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Haddo House Golf Club, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire. (1880s - 1930s)

The first course was a private one laid out by Tom Dunn.

Extracts from "Golf" Friday 8 May 1891 - "Tom Dunn has also laid out many private links, among others the Earl of Aberdeen's at Haddo House. Mr William Gladstone's knowledge of golf  was acquired from Tom, who, when the right hon. gentleman was a guest at Haddo House, during his political campaign of 1886, was specially summoned by the Earl of Aberdeen, to expound and give an exhibition of the game."

In the early summer of 1901 a group of local golfers were invited to Haddo House by Lord Aberdeen to discuss the inauguration of a golf club. Lord Aberdeen generously provided a large piece of land in front of the house for the laying out of the initial nine-hole course for the club. Things progressed so well that by August the course had been extended to eighteen-holes, laid out by Mr Robertson of Carnoustie. Lord Aberdeen had also arranged for the building of a clubhouse for the members.

There was a large gathering for the opening of the course on Friday 9 August 1901, amongst those present were; Lady Aberdeen; Lady Marjorie Gordon; Lord Haddo; Hon Dudley Gordon; Rev Dr Barclay, Montreal; Hon Mrs Marjoribanks; Marshall Lang, Mrs Spence, Udny; Provost and Mrs Wilson, Oldmeldrum.

Rev Mr Sutter, secretary of the club, speaking in fron of the new clubhouse, said that the club was very fortunate to have had everything done for it – the course laid out, the greens prepared, and the clubhouse built – a fortune they owed to their hon President, Lord Aberdeen. In reply Lord Aberdeen said that he was very glad to have a share in promoting the excellent sport of golf. He hoped that good fortune would attend the club, and called upon the audience to give three hearty cheers for the Haddo House Golf Club, now fully innaugerated. Hon Archibald Gordon hit the opening shot on the course.  

 John Campbell Gordon, 6th Earl and latter 1st Marquess of Aberdeen also encouraged his own children to play on the course (Lord Archie was an amateur champion). His staff and many of the tenants also used the course.

Haddo House on a postcard from 1908.

Result of a match played on the Haddo House course against Oldmeldrum in May 1907.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 21 May 1907. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

There was a large turnout for the last medal competition of the season in October 1908, result; F I Clark, Estate Office, with a scratch score of 79; runner-up J G Joss, 101-12-89.

Medal result from 1909.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 6 July 1909. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Result of the June 1910 monthly medal; A C Kirkton, 94-26-68; W Grant, 105-30-75; F I Clark, 80 scratch; C G Smith, 107-26-81; J Clark, 107-26-81; J Keith, 113-30-83; J R Hay, 101-15-86; A Joss, 112-25-87; Rev. Dr Boyd, 117-30-87. 

In 1914 the secretary was Ada G Smith, The Mains, Haddo House, Aberdeen. The course had reverted to 9-holes, and the club had a membership of 30. There was no entry fee and subs were 5/-. There were no restrictions for ladies. Sunday play was not allowed. The railway station at Oldmeldrum was 7 miles away.

The annual meeting was held in the clubhouse on Saturday 21 March 1914. Mr C G Smith, president, in the chair. The office-bearers were unanimously re-elected. The secretary, Miss Smith, submitted the satisfactory financial statement for the year. On the motion of Mr McKinnon a vote of thanks was accorded to Miss Smith for “the enthusiastic interest and excellent manner in which she conducted the affairs of the club” 

The June 1914 medal was won by Miss Clark, Kelly; runner-up, William Tait, Boolroad.

During the 1920s to the club’s disappearance in the 1930s, the secretary was still Miss A G Smith, telephone Tarves 10. A membership of 45 dwindled to 30 towards the end of the club’s existence. Course records were: (a) P H Webster, 33; (p) S Burns, 29. Visitors’ fees on introduction were, 1/- a day, 3/- a week, 5/- a month and 10/- for the season. The station was now at Udny 7 miles away. Local hotel was the Ythanview at Methick and the Aberdeen Arms at Tarves.

Result of a match played at Haddo House against Oldmeldrum in July 1923.

From the Aberdeen Press and Journal Saturday 4 May 1929; "Haddo House Golf Club - At the close of the medal competition Miss Smith, secretary of the Haddo House Golf Club, was met by the members and was presented with a handsome golf bag in appreciation of her work and interest in the club. William Grant, Bank House, Methlick, handed over the gift."

Prize presentation in September 1929.

Aberdeen Press and Journal Friday 6 September 1929. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The course was ploughed up and the land put to agriculture as part of the war effort in the late 1930's.