A sinkhole on the 13th green at Davyhulme Golf Club revealed a hidden treasure: a 100+ year old cellar filled with historic bottles.
A routine maintenance issue at Davyhulme Golf Club in England turned into an unexpected archaeological discovery this week. When a sinkhole appeared on the 13th green, the course’s greens team began investigating the cause—only to uncover a remarkable piece of the club’s history buried beneath the surface.
The excavation revealed a century-old cellar containing a collection of historic wine and port bottles. The find offers a fascinating glimpse into the club’s past and the social customs of golf during the early 20th century, when such underground storage facilities were not uncommon at established sporting venues.
Hidden Treasure at Historic Course
Davyhulme Golf Club, situated in Greater Manchester, is among the UK’s well-established courses with deep roots in the region’s golfing heritage. The discovery of the sealed cellar suggests the club maintained sophisticated hospitality facilities during its formative years, reflecting the lifestyle and traditions of that era.
The preserved bottles represent more than just a curiosity—they document a chapter of the club’s social history. Golf clubs of that period often served as exclusive venues where members gathered not only to play but to socialize and entertain guests, making wine cellars a practical and prestigious addition to the grounds.
A Window Into the Past
Such discoveries are rare in golf, though they remind us that many established courses across the UK and Europe were built on—and around—older structures and facilities. The timing and manner in which this cellar came to light through routine greenkeeping work underscores how much history can remain hidden just beneath the playing surface.
The greens team’s find has generated interest among golf history enthusiasts and the local community alike, with the bottles now potentially valuable both as artifacts and as tangible connections to the club’s heritage. Whether the bottles themselves retain any contents or are simply vessels of historical significance, the discovery adds another layer to Davyhulme’s story.
The sinkhole that prompted the investigation has revealed far more than a simple drainage problem—it has opened a door to the past.
🚨⛳️🍾 #LOOK — After a sinkhole appeared on the 13th green at @DavyhulmeGolf, the greens team uncovered a 100+ year old cellar with historic wine and port bottles inside.
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) February 28, 2026
This article was created with the help of AI and editorially reviewed. Report an issue