Mitcham Golf Course was once one of the most exclusive in the country. It is now open to the public, but in days gone by many famous members of Parliament regarded it as their special playground. The Lords and Commons had many matches here, the Earl of Chesterfield and AJ Balfour were among those who spent their leisure hours at Prince's as the club that was formed over 100 years ago was then called.
Prince's was owned by Sir Henry Mallaby-Deeley, who established a Prince's course at Sandwich and the influential members of his committee had Mitcham Junction Railway Station built a stones throw from the clubhouse. The original clubhouse was burnt down in 1932 and perhaps the greatest of all historical losses was the big Vellum Book with signatures of the Parliamentary and other distinguished visitors, including that of Mr Disraeli.
Prince's ended its private career in 1925 and was opened as a public course with membership by the reigning Prime Minister, Mr Ramsay Macdonald. This came about through the Foundation of Mitcham Village Club in 1907. This club was composed of local Artisans who were allowed to play on Prince's at certain times. Mitcham Villagers later bought a successful lawsuit and established the right of the public to play golf on Mitcham Common. So Mitcham is now a very successful combination of two clubs, Mitcham Golf Club and Mitcham Village Golf Club.
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