R.I.G.S History
Heritage
The Radio Industries Golf Society, founded in the early thirties by the Trade Press through F H Robinson (Robbie) and the enthusiastic golfer and Managing Director of Marconiphone, Mr J H Williams, has become a key part of Destination Golf with RIGS. In 1931, the Marconiphone Cup competition was introduced, featuring preliminary rounds played at various golf courses across the country, culminating in a final held at a prestigious London course. This inaugural cup was claimed by Willie Campbell from Kilmarnock, marking the beginning of many lifelong friendships forged through the love of the game within the Radio Industry.
Formation
So successful was this competition that at the Marconiphone competition final in 1932 (won by James McKenzie of Birkenhead) Mr. Williams suggested to Mr. Robinson the formation of a golfing society for the Radio Industry, which would later become known as Destination Golf with RIGS. This initiative not only aimed to enhance the experience at various golf courses but also fostered lifelong friendships among industry professionals.
Origins
Acting on the suggestion of Mr. Robinson, a meeting was convened in December 1932 at the boardroom of Oldhams Press, bringing together golfers and prominent members of the Radio Industry to form the Radio Industry Golf Society. This society aimed to promote Destination Golf with RIGS and foster lifelong friendships among its members. The original committee featured Lord Brabazon of Tara as President, Mr. J H Williams as Captain, and Captain S R Mullard MBE as Honorary Secretary.
The first meeting of the society took place in March 1933 at the RAC Club Woodcote Park, marking the end of the Marconiphone Cup as a separate competition, which had been a notable event for golf courses in the industry.
Growth
By 1934, the society had grown to around 100 members, fostering lifelong friendships among its participants. By 1935, they achieved six meetings a year and hosted their first annual ball at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, with membership rising to 144. The society’s popularity continued to expand, coinciding with the rise of destination golf with RIGS, leading to a membership of 168 by the outbreak of war in 1939. However, during the war years, the society became inactive, temporarily halting their gatherings and activities related to golf courses and the Radio Industry.
The Beginnings of the Ball
On the 3rd April 1946, at the Mill Hill Golf Club, the Radio Industry Golf Society held an Extraordinary General Meeting to take stock of its position. By September of that year, the society successfully organized three post-war meetings, welcoming 150 members. The first post-war Ball, celebrating the bonds formed through lifelong friendships in the industry, was held at The Dorchester in February 1948. A decade later, the Ball returned to The Dorchester, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Radio Industry Golf Society, which had grown to 223 members enjoying destination golf with RIGS and exploring various golf courses together.
Founders Generosity
The founding members were also generous in their sponsorship of meetings, donating trophies and cups that are still played for today, contributing to the rich tradition of Destination Golf with RIGS. Some notable examples include the Marconiphone Cup, the RI (Radio Industries) Cup, the BBC Cup, and the T A W Robinson Cup, named after the founder of Pye Radio. All in all, there are over 30 trophies in play, with an insurance value exceeding £60,000, fostering lifelong friendships among participants who share a passion for golf courses and the Radio Industry.
Destination Golf
Since its conception, the ethos has always been about "Destination Golf with RIGS." Swinley Forest has been a fixture for over 40 consecutive years, closely followed by The Berkshire. Today, meetings are also held at the three renowned golf courses known as the 3 "W’s" – West Hill, Worplesdon, and Woking, along with Sunningdale and West Surrey. These gatherings foster lifelong friendships, culminating in the much-anticipated "Captains Day" at The Berkshire, a highlight in the Radio Industry calendar.
90th Anniversary- Sunningdale
The membership list has traditionally included senior managers from retailers and manufacturers within the Radio Industry, making RIGS a welcoming destination for golfing enthusiasts to foster future business relationships. As the UK manufacturing base has experienced a significant decline in recent years, our society has evolved; our membership now spans a diverse array of business backgrounds. The sole requirement for joining is owning a radio or T/V, ensuring that anyone can participate! Celebrating 91 years since the inaugural Radio Industry Golf Society competition, we continue to enjoy playing on fantastic golf courses, all while building lifelong friendships with great people who share our passion.