NOW we have it - the definitive history of the West Lancashire Golf Club - and it’s been well worth waiting for.
It’s a magnificent book and what an auspicious time to publish it – in 2008, the year in which Liverpool is the European Capital of Culture. What a nice gesture to dedicate the book as a contribution from Merseyside.
Its author is Barry Coyne, a member and former captain of the West Lancashire Golf Club. He has succeeded in producing a book which matches the excellence of his golf club and its links golf course. But it took him five years at the invitation of the club’s heritage committee.
It is easy to read - which is not easy to achieve – lavishly and beautifully illustrated. I can do no better than quote Donald Steel, the world-famous golf course designer and champion of links golf, who writes in the foreword “Without proper direction and judgment, histories can be a stodgy recital of facts that render them unreadable but Barry has avoided such pitfalls. His devotion to the task and attention to detail has resulted in an outstanding success particularly for someone who never before undertaken any literary assignments.�
Well, Donald, it’s not quite Barry’s first literary assignment.
Barry was a student of mine when he was a much younger man. This was at Liverpool Polytechnic (now Liverpool’s John Moores University), when he was studying for a Postgraduate/Post Experience National Diploma Course in Management Studies. He was awarded the diploma, though I have to admit he was not then given a literary task of the magnitude or importance as is this history of his golf club.
In fact, Barry has been much more than just the author of this history. He has also been its managing editor as well.
He has lead a team of researchers, graphic designers and photographers – with skills, of course, which he first learnt in his diploma days! The result is a not only an easy to read book, but one which can stand comparison with any other golf club’s history or centenary record. It matches the world-class standing of the golf club and championship links course he describes.
A fascinating feature of Barry’s history is his recognition of members – every one it seems - who have each made a significant contribution to The West Lancashire Golf Club – either by fulfilling a key role as an official, representing the club through their golfing prowess or by their very membership as people eminent outside golf in their business, professional or social life.
One of these is Mrs Penny Thompson, the current Lady Captain on the final day of her year in office. I single her out because she has become the best ever lady golfer member of the club winning cups and trophies galore and representing her county and country with distinction.
Barry’s history of his club was launched on the night of Tuesday the 18th March 2008 in the clubhouse lounge. It was a memorable champagne launch, courtesy of Willoughby’s Ltd, and attended by club members, each of whom had made a financial contribution, plus invited guests among whom I was privileged to be included. We were all presented with a signed copy of a limited edition of Barry’s book – a gesture very much appreciated.
The West Lancashire Golf Club is in its 135th year (1873 to 2008) and is the ninth oldest golf club in England. To quote Donald Steel again, it is “the oldest club in a county (Lancashire Palatine) which is richer in championship and major tournament venues than any other in Britain.� It deserves and has now got a first rate history published.
If it were to be reprinted, I recommend that a final touch be added – a picture hole-by-hole guide to its present championship links course – if not every hole, then those which have become famous (or infamous) for the quality of the test of golf they provide or for their arresting views.
Well done, Barry. I’m sure the club is very proud of you. I certainly am very proud of the way you’ve become a star as a former student of mine! You’ve produced a book which every golf aficionado should have in his/her collection!
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