History - Newport (IW) Golf Club

History

Newport Golf Club Est.1896

The beginnings of Newport Golf Club don't start with their registration with the R&A in 1896. There's evidence that the Patrons who frequented the “Barley Mow” Ale House at Shide were playing on the farmland opposite the level crossing situated there well before 1896.

One of these Patrons was a famous founding Member called Professor John “Earthquake” Milne. This prominent Member was one of the Isle of Wight’s personality’s attracting many celebrities of the time to visit his home and play golf on the course just opposite his front door. At the turn of the century John Milne was much loved and respected, his personality, character and attitude is still running through the Club today. His range of friendships covered the whole spectrum of society from Lords and Ladies to his drinking pals at the Barley Mow. Professor John Milne was at home with his fellow patrons of the Barley Mow just as much as he was with personalities that came to visit him. This is pictured to the right in which Milne (front right) is sitting outside the Clubhouse with the 5 times OPEN Champion Harry (the grip) Vardon (front middle), this is the modern equivalent of Rory McIlroy visiting our Club today.

Original Clubhouse

The picture left captures members including John Milne outside the original clubhouse at Shide. You can make out John in his feathered Trilby and bushy moustache with a wonderful smile. John became President of the Club and a Memorial Trophy (Milne Cup) is played for in his honor. To this day this is one of the most prestigious competitions at the club.

New Course Est.1983

The Club continued in the same location all the way through to middle of the 1980’s when gravel extraction threatened to close the Club, however the Club was saved and the Course was moved to the top of St. George’s Down where it is situated today. Back in the early 80’s, Vectis Stone / ‘Bardon Vectis’ (now Wight Building Materials) acquired the land on the old course for quarrying. Newport Golf Club set about to build a new course which opened in 1983. The area was reclaimed a Quarry which had been filled in was not suitable for growing grass!
With the determination of the members we set about preparing the land for a golf course and with hard graft and dedication the new course was created. Over the years the Course has continually improved as Members would give their time before and after work to produce a hidden gem in a wonderful location. Boasting terrific views the Course is a testament to everyone over the years (and still today) who have made this into an estabilshed Golf Course in the heart of the Isle of Wight.
During the last few years a Driving Range/Academy has been added with views to die for! This has benefited both club Members and vistors but also the Local Community, with more than 5 local schools having tuition allowing more than 50 children a week taking part in golf.
The future is looking good for the Club with a strong loyal Membership and the prospect of the old course being returned to us, in the near future.

Swipe left or right to view images.

John Milne (1850-1913)

Geologist, engineer and seismologist John Milne is known as one of the most significant contributors to the understanding and evaluation of earthquakes, developed the first international network for seismological data and created what may be considered the world’s first modern seismograph.
Professor Milne’s reputation and legacy was founded in Japan in the late 1800’s and his seismographic work gave him the title of Professor John ‘EARTHQUAKE’ Milne F.R.S. His invention of the Beam Seismograph saved many lives in Japan which lead to being awarded with Third Grade of the Order of the Rising Sun from His Imperial Majesty of Japan. When he returned to England he based his seismographic equipment at St.George’s Down at Newport, Isle of Wight. This then became the World Centre for all earthquake reading’s. John went on to become a Fellow of the prestigious Royal Society and his apparatus is now at the Science Museum in London and the Smithsonian in the U.S.A.
Professor John Milne was a former Captain and founder of Newport (IW) Golf Club. On 27th July 2013 the members of the Club played the annual trophy 'Medal competition' in his memory and the event was well supported. William Twycross (living relative of Milne) was here to present the prizes and the Milne Cup to the winner. He also did a short presentation about the life of John Milne particularly talking about his love for golf and the Club where he and his dog (Billy) used to spend many an hour.

Above is the 2013 Milne Cup Winner Steve Newman and William Twycross (only known living relative of John Milne).
A commemorative plaque was also unveiled by William Twycross after the trophy presentation.
Kindly donated and paid for by a member of the Club, Dave Boon

Last updated: 07 Jan 2025 16:18