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Laurencekirk Golf Club, Aberdeenshire. (1911 - WW2)

The club was founded in 1911.

Report on the new golf course at Laurencekirk in December 1911.

Aberdeen Press and Journal Friday 8 December 1911. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The following report is from the Aberdeen Journal of Friday 22 December 1911. 

“A meeting of those in favour of the formation of a golf club for Laurencekirk was held in the Town Hall on Wednesday night. There was a large attendance, over which Provost Adam presided.

The chairman thought everyone in Laurencekirk would be glad if the golf course should go on, because it meant money circulating in the burgh, and visitors coming into the burgh to play golf would give an impetus to trade. It had been said that if golf course went on it would be a veritable gold mine to the burgh. He did not know if that prediction would come true altogether, but if the course became a success and paid its way, all would be well. If play were made possible, at a reasonable subscription, the course should be well supported.

Mr A C Ramsay, burgh treasurer, gave a history of the negotiations in connection with the procuring of a site at Garvock Hill. This site, he pointed out, possessed all the characteristics essential to a good inland course. Negotiations were opened with Mr Brown of Burnton, who promptly conceded to the promoters the privilidge of forming a golf course on the site on payment t him of a nominal rent of one shilling per year. That privilidge ran concurrently with Mr Brown’s tenancy. The promoters could not proceed to incur the expense of laying out and equipping a course on a tenure which would close on any interruption in Mr Brown’s tenancy, and accordingly the superiors were approached with a request with that they would guarantee to the club a continuance of the right to the ground in the event of such an interupyion taking place. The Countess of Kintore, in a letter to him, signified compliance with this request. He concluded by stating that it was the intention of the promoters, consistent with good finance, to fix the subscription at a figure which would bring the facilities of golf within the reach of as many as cared to avail themselves of it.

The Reverend Thomas Lawrie moved – “That a golf club be formed, called the Laurencekirk Golf Club”.

A meeting of the committee was afterwards held when the Rev Thomas Lawrie was appointed chairman of committee. The following office-bearers were appointed; Patrons and Patronesses – The Right Hon the Countess of Kintore, Mrs Pearson of Johnstone, Mrs Thornton of Thornton Castle, The Right Hon The Earl of Kintore, The Right Hon Lord Clinton, Lord Falkoner, Keith Hall; Sir John R Gladstone Bt of Fasque; the Hon A C Murray MP; Sir William Sinclair, Manchester; Mr Sydney J Gammell of Drumtochty; Mr W Low of Balmakewan; Mr R B Pearson, advocate, Edinburgh; Mr John Brown of Redhall; Mr Angus Sinclair, New York. Honorary President - Mr William Brown, Pitnamoon; vice-presidents – Mr Arthur Burnett of Garvocklea; Mr Stewart of Davo House; Mr C M Crichton, factor to the Earl of Kintore. Captain – Mr A Pearson of Johnstone; vice-captain – Mr James M Howie; secretary – Mr Arch Taylor; treasurer – Mr A C Ramsey. A Finance committee was also appointed, consisting of the chairman of the committee, the secretary, the treasurer, and D G Booth and J Grant; and it was remitted to this committee to arrange for the issuing of circulars, soliciting donations in aid of the scheme”.

A meeting was held in the Young Men’s Rooms on Wednesday 30 April 1912, Rev Thomas Lawrie, in the chair. Total membership for the year was 82 and there were good prospects of attracting more members. Mr Sidney Herbert, The Heugh, Stonehaven, had become a patron and cheques were acknowledged from him and from Robert Williams, Drumtochty Castle. Mr J A Dykes, Burnton, agreed to accept the office of honorary president in succession to the late Mr W Brown of Pitnamoon. The prizes won in last year’s gentlemen’s handicap were presented as follows; E W Penney, winner; A R Taylor, runner-up; Dr Macmillan; Archibald Taylor, junior. Ladies’ handicap final to be decided between Miss W Duthie and Miss Doroth Law, Miss B Ironside was third and Miss H Bruce fourth. Juveniles’ competition; W D McIntosh winner and J Dawson jun, runner-up.  

The annual meeting held in April 1913.

From the Aberdeen Press and Journal Friday 2 May 1913. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Match against Muchalls Golf Club played on Garvock Hill in August 1913.

The October 1913 monthly medal, donated by Mr J Niven, Broughty Ferry, was won by Mr R Dallas, 84-10-74.

A healthy financial position was reported at the annual meeting held in April 1914, Archibald Taylor, sen., in the chair. The following officers for the ensuing year; Hon. president - J A Dykes, Burnton; hon. vice-president, A Burnett of Garvocklea; president, Rev. Thomas Lawrie, M.A; captain, A Pearson of Johnston; vice-captain, J M Howie; secretary and treasurer, Archibald Taylor, sen. Te following visitors fees were agreed; 9d a day, 3s a week, 4s a fortnight, 6s a month.

The new pavilion was opened in May 1914.

At the annual meeting in April 1915 it was unanimously agreed that no matches should be played during the forthcoming season.

Lauerencekirk golf course – putting on the ninth green. Authors Collection.

The course opens following WW1.

From the Dundee Evening Telegraph Monday 9 June 1919. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

At the annual meeting in March 1920 the Rev Thomas Lawrie MA, was in the chair. The treasurer submitted the balance sheet, it was showing an income of £117/0s/7d and expenditure of £78/17s/6d. The membership for the year was 150. The following were elected office bearers; Hon president, J A Dykes, Burnton; vice-presidents, Major Dawson and Rev Thomas Lawrie; president, J M Howie; captain, R Campbell, vice-captain, David Hampton; secretary and treasurer, Archibald Taylor; match secretary, Arch Taylor jun; auditor William Ironside. Ladies section; captain, Miss Duthie; vice-captain, Miss Low; secretary, Miss Abernethy.

From the Aberdeen Press and Journal Monday 9 May 1921 - "The formal opening of the Laurencekirk course for the season took place on Saturday afternoon. There was a large attendance of members and friends. The proceedings were opened with the usual  match between sides representing the Captain, R Campbell and the vice-captain, D Hampton. At the conclusion of the game the company assembled at the pavilion, where the president, Councillor J M Howie, extended a welcome to all present, commented upon the great improvement that had been effected on the course, and predicted an enthusiastic and successful season. Tea, provided by the lady members, was afterwards served, and a mixed foursome competition was engaged in."

The annual meeting was held on Monday 27 March 1922, Councillor J M Howie, the president, in the chair. A satisfactory balance sheet was submitted and the following officers were elected; R Campbell was appointed president; D G Cownie, captain; Baillie Mitchell, vice-captain; Archibald Taylor, secretary and treasurer. 

In 1923 the secretary was D G Cownie. The green.keeper was Chas Stewart.  A 9-hole course with a membership of 140. The station at Laurencekirk was now only 1 mile from the course. This must have been the later course at Burnhead.

The annual meeting was held in March 1923.

From the Dundee Courier Wednesday 21 March- 1923. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Below is the result of a match played at Laurencekirk against Stonehaven in July 1924.

In August 1928 T C Gordon set a new amateur course record; Round one - 4,3,5,3,3,5,4,4,4 = 35; Round two - 4,3,3,2,4,4,3,4,3 = 30.

The ladies' medal in May 1929 was won by Miss Cheyne, 91-12-79; runner-up was Miss Low, 88-4-84.

At the annual meeting in March 1930 the following officers were elected; President, A Low; captain, V Stavert; vice-captain, A Taylor; secretary and treasurer, D G Cownie; match secretary, J B Williamson; auditor, W J Mitchell; representative to the North East Golf Union, Provost J M Howie.

The ninth green and clubhouse in the 1930s. Postcard by Raphael Tuck for Arch Taylor, Laurencekirk. Authors Collection.

Result of the August 1931 monthly medal; A Callander, 76-6-70; D Shaw, 77-6-71.

A satisfactory financial report was submitted at the annual meeting in March 1932, A Low was in the chair. The following officers were elected; President, Mr Archibald Taylor; captain, D Shaw; vice-captain, J B Williamson; secretary and treasurer, D G Cownie. Ladies section; Captain, Miss Cantley; vice-captain, Miss Spark; secretary, Mrs Archibald Taylor.

Result of a match played against the Alexander's Motor Service Golf Club, Montrose Depot. in June 1934.

David Shaw wins again in August 1934.

Dundee Courier Thursday 9 August 1934. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In the thirty-six hole final of the Howie Cup and Club Championship in July 1935 David Shaw (holder) defeated J B Williamson by 5&4.

Result of the May 1937 monthly medal; Lindsay S Petrie, 68-6-62; D J Reid, 73-10-63; A Simpson, 80-16-64; N Laing, 81-16-65. Junior competition; D Low, 99-30-69; J H Horne, 93-20-73; John Merchant, 98-25-73.

Leading scores in a junior competition played in June 1937; J Merchant, F Gerrie, J Horne, S McIlwaine, J Brand, N Dallas and H Lawrie.

In a stiff breeze in September 1937 J B Williamson went round the nine-hole Garvock Hill in 30 strokes, his score as follows; 3,3,4,3,3,4,3,4,3.

In a letter submitted at the annual meeting in March 1938 Mr J M Howie offered the gift of a new trophy to replace the present Handicap Cup. The trophy would be known as the Silver Jubilee Cup, the club having been in existence for over twenty five years (the present club had actually been founded in 1911). Councillor David Shaw, the retiring president, thanked Mr Howie for his generous gift. Mr J B Williamson, secretary and treasurer, produced the balance sheet which showed a loss of £3/4s/1d, leaving a balance in hand of £20/8/2. The following officers were appointed; hon. president, Major J A Dawson; hon. vice-presidents, A Anderson, A Low, R Milne, R B Pearson, A B Mitchell and D G Cownie; president, J M Howie; captain, L S Petrie; vice-captain, A Stuart; match secretary, A N Laing; secretary and treasurer, J B Williamson; auditor, T Brown. Women’s section – captain, Miss E Watt; vice-captain, Miss A Duthie; joint secretaries, Mrs A Taylor and Miss H Carr. Thanks were passed on to the officials for their services, including Miss Spark, who had been secretary for the women’s section, and Councillor Shaw, who had been president for three years.

At the annual meeting held in April 1940 it was decided that members serving with the Forces would be allowed to continue their membership without payment of the annual subs. The financial report, submitted by Mr J B Williamson, showed a balance in hand of £26/9s/11d and this was considered very satisfactory. Provost Howie, the retiring president, and Mr Williamson were thanked for their services. The following office-bearers were elected; President – Mr L S Petrie; captain – Andrew Stuart; vice-captain – Keith Allan; secretary and treasurer, James B Williamson; auditor – L S Petrie; women’s section, captain – Miss Watt; vice–captain – Miss Duthie; joint secretaries – Mrs Taylor and Miss Carr.

In 1940 and 1947 the secretary was J B Williamson, “St Anns” Laurencekirk, telephone17 and the green-keeper W Eaton. 9-holes with a SSS of 30, par of 34 and a membership of 70. Amateur course record holder was J B Williamson 30. Visitors’ fees were 1/- a day, 4/6d a week, 7/6d a fortnight and 10/- a month. Sunday play was not allowed. Local hotels were the Royal, Alma and Gardenston.

It was reported in April 1951 that Laurencekirk Golf Club, which had been wound up, had given £200 to Laurencekirk J.S. School, the interest of which was to be devoted to the school sports fund. The money was to be retained in the name of the headmaster for 20 years, and if, in that time, the golf club has not been re-formed, it should be handed over to the school. Several of the club trophies were also handed over. 

The golf course at Burnhead. 

Laurencekirk Golf Club had disappeared by 1951.