The highly regarded Royal North Devon Golf Club was founded in 1864 by the Reverend Issac Gosset, and is the oldest golf course in the country. It has the longest established ladies section in the world.

In 1888, the Northam Working Mens Club (“The Artisans”) were formed – the first of its kind in the country. Most of the members were ex-caddies, and played to a very high standard.

The most famous of these was J H Taylor, who was born in Northam in 1871 and went on to win the Open Championship 5 times. He left school at 11 and spent the morning as a boot boy and the rest of the day at the course, being a caddy.

The most successful lady player to date has been Trish Johnson, who turned professional in 1987.

For more information, visit the Westward Ho! history website