The origins of the Club date back to 1903, when a piece of railway line drawn by 4 oxen, cleared enough bush and mole-runs to allow for a 9 hole 'course' which eventually gloried in the name of Paarde Vlei Golf Club.

The ground for these beginnings was donated by the Cape Explosive Works, now A.E.C.I., who have been a tower of strength and help over the years. The originators were four executives of the C.E.W., led by K.B. Quinan, the manager - and a golfer. The situation was close to the present factory, and, as the couse was built on sand, salt cake was supplied by the factory, and "Kimberly Blue" by the mines to build playable greens.

During 1908, the club was officially founded. There was no entrance fee, and subs were £3 per year, with the Company adding £ for £. A wooden clubhouse was erected at a cost of £25, for which members were asked to contribute, but subsequently, the club house was donated by C.E.W.

The Bogey (Par today) was 39 and The Argus 29.8.1914 wrote:- "This figure is practically impossible of attainment as the fairways are as difficult as the rough. There are tufts of bush against which the ball generally comes to rest and a player cannot have a fair whack at it. Getting out of the rough is a task to be greatly feared."

In 1911, membership stood at: Men : 19, Ladies : 7. The First World War halted further activity until in 1920, when the old course was abandoned and ground was provided on the north side of the railway line - it's present position. Until about 1985 the course was divided into 11 and 7 holes but with a change of layout it became conventional. Because of a drainage problem on the bottom nine, a large section of the 12th fairway was lifted 1.5 metres, and a very attractive water feature was developed which crossed two fairways. At present a good deal of treeplanting is taking place.

Our greens are fairly large, and under bent grass they are always in very good condition (weather permitting). The course is currently 5166 metres long, and while it appears flat and easy, it is deceptive. Seven of the holes have water perils and most greens are guarded by bunkers or hillocks.

Up until 1994, A.E.C.I. were our "landlords", but during that year, they very generously gave us the opportunity of taking over the course, our only costs being the transfer fees.

NOTES:

In 1928 the ladies financial statement read:
Income: £3.4.0
Expanditure: £0.1.8
Surplus: £3.2.4
!!!

We have had many good golfers evolve from the Somerset West Golf club, two Springboks of note, were:-
Dorian Wharton-Hood 1964
Roy Joubert 1972
Trevor Immelman, who has recently turned professional, learnt his golf here.

Charles Perel claims the longest unbroken membership of the club, having become a Prentice member in 1928 and is still a member today.

Since 1950, our proffessionals have been:
Ivor Manning
Jock Goldsmith
Lionel Palmer
Robbie Chapman
Ian Martin
and at present: Chester Visser.

At present, we boast nearly a 1000 members who are handicapped at our Club.

A fair number live in Cape Town and commute to play at the club that they love.

Set of old golf clubs estimated to be 100+ old.

Early name board in recognition of Club Captains that served
at the time and the Club Champions since 1936.

Somerset West has always had a very strong lady section and
below you will find the names of the Club Captains who served
the club since 1936 as well as the club champions of the day.