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THE OIL COMPANY INFLUENCE
During this period the original clubhouse was still in position adjacent to the 1st tee (which is currently the 17th green) the professional during the late 40s was Joe Morris who retired in 1949. After he left no other professional was appointed. However, Howard Brace was taken on as green-keeper.
There was no steward to look after the members needs however each member had a key to the club house and facilities and payment for drinks and other purchases relied on the honesty of the members. This system appears to have worked quite well as it continued for some time.
It seems that about the only things available for purchase from the club were golf balls, with 'Blue Spot balls costing 1 shilling and nine pence and the more expensive Penfold balls costing 2 shillings and 6 pence (approx. 8p and 12.5p respectively in today’s currency)
During this period the groundsman was Howard Brace.
In the 1950s the major oil companies were taking interest in the harbour as a deep-water haven suitable for bringing in the large tankers used in the industry. Because of this changes were taking place in Milford Haven that would alter the town and eventually The Golf Club until it became the club, as we know it today.
The first company in the area was Esso who started construction of their refinery in the late 50s. Initially the only impact on The Club was to change the western view from the course with large oil tanks dominating the skyline. In later years the impact of this company would be much greater.
In 1965 it was learned that an Irishman by the name of Dick Shiel was working for a building firm at the refinery. He had been Caddie Master and winter Pro’ at Rosslare Golf Club. He was hired by The Club and became the Golf Professional, Groundsman, Bar Steward and Caterer. He remained with The Club until 1979.
The first major impact on The Club by the oil industry came in 1970 when Amoco Oil Company negotiated with the officers of The Club for the purchase of some of the club land to enable them to build a road to their jetty that was to be built at Gelliswick. They were also seeking permission to install the pipelines feeding their jetty across The Golf Course. Agreement was reached and contracts were exchanged. A lump sum of approximately £12,000 was paid to The Club and an annual rental of £1,750 was agreed.
The area of land which was sold to Amoco was the section of road which runs from the main road behind the 18th tee and running parallel to the 17th fairway as far as the service gate leading into the Pit and Badgers.
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