Early in the 20th century there was a major expansion in sporting activities throughout the British Isles. In many towns and cities, councils saw the need to provide sporting facilities for the General Public and this provision included the building of public or municipal golf courses. As golf flourished and courses open to the public increased, far-sighted people realised that public course golf could only develop by establishing a national body to provide guidance and unity of purpose for golfers at public courses and their respective clubs. In 1927, the year of the first Ryder Cup, five times Open Champion John Henry Taylor and the renowned course architect FG Hawtree formed the NAPGC.

Both founders were men of vision who believed the new association would bring about cohesion between “public” and “private” golf. Around 100 years on the philosophy remains unchanged and the Association has adapted to the many changes that have evolved in the organisation and management of “public course golf”.

One very important decision was to change the full Association name to the ‘National Association of Public and Proprietary Golf Clubs and Courses’ to recognise the large number of golf courses owned by individuals or companies but nevertheless open to the General Public. The NAPGC welcomes these clubs in the hope that the Association will continue to grow as a truly national organisation representing public course golf and its golfers.

The NAPGC benefits from recognition by England Golf and the R&A. The Association currently numbers more around 50 affiliated golf clubs and is proud of its ability to provide competitive golf for Men, Women and Juniors of all ages and handicaps. 

There are over twenty national competitions each year, providing both competitive golf and social benefits of membership. The competitions include club and regional qualifying events, knock out inter-club competitions and national finals including events at prestigious venues such as The Belfry, Celtic Manor, St Andrews and Woodhall Spa.