The BTU Golfing Society (1926)
Origins in the "Golfing Circle" of the Institution of Heating and Ventilating Engineers
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History of the BTU National Golf Championship
Back in 1978, Ray Harrison of BTU Midlands, suggested a golf event should be organised involving all the known BTU regional societies, but it was not until 1984, that the idea came to fruition, with the first event being staged at The Belfry.
Ray Harrison and Peter Tomkins organised the day. At the time, there was very little sponsorship and during lunch they realising that they were running short of funds. It was agreed that all the players should contribute £10.00 on the first tee, which they all did and Southern went on to win the inaugural BTU National.
Over dinner, the Captain of BTU Midlands, suggested that the winning team, BTU Southern, may wish to host the next event in 2 years’ time. BTU Southern accepted the invitation to host the event in 1986, held once again at the Belfry with the help and support of the BTU Midlands.
In that same year, BTU Southern donated the BTU National Trophy, which is still played for today.
Between 1984 and 1990 the events were played over one day but in 1992, the first 2-day event was the announced at St. Pierre, hosted by BTU South West.
The success of this 2-day format established the format for all future National’s.
The BTU had the honour of hosting the 2000 Millennium National. The event was organised by Bill Matthews, Honorary Secretary of the BTU, and a National Committee. The event was held at Foxhills Golf Club, Surrey.
The BTU National is now contested by 14 regional BTU societies with the next event to be hosted in June 2018.