Forgotten Greens of Scotland
Forgotten Greens of Scotland

The Haugh, and former site of the golf course.

Craigellachie 1,and 2.

March 19th  1898 Northern Scot.

 

New Golf Course for Craigellachie

 

All those interested in the progress of Craigellachie and its beautiful neighbourhood will be interested to know that there is an immediate prospect of a splendid golf course being laid off for the use of the general public.  This is on the haugh of Collargreen, of which Mr Edgar, of the Craigellachie Hotel, has just acquired a lease from Mr J.R. Findlay of Aberlour.  An excellent golf course of nine holes can be formed to this hotel and when we consider that it is under the shadow of Craigellachie Rock on the bank of the lovely Spey and overlooked by the famous Craigellachie Bridge it is evident that there will be a great attraction here to lovers of golf, for there is not a prettier spot in the whole north country on which one can spend a pleasant afternoon.  Although Mr Edgar has acquired the field at his own expense as a valuable adjunct to his handsome hotel, which overlooks it, we believe that he does not intend to restrict it by any means to hotel visitors.  It will be open to all and sundry, and no doubt a local golf club will be established.  Mr Edgar is also putting up large additions to the Craigellachie Hotel.  This year he is adding fifteen bedrooms, and is also building a large and handsome recreation room, so that altogether we expect the hotel to become a motel of comfort and elegance.

May 14th  1898 D.N

Golf Course for Craigellachie

 

The Formation

 

A Public Meeting for the purpose of forming a golf course for Craigellachie was held in the Craigellachie Hotel on Monday night. Mr J.Edgar presiding.  Amongst those present were- Messrs A.R. Stuart, Anderson, Macdonald,Gordon, S.Stewart, A.C.Milne, Mackintosh,Hendry, Bain, Lawrence, McConnachie, A.Edgar.

The chairman pointed out to the meeting that he had secured the haugh extending from the tunnel to the Craigellachie Bridge at an annual cost of £70, and that he was to take immediate steps to get the course laid out in proper order. He also explained that he did not intend to make this golf course for the purpose of making profits, but merely to be an attraction to visitors and others, and if he got the rent paid that was all he wanted.

Mr.A.R.Stuart of Inverfiddich asked if Mr Edgar intended to take the whole management of the course into his own hands, or was he to leave it in the hands of the club.

Mr Edgar said he was quite prepared to take the whole management into his own hands.

Mr Stuart said, seeing that Mr Edgar was quite willing to take the whole management of the course into his own hands, he proposed that they should take up the subject of charges.

After some discussion, the following charges were fixed: -  Member’s fee for the season, £1. 1s, without any entry fee; visitors for the season,do.; visitors for the month 10s 6d;  for two weeks, 7s 6d; one week, 5s; and for one day 1s.

After the fees had been fixed, the Chairman said that at the end of the season all the expenses incurred in the formation of the golf course and all the incomes would be brought before them, and, if they saw that there was a good balance over, he would be most happy to reduce the fees.

Mr Hendry then proposed that Mr Edgar should at the same time make a bowling course, as he was sure many would double their subscriptions to get a bowling course.

Mr Edgar said he thought that that matter should lie over at present till the golf course was got into order, and then they would see about a bowling course.

The following gentleman were appointed office-bearers;-Hon. President, Mr J.R. Findlay of Aberlour House; President, Mr James Edgar; Vice-President, Mr Joseph Shearer, Cragganspey; Captain, Mr A.R. Stuart of Inverfiddich; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr Alex. Edgar.  It was also resolved to write and ask several gentlemen in the district to become members of the club.

 

The Craigellachie Hotel, who ran the golf course.

May 17th 1898 Courant

Craigellachie

 

Another Addition To The Amenities-  The inhabitants of the Craig have lately been adding to its attractions in the way of a golf course,&c, and now they are to have placed throughout the village a number of seats, which will no doubt be greatly appreciated by the many visitors who yearly reside in this popular summer resort.  The seats are to be placed in prominent and convenient parts.  In addition to those to be provided by the other members of the community, Mr Edgar of the Hotel and Mr James McConachie.  The Distillery, have each gifted one.  Already visitors are in evidence at the hotel and in private residences, and inquiries regarding houses for the approaching season are very numerous, all pointing to it being an unusually busy one.

 

Craigellachie Golf Club.  Instituted 1898.  First Course. A 9-hole course on the Haugh of Collargreen, half a mile from the station.

      “The latest addition to the greens in these parts is one at Craigellachie, which Archie Simpson, of Aberdeen, has just laid out. It is a nine hole course on the haugh of Collargreen, which is one of the most picturesque spots in Speyside. Although Mr Edgar, of the Craigellachie Hotel, has acquired a lease of the field at his own expense as a valuable adjunct to his handsome hotel, which overlooks it, and it is believed that he does not intend to restrict it by any means to hotel visitors.  It will be open to all and sundry, and no doubt a local golf club will be established

      As the ground is flat, bunkers will be cut here and there to lend variety to the play ; while the branch line of the great north of Scotland railway on the one hand, and the river on the other, will form excellent hazards. The green which it is hoped will be open for play in September, ought to form an addition to the many attractions of the district.” (Scotsman, 21.6.1898)

      It is assumed that the course closed as a result of WW1.

August 6th  1898  D.N

Craigellachie

 

Golf Course.-  This course, on the romantically situated Collargreen Haugh, will be opened on Monday first at twelve noon, when the nobility and gentry, presently resident amongst us, will witness the “driving off” of the first ball.  Members from neighbouring clubs will be present to drink success to new club, and will engage in the afternoon’s play; and a professional will be on the sward to “take on” any amateurs who may wish to try their steel.  All interested in golf are invited by the club to try the course on Monday.

August 13th  1898 Northern Scot.

New Golf Course For Craigellachie

Opening Ceremony

 

On Monday forenoon the course in connection with the newly inaugurated Craigellachie Golf Club was opened by Mr J.R.Findlay of Aberlour.  The weather, unfortunately, was somewhat disappointing as almost immediately after Mr Findlay had “driven” the first ball, rain began to descend, and continued in a desultory way during the afternoon.  Nevertheless the company present at the opening ceremony was large, and included the fashionable, visitors at Craigellachie, as well as many prominent golfers from Aberdeen, Rothes, Elgin, and surrounding districts.  Among those present were-

Mr and the Misses Findlay, Aberlour House, Sir Murdoch Smith, K.C.M.G. Miss Mitford Mitchell, Aberlour; Sir Peter Lumsden, Buchromb; Mr Napier, Landals, factor, Aberlour; Provost McGowan, do; Mr Chas.Macpherson, M.A., Firhill, do; Mr Anderson, Town and County Bank, Craigellachie; Mr and Miss Shearer, Craganspey, do; Captain Stuart, Inverfiddich; the Misses Young, Collargreen; Mr Hendry L.R. and family, Craigellachie; Rev. E. Williamson, do; Mr McConnachie,Craigellachie Distillery, do; Mr Cumming, Post Office do; Mr Falconer, baker, Elgin; Mr Shewan, draper, do; Mr James Clunas, draper, do; Mr James Match, merchant, do; Mr f. Davis, gunsmith, and Miss Davie, do; Mr J.F.Cumming, Cardow; Mrs Cumming, do; Mr Burness and family, Edinburgh; Rev. Mr Garloch, Spynie; Mr John Adams, china merchant, Elgin; Mr Forbes, Rothes; Mr Garden, do; Mrs Graham, Mr C.Davidson, Lieutenant Paterson, Mr John Cumming, Mr James Smith, Mr William Duncan, Mr. John Cowe,Pipe Major Grant, Mr. Geo. Duncan, Aberdeen; Mr F. Norris London; Mr Calder, Edinburgh; Mrs Anderson,Craigellachie; Dr James and Mrs McGowan, Manchester; &c.

The proceedings, though brief, were very interesting, and after Mr Findlay had played the first ball, the enthusiasm of those present burst forth in rounds of hearty applause

Mr James Edgar, the proprietor of Craigellachie Hotel, said that as president of the newly-formed golf club, he had been asked to present to Mr Findlay a golf club with which to open their course.  (Cheers.)  Having handed over the club.

Mr Findlay, before making the shot said he was very pleased to be there that day to open their course.  He was afraid, however that he would make rather a “fozle” of the shot, as it was some time since he had played.  The late Mr Robert Chambers, he said, used to say that an individual who played golf required to remember twenty-six things when he was striking his ball.  (Laughter.)  Well he was afraid as his memory was not quite as fresh as it used to be, he would not remember these twenty-six rules and that they would have to overlook any short coming on his part.  (Cheers.)  He confessed to once having seen Prince Leopold playing the first ball on an occasion similar to this a t St Andrews, and he made a grand shot.  He just hoped he would do as well. (Laughter.).  Their course was new, and though somewhat uneven at present, that would come all right in time and he believed that it would yet turn out to be a splendid all-round course.  One of the pleasures of golf, besides the game itself, was the scenery viewed from the course; and in that,respect the beautiful surroundings here, he thought would be thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by all.  (Cheers).  Mr Findlay then made the first stroke.  As the ball was sent spinning, Pipe-Major Grant, Aberdeen, played “Craigellachie Brig.” Which was most appropriate under the circumstances, within a few hundred yards of the bridge itself.  Mr Findlay then declared the course open amid loud cheers.

Mr A.R.Stuart of Inverfiddich said he would call upon the company to accord a vote of thanks to Mr Findlay for having come there that day and opened the Craigellachie Golf Course. (Applause).  Craigellachie, as many of them knew, had many attractions, but still it was felt that it required a golf course.  After much consideration and negotiation, Mr Findlay consented to give them this beautiful haugh, which was to be devoted not only to golf but all sorts of recreations.   He thought they should drink to the health of Mr Findlay with which he would couple the toast of Prosperity to the Craigellachie Golf Club.  (Cheers).

Mr Findlay thanked them all for their kind expressions towards him, and remarked that he had no fear as to the prosperity of the club.

Mr J.F.Cumming, Cardow, proposed the health of Mr Edgar in felicitous terms, and said that the reputation he had brought with him from Elgin was enough to convince the people of Craigellachie that a valuable addition had been made to the community. (Cheers).

Mr Edgar briefly replied, and this concluded the ceremony.

Immediately after a friendly match was arranged amongst the golfers, which was entered into with much enthusiasm, notwithstanding the state of the weather.

The course is a nine-hole one, and is situated on the romantic and beautiful Collargreen haugh.  The scenery is strikin’y picturesque.  Along the course the famous river Spey winds its way, while at the starting tee an excellent view can be obtained of the jammed Craigellachie Bridge and rocks on the one side and on the other the large and commodious Craigellachie Hotel and village.  Altogether the course is an ideal one, and will without doubt prove an additional attraction to the already charming attractions provided by nature.  The idea or a golf club for the district was mooted a few years ago, but never took any practical shape until about the month of May.  Mr Edgar very generously offered to defray all expenses in connection with the laying out of the course.  Besides this, Mr Edgar has done everything in his power to give assistance to the club, and the now pleasing result was the outcome.  The haugh belongs to Mr Findlay, and has been leased for seven years by the golf Club.  The office-bearers are as follows:  Hon. President. Mr J.R.Findlay, president, Mr Edgar; vice-president, Mr Shearer, Cragganspey; captain, Mr Stuart, \Inverfiddich; vice-captain, Mr McIntosh, Craigellachie; secretary Mr Alex. Edgar; and treasurer, Mr G. Anderson, banker, Craigellachie.

The presentation club was supplied by Mr Davie, gunsmith, Elgin, and was inscribed as follows;-  “presented to J.R.Findlay, Esq. Of Craigellachie, on the occasion of the opening of the golf course at Craigellachie. August, 1898

 

August 13th  1898 Speyside Advertiser

 

The same report as above was reported in the Speyside Advetiser 

Second Course.   “Work commenced this week in the construction of a nine hole golf course at Craigellachie. Built by the North of Scotland Hotels.Ltd., it will be open to the public as well as to visitors at the Craigellachie Hotel, and should draw enthusiasts of the game from a considerable area, the nearest courses being several miles distant.  The site chosen is  “The Haugh”, which affords ample space and excellent turf for the scheme. Mr Pat Flynn, the professional of the Elgin Golf club, is in charge of the entire scheme, and is at present supervising the work which, with the exception of Mr Flynn, is being carried out solely by local labour. The course is expected to be completed within two and a half to three months. Although only having nine holes, it will be a fairly long one.

Both courses were laid out on this site

October 4th  1935 Courant

New Sports Venture At Craigellachie

Golf Course Under Construction

Club To Be Formed

 

Work commenced this week in the construction of a nine hole golf course at Craigellachie.

Built by the North of Scotland Hotels.Ltd., it will be open to the public as well as to visitors at the Craigellachie Hotel, and should draw enthusiasts of the game from a considerable area, the nearest courses being several miles distant.  The site chosen is ~”The Haugh”, which affords ample space and excellent turf for the scheme. Mr Pat Flynn, the professional of the Elgin Golf club, is in charge of the entire scheme, and is at present supervising the work which, with the exception of Mr Flynn, being carried out solely by local labour.

The course is expected to be completed within two and a half to three months.

Although only having nine holes, it will be a fairly long one.

It is expected that a club will soon be formed so that immediately the course is finished golfers can make a start.

It is expected that a club will soon be formed so that immediately the course is finished golfers can make a start.” (ECC 4.10.1935)

      “A golf club for Craigellachie, where a new nine-hole course was opened nine days ago by Sir Edmund Findlay, MP, was formed at a public meeting, over Mr Pat Wilson, distillery manager, presided. Captain Jardine White, chairman of the Craigellachie Hotel Co., which constructed the course, said it was not to be reserved for the use of visitors. They wished everyone to understand that it was their intention that the people of the district should benefit to the fullest possible extent.” (Scotsman, 25.5 1936)

Last recorded 1940.

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