The Richmond Golf Club will extend its long-standing association with the Royal Family when the prestigious London club launches its 125th anniversary celebrations at the start of next month.
Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra will be the guest of honour when the historic club stages a Founders’ Day Reception on Friday, 5th February – the date the club was officially founded in 1891.
More than 200 members and guests will enjoy a glittering black-tie champagne reception in The Richmond Golf Club’s historic Grade One-listed Georgian clubhouse, with the highlight of the evening coming when the Princess unveils a specially-commissioned painting of the clubhouse by renowned artist Ken Howard RA OBE.
The picture – depicting the clubhouse in summer – will be one of two unveiled on the night, with another showing the clubhouse in its full winter glory being unveiled by Howard.
Princess Alexandra’s presence will continue the club’s historic links with the Royal Family. King George VI was club captain in 1924 prior to ascending the throne; his wife, later to become the Queen Mother, was Patron of the club for many years until her death in 2002, while the current Duke of York, Prince Andrew, has been Patron since 2006.
Jeremy Williams, captain of The Richmond Golf Club, said: “It is a great honour and privilege for everyone at The Richmond Golf Club that HRH Princess Alexandra will be joining us on such a special occasion. The club is very proud to be able to continue its close association with the Royal Family.
“The Founders’ Day Reception will be the first of many fantastic celebratory events that we have planned to mark our milestone anniversary over the coming months.”
The evening will signal the start of a busy summer for the club that will see it host a series of golf days and glamorous evening events to celebrate its 125th anniversary, including a special black-tie dinner at the House of Commons hosted by member and local MP Zac Goldsmith.
Situated just nine miles from central London in the village of Petersham, The Richmond Golf Club is a private members’ club that offers an outstanding golf experience and where new members and visitors are warmly welcomed.
Set in parkland adjoining Richmond Park and Ham Common, the par-70 course, which was originally laid out by prolific architect Tom Dunn in 1891, provides one of London’s most challenging and beautiful parkland layouts.
Narrow fairways and strategic bunkering put a premium on pinpoint accuracy, as do the six par-threes which average 182 yards in length, with the club’s historic Grade One listed, early-Georgian clubhouse offering a majestic venue in which to relax after playing 18 holes.
For further information on The Richmond Golf Club and its 125th anniversary celebrations, please visit www.therichmondgolfclub.com