Uisguinatuie Golf Club, Islay. (1895 - 1908)
The original 18-hole course was laid out by Old Tom Morris.
Report and first mention of the course in December 1895.
Report on the new course in March 1896.
The following report is from the Glasgow Herald 31 March 1896. “Tom Morris, of St Andrews, has just visited Islay and laid out a full course of eighteen-holes at Uisguinatuie, on the western shores of Loch Indaal, in the presence of an enthusiastic gathering of golfers. The course is beautifully situated, and naturally adapted for the pursuit of the game. The soil is of a light, sandy nature, and dries very rapidly, so that play will never be hindered by wet ground. The turf is all that can be desired. It is close and velvety in growth, so that in a few months the putting greens will be in excellent condition – smooth and true, preserving their natural contour and making putting an interesting and skilful part of the game. Hazards, such as every true golfer loves, abound. Sand bunkers, whose position Tom Morris knew thoroughly seize, are ready to trap the unwary golfer, whilst the close proximity of the turnpike road and the shore will be a source of trouble to those who reluctantly follow a zig-zag route whilst aiming at the “far and sure”. The distance between the holes vary from 144 to 440 yards, affording scope for all kinds of play. Morris speaks of the course in terms of the highest praise, and predicts for it a growing popularity.”
The course was formally opened in April 1896 by Mrs Cullen of Bridgend who was presented with a driver by Mr Forbes, he then invited her to hit the opening shot which she did “with an easy and graceful swing” amid the applause of nearly 100 people who were present at the opening. The 18-hole course was designed by Old Tom Morris on land between Bridgend and Bruichladdich.
In 1896 the joint secretaries were Robert Cullen a writer from bridgend and H Macfadyen of Eailabus. The treasurer, John Cullen was a banker from Bridgend. Club membership at this time was 90. Subs were 10/- for gents and 5/- for ladies. There was a daily steamer service to Islay with ports at Bruichladdich 1 ½ miles and Port askaig 10 miles. By road the course was 5 miles from Bridgend and 3 miles from Bruichladdich.
Competition played in June 1896.
Golf Supper and Ball in March 1897.
Ordnance Survey Map showing the course.
In 1900 the secretary was R Cullen, Bridgend, and listed as an 18-hole course at this time.The remoteness of the course meant that the club relied heavily on locals for membership and by the early 1900s numbers had grown to over 100. Unfortunately, because of the difficulty in maintaining the 18 hole layout the course had now been reduced to nine holes.
Report on the course in November 1900.
Report on a meeting held in May 1901.
In 1906/7 the secretary was N Macintyre, Port Charlotte, the captain was J Thomson. Club membership had now reduced to 70. Entry fee was 10/-. Now playing on the reduced 9-hole course, fixtures included the “Sheriff Challenge Medal”. Visitors’ fees, 1/- a day and 5/- a week.
Pre-WW2 postcard showing the Bridgend Hotel.
Card of the 18-hole course:-
Hole | Yards | Hole | Yards |
1 | 176 | 10 | 407 |
2 | 236 | 11 | 335 |
3 | 270 | 12 | 240 |
4 | 220 | 13 | 313 |
5 | 225 | 14 | 258 |
6 | 301 | 15 | 154 |
7 | 233 | 16 | 159 |
8 | 324 | 17 | 231 |
9 | 420 | 18 | 144 |
Out | 2405 | Home | 2241 |
In | 2405 | ||
Total | 4646 |
Thanks to Melvyn Morrow for his help with the research into Uisguinatuie Golf Club.