Forgotten Greens of Scotland
Forgotten Greens of Scotland

Postcard registered 1890

Welcome To Orkney.

Brough Of Birsay

 

BROUGH OF BIRSAY

 

 “In far-off Orkney, and eighteen miles distant from Kirkwall, we read of golf on the links at Birsay, where, according to advices, ther is an excellent eighteen- hole course. The round literally bristles with hazards, while the putting greens, naturally somewhat rough at present, are capable of easy conversion into lawn-like smoothness. Accommodation in the district is, unfortunately, rather limited, but Sergeant Abel, the greenkeeper, is always ready to accommodate a " Foursome," and other lodgings can be had in the village.”  (Golfing Annual 1888-89)

The golf course at Birsay was in fact laid out by the Kirkwall members of the Orkney golf club, based in Kirkwall, but, because there was a lack of suitable ground in or around the town. This may seem strange to our present 21st century golfers, but we should bare in mind that in the late 18th century grass cutting machinery was in it's infancy and golfers had to find locations where the grass was naturally short and suitable for golf. This type of ground only existed at the sea shores and was called the Machar. The club also had to travel to other various sites on the island in order to enjoy their game of golf.

Birsay, some twenty miles from Kirkwall was one of the club's earliest courses. It's quite amazing that these early golfers were willing to walk, cycle, or travel by horse etc, in order to play the  game. 

Birsay Golf Links

 

Orkney Herald, May 1st, 1889

 

Orkney Golf Club

 

This club held their first medal competition in the picturesque links of Birsay on Friday last. There was a good turnout of members, and considering that the course had just been laid out, some good scores were made.

Sheriff Armour’s medal was won by Mr John Traill of Woodwick, with the excellent score of 83 for the two rounds of 18 holes. Mr Angus Buchanan had the next best natural score – viz., 86. The following are some of the best scores :- John Traill ( Scratch ) 83 ; A.J. Gold 94 less 9 – 85 ; A. Buchanan ( Scratch ) 86 ; M.L. Howman, 121 less 24 – 97 ; Sheriff Armour, 109 less 9 – 100 ; D. Stewart, 134 less 30 – 104 ; A. Gold, 129 less 24 – 105.

Hitherto there has been no regular course on the Birsay links, though golfers have enjoyed a game occasionally when they has sufficient energy and enthusiasm to make the necessary holes for themselves. Now, however, that the club has been started, and that permission has been obtained from Mr Leask of Broadhouse, it is hoped that this naturally fine course will be largely taken advantage of by golfers. Sheriff Armour deserves great credit for his efforts on behalf of the game in Orkney, and we are sure that in consequence, the game will in time become here, as elsewhere, a favourite pastime.

Orcadian July 6th, 1889

Orkney golf club

 

The monthly competition for Sheriff Armour’s challenge medal was held over Birsay links on Saturday. Mr Buchanan was the only player who had not the benefit of a handicap. Sheriff Armour made the lowest natural score, 90, which with his allowance of 9, made him 81 ; but he was not permitted to carry off his own prize. Mr D.S. Stewart, with a natural score of 93, being allowed 15 points, was the winner of the medal with a nett 78.

 

Orcadian July 20th, 1889

Golf Match

 

The members of the Orkney golf club engaged in their first monthly competition on Saturday for the star presented by Sheriff Thoms. Fourteen competitors took place in the match. The course was thrice round the links at Pickiequoy. Mr Buchanan was first, with a score of 102, Sheriff Armour was second with 105, and Mr D. Stewart third with 109.

 

Orcadian August 3rd, 1889

Orkney golf club handicap

 

Sheriff Armour’s challenge medal was competed for on the Birsay links on Saturday, 2 rounds singles, 18 holes. The sheriff made the lowest natural score of 93. Dr Gilrae came next with 94, but having more allowance than Mr Armour, he secured the medal. Mr Howman, procurator fiscal, was third with 97.

 

Orcadian August 17th, 1889.

Orkney golf club

 

The monthly competition for Sheriff Thom’s silver star came off at Pickiequoy, Kirkwall, on Saturday – three rounds of the links, 21 holes. Mr D. Stewart was first with a splendid score of 89 – Messrs Buchanan and Howman tying for second place with 95. The scores of the others were sheriff Armour, 101 ; Dr Sinclair, 119 ; Dr Bell, 122 ; Dr Gilrae, 123 ; Rev. G. Campbell, 125 ; and B.H. Hossack and S. Reid 126 each. Sheriff Thoms, and Messrs Gold, Heddle, and Davidson and others, did not finish their rounds.

Orkney Herald September 9th 1889

Orkney Golf Club

 

The members of this club held their monthly competition for Sheriff Armour’s challenge medal at Birsay on Saturday last, with the following result :- B.H. Hossack. 88 less 11. Equals 77 ; A. Buchanan, Scratch, 80 ; M.L. Howman, Scratch 88 ; D. Stewart Scratch 88 ; Sheriff Armour, Scratch 90.

After lunch and a fresh handicap, the club prizes were played for, and were won by ( 1 ) A. Buchanan, scratch 78 ; ( 2 ) M.L. Howman, 83 less 5 equals 78 ; and ( 3 ) Heriff Armour, 85 less 5 equals 80. The clubs lowest record previously stood at 82 – Mr Howman’s score of 31st August – but in both the above matches Mr Buchanan reduced this by two strokes, doing the first in 80 and the second in 78. This winds up the club’s Birsay competitions for this season.

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