Clive Smith, a prominent figure in the golf course development industry in the 1980s and 90s, passed away at the age of 82 after a brief illness. Smith, a skilled golfer and member of prestigious clubs such as Camberley Heath and Wentworth, transitioned from working as an accountant for car manufacturers to designing and building golf courses. One of his notable creations is the Bird Hills Golf Centre in Maidenhead, which opened as a 9-hole course in 1982 and is still operational today. In addition, Smith designed and constructed the 18-hole Pine Ridge Golf Club in Surrey, which opened for play in 1992. Unfortunately, another of his projects, the 9-hole course at Windlemere Golf Club in Woking, closed in 2017.
Smith’s approach to golf course development involved a pay-and-play policy, targeting the daily fee golf market while providing high-quality golf at an affordable price. This strategy proved successful, attracting newcomers to the game and cultivating a lifelong interest in golf for many. After several years of private ownership, Smith sold Pine Ridge to Crown Golf in 2007 and Bird Hills to Japanese owners in 1992. Additionally, Smith founded the Lagonda Trophy, an elite boys’ amateur tournament for players with a handicap of 1.4 or better. The tournament, first played in 1975 at Camberley Heath Golf Club, featured past winners including renowned names like Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, and Gary Wolstenholme.
Smith’s passion for horseracing was also evident in his ownership of racehorses, with connections to top trainers and several successes at Cheltenham, including the Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Master Minded and the legendary Kauto Star. The latter achieved remarkable success, winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice and five King George VI Chases at Kempton. In addition to his accomplishments in golf course development and horseracing, Smith’s legacy includes his role in promoting amateur golf and fostering the development of young talents through the Lagonda Trophy.
This year’s Lagonda Trophy, the 49th edition of the tournament, was held at Gog Magog Golf Club and won by Brandon Skidmore from Cotswold Hills. Skidmore became the last player to be personally presented with the trophy by Clive Smith, marking an emotional moment in the tournament’s history. As a visionary in the golf industry and a beloved figure in the horseracing community, Smith’s contributions to both sports will undoubtedly be remembered and cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
