Charlie Elmes - Golf Professional 1903 to 1938, researched by his grandson, Jim Elmes

Charlie Elmes outside the club house in 1905

Charlie came to Southwold Golf Club during the first week of July 1901, as Caddy Master, employed through Mr W J Hanner, golf enthusiast of Market Place Southwold.

In July 1902 The Club charged members to play a round with Charlie for the sum of 1s 4d for 9 holes and 2s 6d for 18 holes, of which Charlie retained the 4d or the 6d to pay for his own balls. In September Charlie  was allowed to give golf lessons, the summer season being over.

He was made Golf Professional and was directly employed by the Southwold Golf Club in 1903 at 15 shillings a week.

Charlie in action

Activities continued with Charlie slowly being given more responsibility for the fairways and greens, as well as controlling the caddies giving golf lessons, making and selling clubs and running the Pro shop.

1914: War broke out and in August 1915 the Golf Course was reduced to 9 holes allowing the marshes to be let for grazing, and in 1916 the course was closed. 
Charlie joined The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry and fought on the Somme 1916-1918.

In February 1919 the Club reopened 9 holes and re-appointed Charlie as Club Professional at £1 a week from 5th May 1919 with his other emoluments as before, hiring out caddies, giving Golf lessons, making and repairing golf clubs and profit from the shop.

In 1936 the management of the Pro Shop was taken over by the Golf Club with Charlie as Professional at a wage of £2.00 per week plus 25% of profits, including lessons and repairs to clubs. (This was to enable a better stock of golfing equipment to be available.)

On 7th March 1938  Charlie Elmes was retired on ill health grounds with a pension of 15 shillings a week, paid until his death on the 19th September 1952.