Forgotten Greens of Scotland
Forgotten Greens of Scotland

Mauchline, Bogwood.

Mauchline Golf Club

 

Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald April 2nd 1909.

 

Proposed Golf Club.

 

Some time ago a public meeting was held in the Temperence Hall to take into consideration the Formation of a golf club for Mauchline. A committee was appointed to look after a suitable course. Circulars were sent out setting forth the arrangements, and asking those addressed if they would be willing to become members. The committee think the Sheephill Park would be a suitable place, if an agreement can be come to. Answers were returned from over seventy willing to become members, including twenty Ladies, so there is every prospect of having a golf course in Mauchline.

Kilmarnock Standard May 8th, 1909

 

Mauchline Golf Club.  First mention 1912. “Following on the recommendation of the sub committee appointed some time ago, a public meeting of those interested in the proposal to form a golf course for Mauchline was held in the Lesser Temperance Hall on Thursday evening 6th inst. There was a good attendance. Three sites for the proposed golf course were submitted to the meeting, and after considerable discussion, it was ultimately carried that steps be immediately taken to secure three fields on the farm of Bogwood, and a strong committee was formed to carry through the necessary arrangements to enable the course to be opened on as early a date as possible. The meeting was of a very enthusiastic nature and there is every reason to believe that the long cherished scheme of a golf course for Mauchline will soon become an accomplished fact.” (KS 8.5.1909) 

Kilmarnock Standard May 22nd 1909.

 

Golf Course.

 

After to-day, we will be up to date and in the possession of a golf course.

The new course on the farm of Bogwood is to be publicly opened this afternoon at 3 o’clock. The opening ceremony is to be performed by Lieut. Col. W.K. Hamilton, Campbell, D.S.O, of Netherplace and the proprietor of Bogwood Farm. A distinguished company is expected, and a general invitation is extended to all. Miss Hamilton Campbell will strike the first ball, after which a game will be played by Mr J H Irons and Mr W F Kennedy of Glasgow, members of the Pollock club, and both ex holders of the “ Evening Times” Trophy. Thereafter a foursome will be played and taken part in by Miss Campbeel and Miss Robertson of Prestwick.

The course at Bogwood is only ten minutes walk from the village and is entered from the Ayr road. The road is one of the most beautiful in the neighbourhood, and has a splendid avenue of trees. The committee have been very busy for many nights now getting the course in order, and from their activity and energy they deserve success.

Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald May 28th 1909.

 

Opening of New Golf Course.

 

On Saturday last, under beautiful weather conditions, the new course at Bogwood was opened. There was a large gathering. Before proceeding with the golfing display, the Rev. Jos Mitchell called upon Lieut. Col. W.K. Hamilton Campbell, D.S.O, to formally declare the golf course open. The Colonel at the outset, thanked the committee for giving him the honour of declaring the golf new course open. He did not know very much about golf himself, but he knew it was a very popular game, and he was pleased to know that the people of Mauchline would have an opportunity of learning the game of golf. He was sure, if a good many of those who are here today did take it up, they would, with practice, soon be able to take their part with those who could play the game, for he knew that the people of Mauchline were able to play any game well they took in hand.

He thought the course looked very well. It might not be equal to courses near the shore, they had not the same springy turf. The land around Mauchline was a good deal more valuable, and was much better adapted for the cow than for golf : but, all the same, he trusted they would find it would answer the purpose, and that strangers coming to Mauchline for the summer months would find the attractions of the place made more attractive by the addition of the golf course.

Mr Mitchell then asked Miss Campbell to drive off the first ball. This she did with a splendid drive. He then, in name of the committee, presented Miss Campbell with a nice golf club, and expressed the hope that she might be able to drive a great many golf balls as well as she had done to-day.

 

The Colonel returned thanks for Miss Campbell. After votes of thanks to the Colonel, Miss Campbell, and the committee had been given, and also to the Rev. Mr Mitchell.

Messrs J.H. Jones and W.F. Kennedy of the Pollock club, Glasgow ( Both gentlemen being ex holders of the “ Evening Times” Trophy ), gave an exhibition game, and to people who have not seen much golf played, it was quite a treat to see how far and how accurately they could send the ball. They made one round of the course, which is a nine hole one. A pairs game was then played between Miss Robertson of the Troon Club, and Mr Jones, and Miss Campbell and Mr Kennedy.

Our golf course has now got a fair start, and we wish it may long flourish and be another attraction to our beautiful little town with it’s many picturesque walks and views.

Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald May 28th 1909.

 

Opening of New Golf Course.

 

On Saturday last, under beautiful weather conditions, the new course at Bogwood was opened. There was a large gathering. Before proceeding with the golfing display, the Rev. Jos Mitchell called upon Lieut. Col. W.K. Hamilton Campbell, D.S.O, to formally declare the golf course open. The Colonel at the outset, thanked the committee for giving him the honour of declaring the golf new course open. He did not know very much about golf himself, but he knew it was a very popular game, and he was pleased to know that the people of Mauchline would have an opportunity of learning the game of golf. He was sure, if a good many of those who are here today did take it up, they would, with practice, soon be able to take their part with those who could play the game, for he knew that the people of Mauchline were able to play any game well they took in hand.

He thought the course looked very well. It might not be equal to courses near the shore, they had not the same springy turf. The land around Mauchline was a good deal more valuable, and was much better adapted for the cow than for golf : but, all the same, he trusted they would find it would answer the purpose, and that strangers coming to Mauchline for the summer months would find the attractions of the place made more attractive by the addition of the golf course.

Mr Mitchell then asked Miss Campbell to drive off the first ball. This she did with a splendid drive. He then, in name of the committee, presented Miss Campbell with a nice golf club, and expressed the hope that she might be able to drive a great many golf balls as well as she had done to-day.

The Colonel returned thanks for Miss Campbell. After votes of thanks to the Colonel, Miss Campbell, and the committee had been given, and also to the Rev. Mr Mitchell.

Messrs J.H. Jones and W.F. Kennedy of the Pollock club, Glasgow ( Both gentlemen being ex holders of the “ Evening Times” Trophy ), gave an exhibition game, and to people who have not seen much golf played, it was quite a treat to see how far and how accurately they could send the ball. They made one round of the course, which is a nine hole one. A pairs game was then played between Miss Robertson of the Troon Club, and Mr Jones, and Miss Campbell and Mr Kennedy.

Our golf course has now got a fair start, and we wish it may long flourish and be another attraction to our beautiful little town with it’s many picturesque walks and views.

 

Kilmarnock Standard May 29th 1909.

 

Red Letter Day At Mauchline

 

Opening of New Golf Course

 

The little town of Mauchline has charms for native and visitors alike, drawn from it’s pleasant situation and surroundings, it’s own attractiveness – that of the quiet contemplative country town, where life persues the even tenor of it’s way apart from and untroubled by the hurry and bustle of the outside world and it’s interesting associations. From the breezy healthy lands on which it sits there is an outlook in one direction over a fine tract of undulating country to-wards Kilmarnock, in another across the wide valley of the Ayr, wooded and picturesquely backed in the distance by the hills of Carr.

In addition to these natural attractions of the place, one remembers that it is the Mecca of every Burns enthusiast. From it’s immediate neighbourhood, during the Mossgiel period of the poet’s life, the star of his immortality rose in the best of his early work : here he courted his “ Bonnie Jean” daughter of a Mauchline master mason : here, too, are laid the scenes of “ The Holy Fair” and of the “ wild orgies of that Scottish Walpurgis Nicht” described so graphically in “ The Jolly Beggars” : and here he attended kirk and market and was oft the life and soul of the merry company that gathered in “ Poosie Nancy’s” with such attractions and such memories to allure them hither it is inevitable that Mauchline should yearly entertain within it’s borders a great many strangers, and especially of recent years a good deal has been done to cater for the visitors. One thing, however, without which no residential town can in these days consider itself fully equipped, has up till now been wanting : there has been no golf course here at Mauchline : but that reproach no longer lies upon it, for on Saturday afternoon last there was formally opened a sprting little nine hole course, and both townspeople and visitors will now be able to persue the favourite pastime.

The desire to have such a course had long been felt in the community ; and recently, the matter was taken up in earnest by a number of energetic local gentlemen. A provisional committee was fromed to take the necessary preliminary steps, and the names of those willing to become members of the proposed golf club were enrolled.

The response was very gratifying and encouraging and amply warranted the promoters in going on with the scheme. It was at first hoped that ground for a course would be secured on the sheep Hill, one of the most romantic sites in the district, commanding a magnificent prospect of the rich rolling landscape, the Mountainous background, and the distant sea, but difficulties came in the way, and the committee had to turn their thoughts elsewhere.

By the kindness of Lieut. Col. W.K.Hamilton Campbell, D.S.O. Of  Netherplace, they were able to make arrangements with the tenant of Bogwood Farm for the use of sufficient ground on his grazing land there to form a course of nine holes, and a start was at once made with it’s preperation. Advice as to the laying out of the ground was given by Mr Hydes, greenkeeper of the Kilmarnock golf club’s course at Barassie, and the actual work was done by the members of committee themselve’s.

The total lengh of the course at present is 1990 yards, the details being – 1st hole 320 yards, 2nd hole 120, 3rd hole 350 yards, 4th hole 235 yards, 5th hole 285 yards, 6th hole 100 yards, 7th hole 250 yards, 8th hole 150 yards, 9th hole 180 yards. It will, however, be possible in the winter time to very considerably lengthen the last two holes by playing across the field in which they are situated : during the summer months the committee have undertaken, in order to disturb the tenant’s grazing as little as possible, to confine play to the edges of the fields. The situation of the course is very attractive. It is within ten minutes walk of the town, and is entered from the Ayr road which at this point passes through a fine avenue of trees, making it one of the most picturesque spots in the neighbourhood.

Northward the vision is shut in by the embankment of the main line of railway which bounds the higher end of the field, but in other directions beautiful stretches of wooded landscape and distant purple hills meet the eye. The course on the whole presents no great difficulty although in one or two places a “ Pulled” shot will be pretty severely punished, and at the third hole, which is also the longest, and is the only “ Blind” green, care and judgement must be exercised to avoid getting into difficulties.

A couple of burns cross the course at this point, the green lying between, and an unskilful approach will almost inevitably land the player in one or the other.

There was a large gathering at the opening ceremony which took place in ideal weather, forming the happiest of auguries for the success of the course. Among those present were : Colonel W.K.Hamilton Campbell D.S.O. And Miss Hamilton Campbell, Lord Talbot De Malahide, of Auchenleck : the Misses Anderson, Barskimming : Mrs Coulson of Failford : Mr Crookston of Ballochmyle : Mr W.A. Smith, Box Manufacturer : Mr John D McMillan, solicitor : Rev. Joseph Mitchell : Rev. Wilson Baird , Dr Black , Dr Reid , Mr John Hay, Mr James Campbell, Headmaster : Treasurer James Smith, Kilmarnock : &c. The company having gathered at the first teeing ground.

Rev Joseph Mitchell, who presided, called upon Colonel Hamilton Campbell to open the course. Colonel Hamilton Campbell expressed the great pleasure he felt at being there before so many of the Mauchline people on that auspiciuous occasion.

He desired to say how delighted he was that Mauchline had at last got a golf course.

It had been talked about for a long time, but the project, like a great deal many other things, had ended in smoke until now.

He thought the committee were deserving of the best thanks of all those in Mauchline who were likely to show an interest in golf and to take part in the game.

They had worked hard and had brought about a result which, although it might not reach their highest ideal as golfers, still was a step in the right direction, and at least was a start.

When he was approached by the committee with a view of the course being being formed on that part of his land he has the greatest pleasure in giving his consent provided they could make terms with his tenant, and this, they had been successful in doing. He hoped they would reap their reward by a very large number of members joining the club and taking part in that most excellent pastime. He was sorry they had not the same advantages for golfing as for example Troon, with it’s stretch of sea shore. They were perhaps more fortunate in Mauchline in one way in that they had a richer soil, more suited for a dairy cow, but now they had a course formed on such a piece of good rich pasture land he hoped it would be sufficient to keep the mauchline golfers going for at least one year. He saw there were not many bunkers, and he hoped they would not spoil the course by laying down any. ( Laughter )

The committee had been fortunate in getting some first class players to come that day and give them an exhibition of how golf ought to be played, and he hoped those he saw around him, some of them with clubs ready to start as soon as ever they got a chance- ( Laughter )- would take a leaf out of the book of these players, and would as a result become good golfers themselve’s. He hoped many famous golfers would have their origin there, and that Mauchline would contribute competitors not only for the Scottish, but also the British Championship who would come to the front after having learned their golf on the bogwood course ( Applause ).

Miss Hamilton Campbell then drove off the first ball, an excellent long drive being the signal for loud applause, and the course was formally declared open.

Rev. Joseph Mitchell said they were very greatly indebted to Colonel Hamilton Campbell for the generous response he had made to the request proferred by the committee that they should have the use of those fields and for the very ready way in which he had consented to perform the opening ceremony, and they were also greatly indebted to Miss Hamilton Campbell for her kindness in coming to drive the first ball.

The course had been opened not only for the sake of Mauchline golfers and those who hoped to become golfers, but also in some degree to remove the reproach so often urged against Mauchline by visitors that they had not been able to keep abreast of the times in that respect.

They had now removed that reproach, and they hoped that in the future they would be not altogether unworthy of the good things which the Colonel had prophesied of them ( Applause ).

He had been commissioned by the committee to ask Miss Hamilton Campbell to accept from them a slight momento of that interesting occasion, and he had much pleasure in their name in presenting her with a golf club with which they hoped she would drive many a ball as and as sure as the one she had driven that day ( Applause )

Colonel Hamilton Campbell on behalf of his sister thanked the committee for their gift, and the short ceremont then terminated.

An exhibition game was afterwards played between Mr J.H. Irons and Mr W.F. Kennedy, Glasgow, members of the Pollock club and both ex holders of the “ Evening Times” Trophy. They were accompanied by a large crowd, who watched the play with close attention, and the match interestingly brought out the characteristics of the course. The following were the scores :- Irons, 5,4,4,4,4,3,4,6,5 – 39, Kennedy, 5,3,7,6,4,3,5,5,4 – 42.

Afterwards a foursome was played, Miss Hamilton Campbell and Mr Kennedy competing against Miss Robertson, Prestwick, and Mr Irons, anmd the latter couple were two shots up at the close of a very evenly contested round. The scores were :- Miss Robertson and Mr Irons, 5,4,5,4,5,4,4,5,6 – 42 ; Miss Hamilton Campbell and Mr Kennedy 5,3,5,4,5,4,5,6,7 -44. At the close hearty cheers were given for the players.

See Names Below

Scotsman June 8th, 1914

Mauchline

 

New Golf Course

 

The new course, situated a little further down the Ayr Road than the old one, was formally opened by Miss Marianne Anderson, Barskimming. The members were entertained to tea, when Mr Bowyer, in name of the club, presented Miss Anderson with a souvenir.

Kilmarnock Standard June 13th, 1914

 

New Golf Course

 

The old golf course on the farm of Bogwood having been given up a new course on the farm of Templebogwood was opened on Saturday afternoon. The new course is less than a mile from Mauchline down the Ayr road, and is partly in Mauchline but mostly in Tarbolton parish. The situation is airy and pleasant, and from part of the course a fine peep of a big part of the country and of the Southern hills is obtained.

There was a large company present at the opening and the weather was very favourable. Among those present we noted Misses Anderson, Barskimming ; Mr and Mrs Ingram, Beechgrove ; Mr J.D. Thomson, Kingencleugh ; Rev. Wilson Baird and Mrs Baird ; Rev. A.R. Taylor and Mrs Taylor ; Dr Reid, Mr William Smith ; Mr John Hay, Solicitor, Ayr ; Mr H. Bowyer and Mrs Bowyer ; Messrs Harvey and the Misses Harvey, Mr John Findlay and Mrs Findlay, Mr Mathew McMinn and Mrs McMinn, Mr James Campbell, M.A. and Mrs Campbell, Mr Johnstone, M.A., Miss Edgar, Miss Manson, Mr John Alexander, Miss Hay, Mr and Mrs Wharton, Smithston ; and many others.

Rev. A.R. Taylor, the secretary, presided, and made a short speech. He said the new course was one of the best inland courses in the county, and he hoped it would be patronised largely by villagers and visitors alike. He called upon Miss Marrianne Anderson of Barskimming, to open the course, which she did in a most effective manner by driving the first ball. Mr H. Bowyer then, in a graceful little speech, presented Miss Anderson, on behalf of the club, with a handsome silver mounted walking stick. He said Miss Anderson was at everybody’s call, and had made herself useful to the community in all manner of ways. Miss Anderson briefly returned thanks. Tea was then served by a willing band of workers to all the visitors present.

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