Weymouth Golf Club has received the cartoon, from the Royal Navy Portland Golf Association (RNPGA), and it was presented to club captain Mark Humphries by Russ Conway.
The cartoon depicts the historic association between the two organisations which stretches back more than a century.
In 1924, the closure of Portland’s 9-hole course prompted sailors to seek new venues, with Weymouth and Came Down Golf Clubs welcoming them and laying the foundations of a relationship that has flourished ever since.
This bond deepened in the post-war years. In 1946, sailors from HMS Howe presented Weymouth Golf Club with a shield, followed in 1955 by Lieutenant Bridger’s gift of a silver salver. The Howe Cup and The Bridger Salver remain central to annual competitions, symbolising the enduring naval presence within the club.
The 1980s marked another milestone, with HMS Osprey — Portland’s naval air station — playing a pivotal role in local naval life.
The specially commissioned cartoon looks back at the history between Weymouth Golf Club and the Royal Navy (Image: Weymouth Golf Club)
In 1982, Weymouth Golf Club partnered with the RNPGA, offering concessionary facilities to its members. Two years later, the Naval Air Command held its championships at the club, further cementing the partnership.
A club spokesperson said: “Although HMS Osprey closed in 1999, the legacy lives on. Weymouth Golf Club continues to host the RNPGA’s annual championships and proudly maintains traditions that celebrate this shared history.
“The fixture list established in 1982 still enables RNPGA members to compete against other Dorset clubs and Defence establishments, fostering camaraderie and competitive spirit.”
“Individual contributions have also shaped this heritage. Gerry O’Connell, who joined the RNPGA in the 1970s while serving at HMS Osprey, became a lifelong member and has served as Secretary since 1985.
“His dedication in organising fixtures, selecting teams, and playing in every match exemplifies the fellowship that defines the club. Today, Weymouth Golf Club counts 30 former Royal Navy personnel among its membership, with RNPGA members playing twice weekly in honour of their shared legacy.
“As Weymouth Golf Club looks ahead, its powerful bond with the Royal Navy remains a testament to tradition, community spirit, and the enduring partnership between the two institutions.”
Club Captain Mark Humphries expressed his gratitude for the presentation, noting that the cartoon is a fitting tribute to the club’s naval heritage and the generations of sailors who have enriched its history.