Heritage
Introduction
Established in 1893, we have proudly provided a superb golfing experience in the midlands. Set within beautifully mature parkland, our club is defined by a welcoming atmosphere that sets us apart. We blend a rich golfing heritage with a modern, inclusive ethos, ensuring that every member, guest, and visitor feels immediately at home the moment they arrive.
The course itself offers a magnificent and engaging test for players of all abilities. Rather than relying on punishing length, Olton rewards accuracy, thoughtful course management, and a strategic approach. Our gently undulating, tree-lined fairways demand precision from the tee, while the exceptional quality of our greens provides a consistently smooth and true putting surface that is celebrated throughout the region.
However, the true character of Olton extends well beyond the eighteenth green. Our clubhouse serves as the social heart of the club. We provide superb facilities where golfers can relax and socialise in comfort. Whether you are enjoying a casual drink in our bar or sitting down to a fantastic meal in the dining room, our team is always on hand to deliver exceptional service.
Club History
Founded on 9 November 1893 by Mr James Power Heaton, Olton Golf Club began as a modest nine-hole layout on rented land in Olton. As the club flourished, the course expanded to eighteen holes before relocating to its present, picturesque site in Solihull in 1903. Despite the move, the membership proudly retained the original name. The club’s facilities evolved in tandem, transitioning from a converted farmhouse to our current Mirfield Road clubhouse in 1935.
From its earliest days, Olton has been a celebrated stage for competitive golf. Following the Midland Counties Championship in 1908, we hosted a landmark professional tournament in 1910. The extraordinary field featured legends such as James Braid, Harry Vardon, and Ted Ray, who between them held twenty Open Championship titles. James Sherlock claimed the £50 top prize, a handsome sum equal to the purse of The Open at the time.
This tradition of welcoming the game’s finest has continued through the decades. We hosted the great Bobby Locke for a memorable exhibition match in 1954, and the prestigious Boys Open Championship in 1960. More recently, our 2002 Pro-Am attracted modern stars like Paul Casey and Paul Broadhurst, boasting a remarkable £44,500 prize fund that made it one of the most lucrative single-day events in the UK.
Architectural Heritage
Our course has been shaped by some of the most respected names in British golf architecture, giving the club a heritage that reaches far beyond its Solihull setting. Over the years, the layout has benefitted from the influence of J.H. Taylor, Harry Colt and F.W. Hawtree.
J.H. Taylor, a five-time Open Champion, brought with him a player’s eye for strategy, balance and challenge. His influence helped ensure that Olton was not simply a pleasant parkland course, but one that asked proper questions of the golfer.
Harry Colt’s contribution added a further layer of architectural significance. Widely regarded as one of the founding figures of golf course design, Colt was renowned for creating courses that sat naturally within their landscape.
F.W. Hawtree continued the tradition of careful, considered golf course architecture, helping to refine and preserve layouts for the modern game while respecting their original character. His involvement here reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to maintaining the quality, integrity and strategic interest of the course.
