Portsoy Golf Club, Banff, Aberdeenshire. (1896 - WW2)
There were two early clubs and courses at Portsoy. The first was at Arnbath which opened in 1896 and the other at Glassaugh in 1902.
Just prior to WW1 another golf course is laid out at Sutherland Park.
The earlier clubs disappeared at the time of WW1.
A later club was established in in 1930. It disappeared prior to WW2.
Extract from an article that appeared in the Aberdeen Press & Journal 23 July 1896:-
“Opening of Portsoy Golf Club – Portsoy was en fete yesterday on the occasion of the opening of the new golf course on the Muir of Arnbath. This golf course has been provided through the exertions of the Improvements Committee, presided over by Provost Grant. The course which has nine-holes has been laid out by a very well-known professional. Being situated on high ground, and not far from the sea, the air is bracing, and a magnificent view of the Moray Firth, with the Caithness Hills in the distance, is obtainable.
The opening ceremony took place in the afternoon with a procession from the town, to the strains of the local Brass Band, to the Hill of Arnbath, where a number of people had already gathered. On arriving at the golf course the opening ceremony was performed by Mrs Gibson (wife of the Rev. Gibson, secretary of the club) who drove off the first ball. A number of golfers from Portsoy took part in a competition for a gold medal, result; Mr Clark, 58; Mr McLean, 66; Provost Grant, 74. It was estimated that no fewer than 700 persons were present during the afternoon.”
It was reported in the Aberdeen Journal on Wednesday 21 May 1902 that; "Golf may be engaged in but a short distance from Portsoy, at Glassaugh, where there is the nicest little six-hole course it was ever any one's good fortune to play uopn."
In the 1905 Nisbet's Golf Yearbook the secretary at the Portsoy club was William MacLean, Seaview House, Portsoy. It went on to say that "The club is affiliated to the Cullen Golf Club, and will play on the latter's course when ready." So it seems that the club had deserted their earlier course at Glassaugh.
Report on a proposed course in September 1907.
The new club and course appears in 1911 with a 9-hole course at Sutherland Park. The club had a membership of 60.
Below is a report on an exhibition match played on the new course in July 1911.
It was reported in May 1913 that a match was played on the Sutherland Park golf course between members of the “Banffshire Journal” Golf Club and the Portsoy Golf Club. Twelve couples competed. The result was a win for Portsoy by 9 matches to 3.
A prize presentation took place in the Sutherland Park Pavilion in October 1913 for trophy winners from the past season. The ceremony was performed by Provost Sutherland. Following are the prize winners; Ladies’ prize – Miss Jessie Watt (gold brooch); boy’s prize – Alexander McIntyre (watch, presented by Provost Sutherland); mixed doubles – Miss Paterson and George Ewing (golf shoes); Mr W Coull (medal); stroke competition – W Peterkin (bag).
Portsoy Golf Club did not appear after WW1.
The proposed new club in February 1930.
Six-hole course to be laid out in the Public Park.
Extract from a report from the Aberdeen Press and Journal Saturday 2 May 1931 - "In presence of a large company, Provost McLean opened the newly-made golf course in the public park at Portsoy.
Portsoy had many charms, but nature had not given her good ground for golf. He congratulated the club in achieving so much, and declared the course open. The captain then drove off the first ball. In a four ball match Mr Johnstone and Father Bonnyman won by a narrow margin".
Portsoy's Golf Problems continue in March 1936.
The Golf Club eventually abandoned play on the Public Park golf course.
Another attempt to find a home in November 1938.
Nothing further found.
The Google Map below pinpoints the area around Glassaugh, location of the 1902 course.