the financial burden falling on the current members, Blackmoor has decided to increase its membership and, for a limited period, is offering the opportunity for new members to join at a reduced entrance fee of a single year's subscription.

The club offers a wide variety of competitions and events. At the top end, there is the Club Championship and a 72-hole medal competition for qualifiers from the major medal competitions during the year. At the other end, there are more informal events, such as 'internationals' between the home countries, the professional's golf day and the opportunity to challenge the captain and pro in a four-ball better-ball.

Male and female members have equal status. There has been a growth in social golf events, usually on Sundays or Bank Holiday Mondays.

Like all clubs, Blackmoor have welcomed the extra revenue generated by golf societies.

But despite a number of societies in the summer months and busy times at weekend mornings, the course is relatively lightly loaded and tee times are reserved only for competitions.

For further information about Blackmoor Golf Club, contact the secretary on 01420 472775.