In the 1830s, the local Lord of the Manor of Weston Green, Lord Speer, realised a novel way of keeping his workers entertained.

He arranged a three-hole golf course for their exercise and pleasure use. From this start, the present Thames Ditton & Esher Golf Club extended to a 9-hole course and became registered in 1892. The holes are played from two sets of tees for an 18-hole game.