Rye Golf Club Old Course

The historic Rye Old Course was laid out in February 1894. By the end of the century there were over 250 members, mostly from London. The Club prospered in the early years and became well known as one of the leading golf clubs in the south of England. It has counted among its members a Prime Minister, a Cabinet Minister, eminent judges and leading advocates. The famous golf writer Bernard Darwin, who became Captain in 1906, sang the praises of Rye whenever possible.

In 1899 the newly created Oxford and Cambridge Golfing Society accepted an invitation to play their home matches at Rye and the varsity match was first played at Rye in 1911. The special relationship with Oxford and Cambridge exists to this day with both teams playing an annual competition in January for the President's Putter.