J. M. Manclark, Club Maker and Professional at Hilton Park, Milngavie, Scotland

Cleek marks on the heads of irons identify the cleek-maker (the one who makes the head of the iron). The club-maker who applied the shaft and completed the club would also have his name stamped on the back of the iron head. Want to find out more about cleek marks?

The cleek mark on this iron is of THE SCOT.

Hilton Park Golf Club History

According to the published history of Hilton Park Golf Club, James Braid, "well-known Golf Professional and Architect" designed the Club's first course.

A view of Hilton Park
in 1998.

My Dad, Thomas Manclark, grew up in Scotland near Hilton Park where his father was the Club Maker, Bartender and Professional. Fond memories included mowing the fairways with a horse drawn swather and herding sheep through the greens.

The construction of the first course, now called "Hilton," was entrusted to Messrs. Hawtree and J.H. Taylor of London, to be laid out to the specification of James Braid and under his supervision. This course, the work on which commenced early in 1927, was rapidly completed in spite of very bad weather, and was unofficially opened for play in June, 1928. (Source: The Hilton Park Golf Club, published by The Golf Clubs Association, London, 1937-1938)

Hilton Course playcard.
Click for larger view.

During 1927, the Hilton Course was no more started than it became obvious to Hilton Park Golf Club members that a second course was needed.

Whilst the work was proceeding on this course, it was realised from the large influx of members that another course would be required and it was finally decided to proceed with this. Again the plans of James Braid were accepted, but on this occasion the work was carried out by Mr. J. R. Stutt of Paisley. The work which commenced at the end of 1927, proceeded rapidly and the course called "Allander" was declared fit and ready for play in September, 1928. (Source: The Hilton Park Golf Club, published by The Golf Clubs Association, London, 1937-1938)

Allander Course playcard.
Click for larger view.