Artisans

Artisan golf was created in the 19th century to give working men the chance to play on good courses affordably. The first Artisan club was founded at the North Devon GC in 1888, under the auspices of the legendary J.H.Taylor, the 5-times Open Champion. He had once been a greenkeeper, and he promoted Artisan golf because he believed that:

“Everyone, regardless of financial standing, should have access to the game of golf”

Gradually, Artisan golf spread throughout the country - usually as a form of associate membership in existing golf clubs.

Typically, Artisans paid a low fee in return for helping to maintain the parent club’s course. This was the case at Old Fold, and it still is. Our Artisan Club was formed in 1946. The club gives us reserved weekday and weekend playing times, and we provide monthly work parties to assist the greens staff.