The town of Aberystwyth has a history dating back to the 1700's but at the turn of the 20th century it was without facilities for golf. As Aberystwyth was one of the largest tourist resorts in Wales, many visitors were leaving the town complaining of the lack of golf facilities. Many locals at the time were also keen on the game and played on the rough slope of Pen Dinas, their leader being the local sub-postmaster, Tom Morris, a Scotsman and scratch golfer.

Official opening of the course. George Ducan (left) and the 1912-14 club professional Ernest Lewis

The movement to establish golf in the town came to a head on September 24, 1910 when a meeting of rate payers gathered in the town hall to discuss the council's action in negotiating for a lease of the Brynymor Estate in order to provide a golf course for the town. The site had been carefully inspected by Professor Edward Edwards and Tom Morris with the assistance of the architect of the course at Harlech who reported that the ground lent itself to the making of an 18 hole course of good length, which was varied and interesting. It was decided that the council should proceed with the scheme to provide a first class 18-hole course at Brynymor, a motion, which was carried, only one man voting against it. In October the lease was signed. The town council was not in a position to establish and run a golf club and so it was resolved at a meeting of the newly formed golf committee on January 12, 1911 that a Limited Liability Company should be formed to develop the golf course provided that satisfactory terms could be arranged with the council. The attitude of the town council was sympathetic and helpful towards the golfing venture. It was felt that over a long period, provided the company succeeded, a good return could be expected from visitors.

Professor Edwards explained to the assembled ratepayers that Harry Vardon, the famous professional, who had recently inspected the site, was impressed with the land, views and turf. Shares were allocated to 129 shareholders, amongst whom were people from the University College. With the capital safely in the bank, the company was in a position to proceed. The task of transforming an area of rough agricultural land and gorse into a golf course was considerable, calling for plans, labour, machinery and fertilisers. The work was started in February 1911 under the direction of L. Biles to the plan devised by legendary Harry Vardon.

Progress on the course was such that the company decided to allow members to play on it on Coronation Day, June 22, 1911, by which date ten holes had been laid. By May 1912 the clubhouse was completed. To help with the cost of furnishing, members performed Wild's 'The Importance of being Ernest' at the Coliseum on May 10. The first match played by members took place in May 1912 when the Captain's team defeated the Vice-Captain's. Competitions were run that winter, the winner of the first event was E. Tudor-Jones 72:63, with Tom Morris, scratch, returning 72.

The full course was opened for play in the spring of 1913 after the completion of the 5th and 6th holes. The formal opening was delayed until 1914 by which time the course was considered worthy of such an occasion. It took place on May 20, a brilliant day with pleasant sea breezes. Some 500 spectators turned up to see the exhibition matches. Unfortunately Harry Vardon, the designer of the course, learnt of the death of his father after arriving in Aberystwyth and had to withdraw from his engagement to play against George Duncan, then the French Champion, and other professionals. It was decided that Duncan should play the better ball of Walker, the Harlech professional, and Lewis the local professional. The crack professional was beaten 3 and 2. Lewis played exceedingly well going round in 74 (which was then the bogey i.e. par) to Duncan's 75. The greens puzzled Duncan and several times he took three putts, but he got a brilliant 2 on the 14th (Spion Kop), which was matched by Lewis' fine 3 at the 15th.

To encourage the game the town council presented the Corporation Cup and the club itself bought the Captain's Cup. Another trophy which, was regularly played for between 1922 and 1930 was that presented by Captain Ernest Evans. In 1924 Captain L. J. Mathias, then President, donated the trophy that goes by his name. The Cambrian Cup (Visitors' Cup), given by the directors of the Queen's Hotel, was first played for in 1926. To encourage youngsters D. J. M. Evans, the jeweller, gave the club a Junior Cup in 1931. More trophies were later acquired. Four of the cups were put up for competition at the inaugural Open Meeting (the first of a long series) held between September 16-19 1924. It was not until 1930 that the club became affiliated to the Welsh Golf Union and from then on a team has nearly always entered in the team championships, reaching the semi-final at Southerndown in 1935.

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