Our History

Hanging Heaton Golf Club was established in 1922 when a group of seven golf enthusiasts began working on a piece of land above Commonside, Hanging Heaton. They set about levelling greens and tees, which had to be fenced off to keep farm animals away.

Today, this same strip of land, located above Batley, has returned to its natural state and is now frequented by walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. Some of the old greens and tees are still visible. The area was once known locally as Pump Fields or Tewit Land, which is why the bird featured in our club logo is a Tewit.

The original clubhouse was located on Kirkgate, and golfers of the time had to cross the road to play. The annual membership fees were £1 for men and 10/- (50p) for ladies.

In 1928, the Club relocated to its current site off White Cross Road and began developing the course. Over the years, ongoing improvements were made to the layout as additional land was acquired.

However, the outbreak of war in 1939 temporarily halted progress. At that time, the Clubhouse was a wooden structure located next to some cattle sheds, and this hut remained in use until 1964, when the current building was constructed.

Since then, the Club has continued to evolve with frequent renovations. In 2019, an extensive improvement plan was launched in preparation for the Club’s centenary in 2022. In 2020, the Club focused on reworking the entrance hallway and adding new soft furnishings to ensure the Clubhouse remains suitable for hosting a wide range of events.

During World War II, parts of the course were requisitioned by the War Office for Anti-Aircraft Artillery purposes. Given its location on the plateau above Caulms Wood, the course was considered strategically important. Key industrial sites like Yorkshire Copper and the Hunslet Engine Company were prime targets for the German Luftwaffe.

The course came under fire on numerous occasions, and in return, the gunners stationed there managed to shoot down several enemy aircraft. However, on one unfortunate occasion, an RAF Spitfire was mistakenly shot down.

Today, remnants of this history remain. During dry summers, the outline of the concrete track used to service one of the installations on the 2nd Green can still be seen.

The course was returned to the Club in 1945, along with £2,000 in compensation, which was used to help restore the course to its former state. The turf, which had been carefully removed by members in 1939, was meticulously replaced.

In 1948, Open Champion Fred Daly visited the Club and presented the Captain’s Day prizes. During his visit, he entertained members with stories of various golfing exploits that had taken place that year.

The Club is entirely owned by its members and is managed by a committee elected annually in March at the AGM. All funds are reinvested into the Club, whether for course improvements or clubhouse development. In 1958, the Club purchased the freehold of the course, ensuring its independence for the future.

As a proud member of the English Golf Union, the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs, and the Halifax and Huddersfield Union of Golf Clubs, the Club plays an active role in the wider golfing community.

In 1966, HHGC became one of the founding members of the Heavy Woollen League. Our Club team is well-regarded and consistently competes near the top of the table each year.