THERE are many people today researching their family history.

This fascinating subject has enthralled many of us who want to find out more about how our ancestors lived.

One reader doing just this is Tony Vickers who is trying to find out more about his great grandfather.

He is hoping Looking Back readers will be able to help.

Apparently George Ellis Vickers — Tony’s great grandfather — lived at 26 Sandow Street in Bolton according to the 1901 census.

At this time he stated his occupation was a green keeper at a golf club.

By the time he filled in the 1911 census George was living at 141 Ivy Road in Bolton and his occupation was a professional golfer.

“I don’t know for sure what golf club he worked at, or played golf at, hoping you may be able to help,” says Tony.

In Bolton there are a number of golf clubs with a long history and George could have been associated with any one of them.

Deane Golf Club was founded in 1906 so it is highly unlikely George was a member there but Bolton Golf Club was founded in 1891 and Bolton Old Links Golf Club was also founded in the same year.

Harwood Golf Club opened in 1926 and Dunscar Golf Club in 1908.

Great Lever Golf Club opened in 1911 and Farnworth in 1908.

Obviously George could have moved clubs once he went professional.

Golf was fast becoming a sport to be enjoyed by all in the early part of the 20th century when George began tending greens and then progressed to professional status.

Women were also encouraged to play and golf clubs were springing up around the town.

It would be interesting to find out more about the history of golf in Bolton and more about George’s rise to professional