Forgotten Greens of Scotland
Forgotten Greens of Scotland

Killearn.

Killearn Golf Club.  First mentioned 1896.  A 9-hole course, extending to about two miles, is on Drumore Farm on Killearn estate, half a mile from Killearn (Blane Valley Rly) and Gartness (Forth & Clyde Rly) stations. (GA 1896-97)  Laid out by Tom Morris, the hazards are of a natural character, and provide ample scope for the full abilities of the player. 

Proposed Golf Club.

 

   "A public meeting was held in the hall on Monday, for the purpose of considering the advisability of forming a golf club – the Rev James Dick in the chair. The attendance was small, but a goodly number of names was submitted to the meeting, and it was decided to form a club if suitable terms could be arrive at with landlord and tenant."

   (SJA 3.7.1896)

   "Mr Tom Morris of St Andrews visited Killearn onTuesday for the purpose of laying out the golf course. He expressed himself very pleased with the ground. The club intend to have all Mr Morris’s recommendations carried out at once and get the play started."

  (SJA 25.9.1896) 

The Golf Course.

 

   "This course was recently opened and is situated on the farm of Drumore. It was laid out and approved of by Tom Morris of St Andrews. It is considered, as inland courses go, to be a good sporting one. The course is on a hill, and has nine holes. The teeing ground for the number one hole is adjoining the farm house, and to approach the green a clay hole has to be crossed, which means difficulty to the novice.

 From one to two ( Up the hill ) with the exception of long grass the approach is easy.

From two to three ( Down the Hill ) a good drive will carry you over the rough parts into bare ground, but, to approach the green, care must be taken to clear the a deep drain, which is quite ample to engulf all balls and to take charge of them safely.

Three to four runs along the hedge with the public road beyond. A most careful drive is necessary here, for if you get on to the road, two fine ditches, one on either side, lie ready for your ball, and you are occupied for a while in trying to locate it with hopes of recovery. The approach to number four is very tricky, the green lies at the back of a hedge sloping to the road. To get over the hedge, and at the same time to land on the green, require steady play.

Four to five ( Up The Hill ) is one of the most deadly on the course. A strip of whins has to be crossed, and many a player has already left his ball here until further notice ; once across this obstacle the hole is easy.

Five to six you again have to cross the whins, with the difference that playing down the hill they are completely hid from the tee. Two good drives and you clear, if not, you leave your ball, and try to look pleased.

If you get safely over you have still a hedge to negotiate, which is, and will no doubt prove a trap to many. Six to seven is easy, but the green must be approached with caution, or you may find yourself on Macadam instead of turf. Seven to eight has no difficulties of any note. Eight to Home, a wood stands immediately in front of the tee, this has to be driven over ; the trees being a considerable height, it requires a strong high drive to clear them. If you get over all is plain sailing to the hole, but if you strike any of the branches your ball falls into the thick of the wood, and a lot of iron work is necessary before you escape.

   The course as has been already stated, is on a hill and commands a fine view of Loch Lomond and a wide range of hills. It has been well patronised since the opening, and with the exception of long grass in places which is common to inland courses, gives general satisfaction."   (SJA 25.9.1896)

   “Killearn Golf `Club played a friendly match with Mugdock members at Mugdock Castle”   (SJ 17.9.1909)

 

.Full Membership 60.

 

Last recorded 1912.

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