Forgotten Greens of Scotland
Forgotten Greens of Scotland

Stewarton.

The Town that lost it's Course

By Duffer

 

Taken from the 1971 Bonnet Guild Festival Guide


Golf was fashionable in the 17th century under the active patronage of the Stuart kings; in fact James VI of Scotland took the game south with him when he became James I of England. However the game did not really become popular for another 200 years.

There is no record of a golf course in Stewarton in those far-off days, and it was not until 1912 that a nine-hole course was laid out - if that is the right word - at Gameshill, Robertland, which is now a housing area. The course was officially opened on June 1st of that year when Provost Sim drove the first ball. The terms for members were, according to the original membership card : Gentlemen 12/6, Ladies 7/6 and Visitors 6d per round of 18 holes. Since that happy day, the fortunes of Stewarton Golf Club have fluctuated over the years, and sad to report, more downwards than upwards.
From the very beginning, the Club seems to have been plagued with ground leasing troubles, and due to squabbles with various landowners, certain holes and eventually the whole course had to be shifted. At one stage the very clubhouse had to be moved at short notice which caused much expense to the Club and a great deal of bitterness among the members.

For a short time, the town could even boast of an 18-hole course, but by the 'thirties' the Club course again only had nine holes and was situated between the Cutstraw and Fenwick roads. This is the course that many Stewartonians will recall with nostalgia. It was " a nice wee course" to play on and local "gowfers" of that period will recall with affection such holes as "Blaw Wearie", "the Punch Bowl", "Village", "Dug's Leg", "Cutstraw", "Tipperary", and "Draffen", and "The Kilns". This was, undoubtedly the most prosperous period in the Club's history when the membership was at its largest.
 

Those were the days when the men played in plus-fours and "scone tunnets" and the ladies wore longish skirts ( the words "midi" or "maxi" hadn't been invented then ) fair isle jumpers, and flower pot hats or berets. Although golf was considered by some to be a rich man's game, the golfers then didn't require all the elaborate gear that is practically a must for today's 24 handicap novice. Steel shafts were few and far between and a pencil bag and a few wooden-shafted clubs were all that were necessary, not forgetting a ball of course. Instead of numbers, the clubs bore traditional names like mashie, niblie, spoon, baffle, brassie, jigger and "magic" cleek. Just imagine Arnie Palmer saying to his caddie, "Gimmie that magic cleek, boyl "

There were many prominent golfers in the town at that time and special mention must be made of the Hannahs, all of whom were keen club members and office bearers over a long period.

The second world war saw the end of golf in the town for over five years, and by the time all the local golfers got back into civies, their beloved course was a thing of the past. Efforts were made to secure land for a new course and for a short time, permission was granted to form a rough nine hole course - and "rough" is the right word - at Lochridge, but this did not last long and since 1948, no golf has been played in Stewarton, a sad state of affairs indeed.

But the lack of somewhere locally to drive, pitch, and putt, does not mean that enthusiasm for the ancient game has waned; on the contrary, the opposite is the case. Back in the old days, golf was considered a fair weather sport, whereas now it is a game for all seasons, and local fanatics leave the town by the car load all the year round for such places as Troon, Kilmarnock, Bogside, Barassie and Caldwell. Although there is no one in the town likely to challenge Tony Jacklin in the near future, we have a few low handicap men who are distinguished members of clubs in the district. These two weel-kent ex-goalkeepers Billy Neil and Jimmy Brown, are, I'm told, nearly as proficient at bashing the wee white ba' as they were at clutching the bigger leather one, and Duncan Smith's name keeps cropping up when discussions on the best Stewarton golfers are taking place.

Two years ago, Stewarton Town Council endeavoured to purchase land for a 9-hole golf course but the estimated cost of £50,000 put paid to that. Stewarton Golf Club is still in existence as a registered club, but its activities are confined to odd visits by the members to some distant course for a day's outing and there is also an annual winter dance.

When it has been proved that there is all this enthusiasm and In some cases even fanaticism, for golf in the community, it is a great pity that even yet, something cannot be done to establish a course in this progressive and expanding town.

Kilmarnock Standard September 16th 1911.

 

Stewarton Golf Club.

The Formation.

 

At a largely attended meeting held in the lesser institute hall on Wednesday evening, it was decided to form a golf club, and the following office bearers were elected : President, Provost Simm ; Vice President, Ex- Provost Howatson ; Captain, Mr Tom Mackie ; Vice Captain, Baillie Hugh Cunningham ; Secretary, Mr W.A. Hamilton ; Treasurer, Mr J.H. Laidlaw ; Committee, Messrs J.B. Wylie, James Docherty, Baillie Robert Cunningham, Wm. Hall, Robert Smith, John Gibson, Dr Watson and Robert Currie. The committee were empowered to arrange for ground for the course and to prepare rules for the club. It was arranged that the figures given by the committee viz, that the membership for ladies be 7s 6d and gentlemen 12s 6d. be given out as a recommendation from the meeting to the committee. It was intimated that names had been received of over 100 gentlemen and 50 Ladies joining the club.

Ayr Advertiser September 21st 1911

New Course In Ayrshire

 

The large number of golf courses in Ayeshire has been added to with the laying out of a new nine-hole course over the lands of Gameshill, Stewarton. A new club has been formed at Stewarton, and already quite a large membership is assured. The new course has been planned and laid out by Mr Hugh McMillan, greenkeeper at the Western ( Galsgow ) club at Gailes. The ground is well suited for a course, with excellent fairway and fine undulating ground for the greens. The club will take the name of the Stewarton Golf Club.

Ayr Advertiser May 30th 1912

New Golf Course

 

The new golf course is to be formally opened on Saturday. Although members have been playing for two or three months, the greens have not yet been used.

Ayr Advertiser, June 6th, 1912

 

The Opening

1st Course

 

Stewarton Golf Club.  Founded 1911. On Saturday afternoon a new nine hole golf course was formally opened at Stewarton in presence of a large gathering. Mr Thomas Mackie, Cockhill, Captain of the club, presided, and presented a silver mounted driver to Provost Sim, with which that gentleman drove off the first ball and declared the course open.

      Thereafter a match was played between Messrs Robert Forrest and James Buchanan and Messrs F. Kennedy and J.H. Irons, Pollock club, the former winning by one hole. A four-ball exhibition game was afterwards played by the same gentlemen, the scores being as follows:- J.H. Irons, first round, 38, second round 39  -77 ; R Forrest 37 and 40 – 77 ; J Buchanan 39 and 38 – 77 ; F Kennedy 43 and 36 – 79. The course, which is situated at Gameshill, quite close to the town, is of a thoroughly sporting nature, the ground being somewhat hilly and burns and hedges forming natural hazards that call for the exercise of considerable judgment. The outstanding feature of the course is the necessity of accurate play from the tees, in most of the holes a badly placed drive being severely punished. It was laid off under the direction of Hugh McMillan, Gailes. The club already has a membership of over 200.” (AA 6.6.1912)

Kilmarnock Standard June 8th 1912

 

Stewarton Golf Club

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Golf Course Formally Opened

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No town of any consequence in these days is complete unless it has a golf course within easy proximity. On Saturday last Ayrshire saw quite a large addition made to the facilities within its boundaries for the persuit of the game, no fewer than three new courses being that day formally opened. Of these, one was at Stewarton, which now, thanks to the energy of a few local enthusiasts, has been brought into line with its neighbours by the provision of an excellent nine-hole course at Gameshill. For an inland course, it is of an exceptionally good sporting nature and affords plenty of scope for even the ablest exponent of the game. The ground is hilly and there are numerous natural hazards in the shape of burn to be crossed and hedges to be avoided. The outstanding feature of the course is the necessity of accurate driving from the tees and also of careful pitching.

At almost every hole a badly placed tee shot is severely punished and unless good judgement is used in approaching a number of the greens the player will find himself in great difficulties. The scratch player especially will quickly learn the necessity of being well up with his first shot and of keeping straight. The course was laid out under the direction of Mr Hugh McMillan, Gailes, and the most has been taken out of the ground. All the greens are well placed. The total length of the course is 2153 yards, the distance of the various holes being as follows :- 1. 245 yards ; 2. 230 3. 340 ; 4. 215 ; 5. 220 ; 6. 275 ; 7. 230 ; 8. 100 ; 9. 300. At the first tee the player drives from a height to the level meadow alongside the Annick. A sliced shot is punished with a bad lie on the hillside and a pulled shot may take him into the water. At the 2nd hole there is again the danger of pulling round into the Annick. The third hole is a nice one with an approach across a ravine which must be carried if disaster is to be avoided. This has again to be re-crossed at the next two holes which otherwise present no great difficulty. At the sixth hole one has to drive through a gap between the edge of a wood on the one hand and a double hedge on the other and any deviation from the line is liable to be badly punished. The seventh green is the only really awkward one. It is banked up on the hillside overlooking the ravine and an over strong pitch may carry the ball down the slope. The eighth hole is a fine 100 yard pitch, which has to be negotiated very accurately or the player will find himself in the burn. At the last hole the necessity for straight driving is once more emphasised, a sliced shot landing in hedge difficulties.

At the opening ceremony, Mr Tom Mackie, Clerkhill, Captain of the golf club presided. Ideal weather was experienced, bright sunshine prevailing throughout the afternoon, and there was a large gathering of members, and of the general public.

The Captain said the members of the Stewarton golf club were delighted to se such a large company gathered there that day. It augured well for the success of the club that so many members and friends were taking such an interest in the opening proceedings. The club so far had been remarkably successful, far beyond anyone’s expectations. Financially they had been handsomely assisted by the members of the Mackie Trust and other good friends and it was with pleasure that he had to announce that the membership was now over 200. ( Applause).

They had been very fortunate in acquiring for their course the ground of Gameshill, which was beautifully situated and commands a fine view of the surrounding country. It was also well adapted for a golf course, the natural hazards were excellent, and in fact it was an ideal sporting course. ( Applause.)

On occasions such as that it was usual to invite gentlemen of outstanding ability to give an exhibition game, and that day they had with them Messrs Irons and Kennedy, from Pollock club, Glasgow, gentlemen who were known far and wide as brilliant exponents of the game, and also Messrs Buchanan and Forrest, two of the very best players to be found in Ayrshire.They were much indebted to these gentlemen for their kindness in coming there that day, and they anticipated seeing excellent golf played over their new course by them. ( Applause.)

 Before the play began he had to call upon Provost Sim to declare the course open. Provost Sim was a gentleman who was always willing and ready to do anything which was directly or indirectly for the best interests of their town, and they were fortunate in having his services that day. ( Applause.)

In that connection he had the honour on behalf of the Stewarton Golf Club of presenting the provost with a beautiful driver as a memento of that occasion and to enable him to complete the opening of the course by driving the first ball from the tee, a feat which they trusted he would successfully accomplish. ( Laughter and Applause.)

Provost Sim said it had been decreed that his speech should be delivered before the first ball was sent away – or otherwise ( Laughter ) it would have pleased him very much better if he had got that little job over first, because, as he fancied they were all aware, he had absolutely no experience of that sort of thing. As he had now become the happy possessor of a club however, he took it that he would have to begin to do something to vindicate his claims as President of the Stewarton Golf Club for the present year ( Laughter and Applause ).

After a humorous reference to the trials and little difficulties of golf, the provost proceeded to say that he was very glad to have the honour conferred upon him of driving off the first ball and declaring the course open. He expressed the hope that the success of the club, which already was very great, would not be at all the beginning but that it would be maintained and increased in years to come. ( Applause )

Somehow or other, golf seemed to have caught on fairly, and any place was of little account nowadays which had not a golf club. He had often wondered why the go-ahead people of Stewarton up till now had never conceived the idea of having a golf course in connection with their own town. When reading in the newspapers of Municipal golf courses here and there he had often thought of it, but as they were all probably aware the Stewarton town council’s hands were pretty well filled and had been so for a good many years, and however pleasant it may have been for them as councillors of the town to see the start of a municipal course it was altogether out of their power to undertake it. He was glad to see, however, that a club had now been formed with a membership of over two hundred. He wished it every success in the future and he hoped the members would have every happiness possible in the enjoyment of their game. ( Applause.)

He had very great pleasure in declaring the course open.

The Provost, then, amid applause, drove off the first ball.

On the motion of Mr Mackie, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Provost Sim and a similar compliment to the chairman concluded the formal part of the afternoon’s proceedings.

Thereafter a fourball match was played between Messrs Irons and Kennedy and Messrs Forrest and Buchanan, who were followed round the course by a large and interested crowd of spectators. Some excellent play was witnessed, the players adapting themselves to the course with wonderful facility. The game resulted in a win for the Ayrshire players by one hole. After a short interval the same players gave an exhibition fourball game of eighteen holes, at the same time establishing a record for the course. The scores were as follows :- J. Irons, first round 38, second round, 39 – 77 ; R. Forrest 37 and 40 – 77 ; J. Buchanan, 39 and 38 – 77 ; F. Kennedy, 43 and 36 – 79. Although in the earlier stages Kennedy had persistent bad lauck, in the concluding round he compiled a very consistent score of 36, which will probably remain the record for the nine holes for a considerable time. The details were :- 4,4,4,5,4,4,4,3,4 – 36.

The players were afterwards entertained to tea at the railway hotel ( Mr G. Cochranes ) Mr Mackie presided, and ex Baillie H. Cunningham, Greenbank, before the company dispersed in a few well chosen sentences expressed the pleasure it had afforded everyone to witness the able exposition of the game given by the visitors, and voiced the club’s appreciation of their kindness in so willingly giving their services.They had shown what the new course was capable of and the members of the club felt that it would be a stimulus to them in every way.

Mr Forrest fittingly replied and expressed the hope that the club would have a prosperous career and would turn out some prominent golfers in the years to come.

The proceedings then terminated.

Kilmarnock Standard March 6th 1920

Golf

 

Many of our local golfers will learn with pleasure that the proposal to revive the game in our midst is taking practical shape, and hopes that we shall soon again have a golf course are likely to be early fulfilled. From advertisement it will be noted that a public meeting of ladies and gentlemen interested will be held in the Institute Hall on Monday evening, when it is earnestly hoped there will be a large attendance. A good start is half the battle.

Kilmarnock Standard March 13th 1920

Golf

 

It was evident from the large meeting of ladies and gentlemen in the Institute Hall on Monday evening that deep interest is being taken in the proposed new golf course for Stewarton. Mr T.H. Gollan was called to the chair and was appointed President, Mr Robert J. Alexander was appointed treasurer and Mr Robert Simpson, Secretary, and they, along with a committee, were deputed to look out ground for a course and report to an early meeting. We trust their efforts will meet with success, and that we shall soon see this popular and health giving pastime flourishing in our midst.

Kilmarnock Standard March 20th 1920

Golf

 

Another meeting of those interested in the formation of a golf course at Stewarton was held in the Institute Hall on Thursday evening, but was adjourned for further enquiry regarding suitable ground.

Kilmarnock Standard April 10th 1920

Golf

 

We are glad to note that the hopes of Stewarton golfers will be realised, as ground for a course has now been secured at Gameshill. It is of course, a somewhat modest beginning, but ample support for the new club will undoubtably ensure greater things for the future. We appeal confidently for this support, and it will be noted from advertisement that all willing to become members are invited to enrol with the secretary, Mr Robert Simpson, or members of committee.

 Kilmarnock Standard May 8th 1920

Golf

 

We are glad to learn that good support is being given to the new club and that the members roll is mounting up. It will be noted from advertisement that a general meeting is being held on Thursday evening first, and the course will be formally opened on Saturday afternoon, 15th May, with a mixed foursome.

Kilmarnock Standard May 22nd 1920

 

Opening Of Golf Course

 

The formal opening of Stewarton golf club’s new course at Gameshill took place last Saturday afternoon in glorious weather. The President, Mr Thomas H. Gollan of Lochridge, expressed his deep pleasure that Stewarton was again in the happy position of possessing a golf course.It was a somewhat modest beginning, but they might look forward in hope to a time when a more extended course would be available. They all felt deeply grateful to the proprietor of Gameshill, Mr James Cunningham, for giving them the ground and enabling them to resume this pleasant and health-giving pastime. On behalf of the club, Mr Robert J. Alexander asked Mr Gollan to accept the gift of a driver to commemorate the auspicious occasion. Mr Gollan had rendered most valuable services in the formation of the club and procuring the ground for the course, and it was hoped that the driver would enable him to enjoy many a pleasant game. In replying, the recipient modestly disclaimed the value put upon his services. They were all very grateful to the officials, committee, and the gentlemen who had so willingly given their services to prepare the course, erect the club-house, etc. A pleasant mixed foursomes resulted as follows :- 1, Miss Mary Dunlop and Mr Andrew Nairn ; 2, Miss Jean McRae and Mr Alex. Cunningham ; 3, Miss Peggy Gilmour and Mr David C. McRae. Tea served during the afternoon under the supervision of Miss Macfie and Mrs Robert Simpson, was a much enjoyed feature. 

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald March 28th 1924

Golf Club

 

There was a splendid attendance in the Institute Hall on Monday evening at the annual general meeting of Stewarton Golf Club. Mr Thomas H. Gollan of Lochridge, Captain, who presided, made feeing reference to the great loss the club and the community had sustained through the death of Miss Margaret Gillies. She was a most enthusiastic member, and had in many ways rendered valuable services to the club. Her pleasant and cheery personality was a great asset to any organisation in which she was interested. Not many days ago she was going about in full health and strength, and the news of her untimely death, after a brief illness, came as a great shock to all.

The financial report submitted by Mr Hugh C. Thomson, Treasurer, showed the club to be in a highly satisfactory position. The following office bearers were appointed :- President, Mr Tom Hall Jnr ; Vice President, Messrs W.M. Mackie, Cairnduff ; and Hugh Neilson of Chapletoun ; Captain, Mr Thomas H. Gollan of Lochridge ; Vice Captain, Mr James A. Mackie, Cairnduff ; hon. Secretary, Mr Tom Wilson ; hon. Treasurer, Mr Hugh C. Thomson ; Green Ballie, Mr John Cuthbertson Snr. Ladies Section – Secretary, Miss Meg Dunlop.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Heranld June 20th 1924

Golf Club

 

At a meeting on Monday evening, an interim financial report was submitted by the treasurer, Mr Hugh C. Thomson. This along with his report that the membership was still being added to, was considered highly satisfactory. Favourable comment was also passed upon the present excellent condition of the course and several minor improvements that had been carried out. Serious complaints were submitted regarding the conduct of a number of young men who were taking the use of the course during the forenoons and afternoons, causing damage to the course and annoyance to the members. As none of these were members or had taken out tickets, it was unanimously decided to take proceedings if the practice is not stopped. On Tuesday evening there was again a good attendance at the mixed foursome which was carried through in fine weather. The winners were :- 1st, Miss Meg Dunlop and Mr Jim Nelson ; 2nd, Miss May Dunlop and Mr A.A. Nairn ; 3rd, Miss Meg Hannah and Mr Wm. Rodger.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald July 4th 1924

Golf Club

 

Owing to the increased membership there has been a desire lately for an extension of the golf course. Some time ago a committee was appointed to enquire into the question of procuring more ground, and a meeting of members was held in the Institute Hall on Monday evening to hear their report. The Captain, Mr Thomas .H. Gollan, of Lochridge, presided over a large gathering, and a test of the meeting showed that there was a general rush for an extension. It was unanimously agreed, after discussion, to remit the whole matter to a special committee, which will report shortly to a further meeting.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald July 11th 1924

Golf Course

 

The golf course has presented a busy scene for some nights with various competitions. There was a remarkably large entry for the Captain’s Prize last Saturday. Little wonder the competition was keen, for the winner was due to receive a very handsome silver tea service, the gift of Mr Thomas H. Gollan, of Lochridge. Saturday’s play ended in a tie between Mr Tom Wilson ( 8 ) 125, and Mr Robert Cuthbertson, ( 10 ) 125. The scoring it will be noticed, was really splendid over 36 holes. The play-off took place over 18 holes on Monday evening, when Mr Wilson won, the scores being – Wilson ( 8 ) 64, Cuthbertson ( 10 ) 66. Next best scores on Saturday were :- John Lochhead, ( 16 ) 127, James Currie ( 14 ) 130.

On Monday evening the ladies plyed off for the Vice- Captain’s prize, a case of beautiful silver knives and forks, presented by Mr James A. Mackie, Cairnduff. The winner was Miss Lizzie Miller, ( 18 ) 79 and the next best scores were Miss Meg Hannah, ( 12 ) 80, and Miss Phemy Cassells ( 20 ) 81. On Tuesday evening another mixed foursome was carried through with the following result :- 1, Miss Nan McDonald and Mr W. Templeton ; 2, Miss Lizzie Sim and Mr John Allan ; 3, Miss Helen Wilson and Mr T. Hannah.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald December 12th 1924

Golf Club

 

On Monday evening there was a large gathering of members of Stewarton Golf Club in the Institute Hall. Mr Thomas H. Golan, of Lochridge, presided. The chairman and Mr Tom Hall Jnr. Announced that they had secured additional ground at Draffin, lying conveniently adjacent to the present golf course, on thoroughly satisfactory terms, and were grateful to the proprietor and tenant for so generously meeting their desires. A recommendation by the committee that the members agree to the final conclusion of the bargain was cordially adopted, and full powers were given to the committee to proceed at once to have the new ground laid out and the new club-house erected. With the addition of the Draffin fields, the club will soon be in possession of a splendid 18 hole course with a commodious modern club-house.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald March 13th 1925

Golf Club

 

Mr Thomas H. Gollan, of Lochridge, presided over a large attendance on Monday evening at the annual meeting of the Stewarton Golf Club in the Institute Hall.

The reports showed the club to be in a highly satisfactory position financially, and with a considerable increase in membership.Mr Tom Hall Jnr., reported that the preparatory work on the extended course was being rapidly carried through, and the building of the new pavilion would be pushed on with all speed.

Early in the season the club will be in possession of a course and club-house of which they would have good reason to be proud. The following office bearers were elected :- President, Mr Tom Hall Jnr., Vice Presidents, Messrs W.M. Mackie, Cairnduff and Hugh Neilson of Chapletoun ; Captain, Mr Thomas H. Gollan, of Lochridge ; Vice Captain, Mr James A. Mackie, Cairnduff ; Secretary, Mr Tom Wilson, Lainshaw Street ; Treasurer, Mr Hugh C. Thomson, Clydsdale Bank ; Green Baillie, Mr Thomas Hannah, Kirkford ; Auditors, Messrs Andrew Currie and George Douglas, with the usual committee’s. Mr John McBride was appointed Greenkeeper for the ensuing year. A slight increase was made on adult members subsciptions, but juveniles and juniors are to remain as before.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald May 22nd 1925

 

Golf Club

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Opening Of Extended Course

 

Last Saturday was a red letter day in the annals of Stewarton Golf Club. To begin with it was fortunate in having the services of such able golf exponents as Messrs A.W. Butchart, Peebles, John Caven, Cochrane Castle, James Brock, Prestwick St Nicholas, and R.B. Forrest, Kilmarnock. In the second place the weather was on its best behaviour and this factor had no doubt much to do with the great size of the crowd that witnessed the event, before play commenced.

Mr Thomas Hannah, addressed the gathering. He said that he felt that proceedings could not be inaugurated without reference to the great loss the club had sustained through the death of Mr Tom Mackie of Clerkhill. He had taken such an active and practical part in all the negotiations and arrangements that it was somewhat tragic that he had not been spared to see the culmination of the work and hopes. His memory could best be reverenced by carrying on the work to which he had set his hand.

He the speaker, thought they should not be depressed, rather should try, be cheered with the memory of Mr Mackie’s happy nature and his wish that the golf course should be a source of joyful recreation.

Mr Hannah went on to extend a hearty welcome to the large gathering expressing his hopes that they would have a pleasant afternoon, and that, as a result of their experiences under such beautiful surroundings many would be tempted to take up the game. The club was most grateful to the four gentlemen who had so kindly consented to play over the course.

This was warmly cheered, and a minute later, Mr Butchart sent the ball screaming up the course. The play of all four was on a high level and was keenly enjoyed.

Messrs Brock and Caven beat Messrs Butchart and Forrest by 3 and 1. The individual scores were :- Butchart 69, Caven, 70, Brock 74, Forrest 74. Spectators on all hands expressed their delight, not only at witnessing such brilliant play, but at the pleasant nature of the surroundings. Just to wander over the fields and knowes of Draffin is a pleasure and this is enhanced by the beautiful and extensive view from the higher parts. Stewarton club is fortunate in seeing the realization of a long expressed  hope to possess an 18-hole course, and a first class one at that. The new section is naturally a bit rough yet, but this is being quickly improved. With the handsome pavilion, rapidly approaching completion, and expected to be ready for use at the end of this month, the whole scheme will be complete. With a very moderate subscription fee, and special travelling facilities and cheap fares from Glasgow for golfers, there is sure to be considerable additions to the membership.

Mr Tom Hall Jnr., President, warmly thanked the players for the splendid exhibition they had given. This was heartily cheered, and Messrs Caven and Brock briefly replied. The players and several of the officials were splendidly entertained to tea by Mr and Mrs Hugh C. Thomson, Clydesdale Bank. Their generous hospitality was very warmly acknowledged. One special feature of the event we must not forget was the excellent behaviour of the spectators. They promptly obeyed the stewards who had no difficulty in handling the crowd.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald June 5th 1925

 

Stewarton Golf Club

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Opening Of New Pavilion

 

 The handsome new club-house that has just been completed for Stewarton golf club was formally opened last Saturday before a very large gathering. The President, Mr Thos. Hall Jnr, introduced Mrs Thos. H. Gollin of Lochridge to perform the opening ceremony. Mrs Gollin’s opening speech was just about the neatest and best delivered effort of the kind that we have ever had the pleasure of hearing. The members of the club, she said, had reason to be proud that they were the possessors of such a fine club-house, and such a beautifully situated and excellent course, and not only the club, but the community had reason to be proud of this important addition to the amenities of the district. She trusted that the club would go on and prosper. The hard working members deserved the utmost credit for the result of their labours, and she hoped they would be repaid by the knowledge that they had provided the means of enjoyment and happiness to many.

With a gold key presented to her by the chairman, Mrs Gollan opened the door of the pavilion amidst warm cheers. In moving a vote of thanks to Mrs Gollan, the chairman said she was a lady of whom it could be truly said that much of her happiness in life was obtained from from her unselfish work and warm consideration for others. The chairman was accorded a hearty thanks on the call of Mr Thomas Hannah.

The pavilion is a building which presents a most tasteful frontage. The interior consists of a commodious central hall, flanked by dressing rooms for ladies and gentlemen. There is also a well furnished kitchen and secretary’s office and all the other conveniences and locker accommodation. We are glad to learn that a large number of new members have already taken advantage of the increased facilities.

A mixed foursomes was carried through with the following results :- 1st, Miss Helen D. Wilson and Mr R. Scott ; Equal 2nd, Miss Olive Wylie and Mr R. Cuthbertson and Miss Isa Auld and Mr A.A. Nairn. The prizes which were kindly gifted by Mr R.J. Alexander, were handed over by Mr T.H. Gollan of Lochridge. Mr Gollan said that as Captain, he considered that it was up to him to see that an 18 hole-course was provided, and he wished to thank very warmly the ladies and gentlemen who had so loyally and strenuously supported him in reaching this milestone in the history of the club. Tea and refreshments were served to all the players and visitors during the afternoon, and votes of thanks were given on the call of Mr Hall.

Kilmarnock Standard January 11th 1947

Golf Club

The Return

 

After several years of enforced inactivity the club is looking forward to making a fresh start in the coming spring. The course will be situated between Lochridge and Wardhead. It will consist of nine holes, and the committee are confident that it will develop into an attractive little course. Mr Hector G. Gollan, Lochridge, has consented to become the club’s first post war President.

The club is also fortunate in having Mr Hugh R. Neilson of Chapeltoun, and Mr John Sim, Southpark, as Vice Presidents. At a general meeting held some weeks ago, the following office bearers were appointed :- Captain, Samuel H. Scott ; Vice Captain, Andrew A. Nairn ; secretary, Hugh McCulley, Garnock, Stewarton ; Treasurer, Robert B. Ferguson, Salsbury, Stewarton ; General Committee :- Mrs George Hadwin, Mrs John Hamilton, Mrs Andrew A. Nairn, Mrs Samuel H. Scott, Mrs H. Steele, Mrs John Nairn, Mrs George D. Wilson, Messrs John Campbell, James Ferguson, John Muir, William Rodger, David Smith, and George D. Wilson.

Kilmarnock Standard February 1st 1947

Golf Club

 

The club are holding their first post war annual whist drive and dance next Friday in the Institute Hall. Tickets may be obtained from members of the committee. A good programme of modern and old time dances has been drawn up. For particulars see advertisement elsewhere in this issue.

Kilmarnock Standard May 10th 1947 

Stewarton Golf Club

Another Golf Course

 

The new course has been laid out and is now available for play. Owing to the severe weather the greenkeeper was not able to start the work of preparing tees and greens as soon as the committee had desired. These are still in a rough state, but with constant rolling and cutting they will improve from now on. The committee have not yet been successful in obtaining a club-house, but they are continuing their efforts in this direction. Former members are invited to re-join and new members will be made welcome. Further particulars will be found in our advertising column.

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