History

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Treasure the past while embracing the future.

Both Exeter Golf and Country Club and the Wear Park estate have a long history in Exeter.

Exeter Golf and Country Club started life, back in 1895, in the Pennsylvania area on the outskirts of the city. The golf course opened with just 96 members at Stoke Wood Farm. 

In 1927, the growing membership needed more room, and the Wear Park estate was purchased to accommodate an 18 hole golf course, club house and, later down the line, tennis courts. The rest, as they say, is history. Until this point, Wear Park itself has it’s own story to tell with generations of wealthy families owning, and living, in the manor house. 

The heritage of both the club and the Wear Park estate underpins the ethos of Exeter Golf and Country Club today; moving forward to the future while respecting the legacy of the founder members and all those who have shaped the club in the decades since.

A glimpse into the past

Luckily an archive of memorabilia, photographs, newsletters and handbooks has been preserved by both members and employees over the years, so the history of Exeter Golf and Country Club is well documented. One of these prized artifacts is a 1940s Official Handbook recently donated to the club by the family of one of Jose Bruce – one of the club’s longest-standing members – having been a golfer into her 90s. Jose passed away in 2022.

The handbook is primarily a longer version of what we might now call a Course Planner. The handbook has been typed into a PDF by the 2023 Ladies Golf Captain, Vicki Rogers. 

Read the full version
1200s
The Manor of Weare Park belongs to the Buckenton family in the reign of Henry III.
1300s
The land was passed via female heirs through the families of Bathe, Medstead.
1400s
The Duke of Exeter, John Holland was the first person to settle building the original property on the site of Wear Park house.
1700s
Wear Park was passed through the families of the Foulkes, Rodds and then the Spicers.
1804
Sir John Duckworth purchased the house and estate, making significant improvements to the property, as it currently stands today. He died in 1817, with his body brought back to Wear Park house until his funeral in Topsham Church.
1895
Exeter Golf Club opens with 96 founder members at Stoke Wood Farm in the Pennsylvania area of the city, with panoramic views to Exmouth, Woodbury, Sidmouth, Dartmoor and Crediton.
1919
Captain George Henry James Duckworth-King sold the estate.
1923
Ernest Charles Eveleigh and his wife resided in the house until his death. He is buried in Topsham Church.
1929
Exeter Golf and Country Club open the city’s first 18 hole golf course at Wear Park designed by acclaimed golf architect, James Braid, famous for designing the Gleneagles course. The club also offers tennis courts and accommodation in the house with 420 members.
1943
US Navy Supply Depot occupies part of the golf course, with the largest such facility of its kind in the south of England. Wear Park house accommodated American Army personnel who were wounded and recuperating.
1945
The house and part of the land were returned to the golf club while a large area was retained by the MOD as a Naval Store – now a housing development.
1955
The golf course was re-designed by James Braid according to the new land boundaries.
1970s
Dutch Elm Disease changes the tree line of the course.
1976
The first Pro Am takes place.
1990
Storms kill another 20 trees changing the landscape again.
1993
Golf course architect Donald Steel redesigns parts of the course taking into account developments in technology and the changes to the course from the loss of trees.
2016
The ‘Twenty Sixteen’ Golf Course opens after a significant redesign of the 9th, 10th, 17th and 18th holes by international golf architects Mackenzie and Ebert, following issues with the course boundary and neighbouring housing developments.

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Sep 22

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NOT. LONG. NOW. Sauna. Cold-water shower. Outdoor swim. Repeat. Move between heat, cold and water for a simple contrast routine designed to help you switch off, reset and leave feeling refreshed. Your new favourite way to slow down might be just days away. Our new outdoor sauna is almost ready - and we’re looking forward to seeing it become part of your new wellness ritual.

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Sep 22

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What if your training wasn’t just preparing you for your next PB - but your next 20 years? Hybrid training brings together strength, endurance, power, mobility and conditioning to build a broader base of fitness - the kind that helps you stay strong, capable and active as you age. It also happens to be a pretty effective way to train for HYROX, where you need to combine running with strength, power and conditioning, and keep performing as fatigue builds. The long-term goal? Training for the long game. The more immediate side effects are pretty good too. A stronger HYROX. A faster Parkrun. A marathon you’re ready for. More power on the golf course. More speed and agility on court. More endurance in the pool. Or legs ready for this winter’s sking or snowboarding. Want to build your own hybrid programme? Ask the gym team, book Personal Training with one of the team, or join Functional Fitness sessions: Monday 6pm | Tuesday 6pm | Wednesday 7.15am - for 30 minutes of focused hybrid training to build fitness, strength and agility - for whatever you want to take on next.

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Sep 20

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Cat Yoga this morning at our Sunday morning session of @lesmillsbodybalance with a surprise guest appearance by Ginger the cat.

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Sep 18

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We don’t want to rush you or anything… but these are the last batch of our summer Eton Mess Blondies. Of course, they’re making way for something a little more autumnal. Think Autumn Berry Bakewell, new cinnamon buns, cosy muffins and plenty more seasonal cakes and bakes to come. So, if you’re still firmly in your summer era, this might be your last chance for a summery Eton Mess Blondie while they last.

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Sep 17

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Forget the bumps. Rich is celebrating with burpees. Rich turns 42 next Tuesday, and rather than keeping the pain to himself, he’s decided to share it with everyone at 6pm Functional Fitness. A special birthday session, hybrid training with upper body, lower body, strength, cardio, conditioning - and whatever else Rich thinks will make his 42nd memorable. Tuesday | 6pm | Book on the app Come celebrate with him. He’s promised it’ll be fun. Probably.

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Sep 16

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RE-FUEL, HYDRATE, RECHARGE at Exeter Golf and Country Club. However your day looks, good food and drink should always be part of the plan. Our team of chefs prepare fresh, real food from scratch, using local ingredients when possible. So whether you’re after something light, protein-packed, hearty or a favourite from the kids’ menu, you can expect food made with care. Start with breakfast or brunch. Grab a coffee and pastry between plans, a smoothie after a workout or settle in for lunch with friends. Then there’s afternoon tea when you have time to linger, a catch-up over coffee, drinks with colleagues or a table filled with family. From the Members’ Bar and Garden Pavilion to Wear Park Restaurant, or even the Pool Hut during summer months, there are plenty of places across the club to eat, drink and stay awhile. Good food. Good company. One more reason to stay.

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Sep 16

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TRAIN, PLAY, REPEAT at Exeter Golf and Country Club. However you like to stay active, there’s always another way to move. Strength and fitness in the gym. Fast rallies on the tennis and squash courts. Fairways, fresh air and 18 holes on the golf course. Lengths in the pool. Or a little of everything. Because being active should be something you enjoy - and at Exeter Golf and Country Club, you can make it as varied as you like. One club. So many ways to train and play.

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