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Downfield Golf Club, Dundee. (1895 - 1964)

The first nine-hole course was at Baldoven, it didn't survive WW1.

The club was revived in 1932 with an eighteen-hole course at St Mary's. The club moved to it's current location in 1962. 

On Friday 1 November 1895 a meeting was held in Downfield Public Hall to discuss the formation of a golf club. It was unanimously decided to form a club. Mr William Smith, Parish Councillor was appointed president and Mr George Tarbat interim secretary. A deputation consisting of the president, Dr Butter, Mr Anderson and the secretary were to meet with Sir Reginald Ogilvy to try and obtain ground on Old Farm, Baldovan.

Report below on a constructive meeting with Sir Reginald Ogilvy on the proposed course.

Dundee Courier Wednesday 13 November 1895. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The course was opened on Saturday 28 December 1895.

Dundee Courier Monday 30 December 1895. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The club was often referred to as Baldovan in the early years. The original clubhouse was a former horse drawn tramcar.

Dundee Advertiser 3 February 1896. Images © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Dundee Advertiser Monday 24 October 1898. Content provided by THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Result of a match played at Kirriemuir on the Kirremuir Hill course in July 1899.

There was a good turn out of members for the annual New Year’s Day tournament in 1900, scoring proved difficult due to the frost; First class – winner, Lewis Carmichael; second, William Sellar; third, D Y Preston; Second class – Charles Soutar; Robert Smith; R S Luke; Ladies competition, Miss Tawse; Miss Black; Miss Irons.

The Baldovan club pavilion.

There was a good crowd gathered on the afternoon of Saturday 30 June 1900 to see the exhibition match between Willie and David Auchterlonie, of St Andrews, and two lucky Downfield members. The course was in great condition after some recent improvements, although the greens were a little heavy. Willie was partnered with Mr Golder and David with Mr Melville. All the players were in good form, and the match, which was closely contested throughout, resulted in a win for Willie and his partner by 2 and 1. After tea, which was served on the course to those present, the brothers played a singles match over nine holes, during which a new record was set. Unfortunately which brother actually set the record was not reported, but the score was, as follows 3,3,4,4,3,4,5,5,4 = 35. It was planned that the members would play a mixed foursome to finish the day off, but unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worse and the Secretary versus Captain match was called off.

Ordnance Survey Map from the early 1900s showing the Baldovan golf course.

O.S. Map Revised 1900; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1903}.

From the 1905 Nisbet's Golf Yearbook; Membership of 124; Hon. secretary - W Eckford, Clifton Bank, Downfield, Dundee; Captain - W Smith J.P; Entrance Fee nil and Subs £1; Nine-holes; Amateur Record - J Melville, 34; Terms for visitors - 3d a round of eighteen-holes, 2s/6d a week, 5s a month. This is a good inland course within the policies of Baldovan House, owned by Sir Reg. Ogilvy, Bart.

Baldovan House was demolished in 2002.

Result of a match Played against St Andrews on Saturday 11 April 1908 at Downfield. The course was in splendid order and received much praise from the visiting team.

Result of a bogey competition played in May 1908; J R Taylor, 5up; W Bruce (4) and A M Reid (scratch) 3up. The third round for the Smith gold medal also took place; D Sott beat W Wishart; W Eckford beat A J Forbes; W Brechin beat J M Clark; M Golder beat A Paton.

Playing over the Baldovan course on Saturday 29th August 1908 Mr Fred Baldie, St Andrews Club, completed the nine holes in 31 strokes, a new course record (4,3,4,4,4,2,4,3,3). The previous record of 32 was set in June 1907 by J C Dickson.

Result of a match played at Baldovan against the local Temperance Club in August 1908.

Result of a bogey competition held on Saturday 5 September 1908; J M Clark (6) 2up; W Bruce (3) and G Proctor (12) tied for second on all square; J C Dickson third.

Result of a match played against Cupar at Baldovan in September 1908.

Result of a match against "Courier and Electric" played over the Monifieth links in May 1910.

The annual meeting of the Baldovan club was held in December 1910 Captain W C Lamb, presided. The following officers were elected; Hon. Captain, Sir Gilchrist Ogilvy, Bart.; captain, W C Lamb; vice-captain, J White; secretary, W Eckford; treasurer, A M Reid; match-secretary, J C Dickson; green curator, J M Clark. 

The above image is from the Dundee Evening Telegraph Monday 28 April 1913. “Mr Spark driving off at the first tee, with the new pavilion in the rear. The opening ceremony was performed by Mr C Mitchell.” 

On Thursday 21 August 1913 Mr J Carmichael Dickinson, a well known Forfarshire golfer, equalled the course record for the Downfield course. His impressive score as follows; Out - 5,4,4,4,4,3,4,4,3 = 35; Home – 4,3,4,4,4,4,5,3,2 = 33, total 68.

The Baldovan course was required for agriculture during WW1.

Report on the Baldovan course in June 1919.

Dundee Evening Telegraph Wednesday 25 June 1919. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd (Aberdeen cut-off). Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Location of the Baldovan course. 

The Downfield Golf Club reappears in 1932 on a course designed by James Braid at St Mary's.

Most of the course was lost and used for a housing development in 1964.

From James Braid and his 400 Golf Courses published in 2013 by John F Moreton and Iain Cumming; “James Braid visited in 1933 – Downfield’s original course was in play in 1932 after David Millar, the Rosemount professional, had laid out a nine-holes. Braid extended the course to eighteen holes the following year. In 1956 Dundee Corporation offered an exchange of land with additional acreage, so that a housing estate could be built. The Corporation also provided money towards the construction of fifteen new greens, fourteen tees and twelve fairways. C K Cotton was the designer of the new course. Now this looks oddly precise, and on reflection means that some of the old course was retained, roughly five holes. In detail, the present tenth was Braid’s sixth lengthened, the eleventh, Braid’s seventh, the twelfth Braid’s eighth, with new green, the fifteenth Braid’s ninth, with different first half, and the sixteenth, Braid’s tenth. C K Cotton was responsive to Braid’s holes and his reputation, and Downfield is regarded as one of the best parkland, tree-lined, elevated courses in Scotland.”

Work starts on the new course in 1932.

Dundee Courier Saturday 19 November 1932. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd (Aberdeen cut-off). Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Dundee Courier Monday 1 May 1933. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd (Aberdeen cut-off). Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Dundee Evening Telegraph Monday 1 May 1933. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd (Aberdeen cut-off). Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Fred Walker appointed professional.

Dundee Courier Saturday 3 June 1933. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd (Aberdeen cut-off). Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In the final of the club championship in September 1933 George B Lamb defeated M Richardson by 5 and 4. Alan Murray and D B Lamb were the other semi-finalists.

Daily Record Thursday 12 October 1933 – “Downfield Golf Course, Dundee, which was opened this year, is to be extended from nine holes to eighteen. The committee have decided to consult James Braid regarding the layout of the extension.” Professional, F S Walker; Green-keeper, J Leith; Amateur course record, T G Gray, 71; 18-holes, Par and SSS 72; Visitors, 2s a day, Weekends, 3s a round, 5s a day.

Dundee Courier Thursday 26 October1933. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd (Aberdeen cut-off). Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The following officers were elected at the annual meeting in May 1934; Hon. president, William Stiven; Hon. vice-president, Mrs T Smith; Captain, W C Lamb; Vice-captain, T M Sparks; Hon. secretary, A P Sparks; Hon. treasurer, John Stiven. Unanimous satisfaction was expressed with the progress made in the first year. The clubhouse extension was now practically complete. They were indebted to James Braid for the manner in which he had taken advantage of the natural features of the new area to give them an inland course second to none in lay out. Membership now stood at 530, with 100 names on the waiting list.

Dundee Courier Saturday 19 May 1934. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd (Aberdeen cut-off). Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Dundee Courier Monday 21 May 1934. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd (Aberdeen cut-off). Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The following office-bearers were elected in February 1936; Captain, F B Murray; Vice-captain, Arthur Yeaman; Secretary – M Mottashaw, 2 Gibson Terrace, Mains Loan, Dundee; Committee-Messrs. N Bathie, J B Brown, G Redpath, A D’All, A Keith and W Kidd. Mr Gray handed over monthly spoons won during the past year; A Keith, M Mottashaw (2), J B Brown, W Kidd and J McGregor.

In the 36-hole club championship in August 1936 Walter Smith defeated J C McAllister by two and one. In the boys’ championship final Jack Buchan beat W C Gillespie by six and five.

From the 1937 Golfer’s Handbook; Membership 700; Secretary – D Fitzgerald, 4 India Buildings, Dundee; Professional, F S Walker; Green-keeper, J Leith; Amateur course record, T G Gray, 71; 18-holes, Par and SSS 72; Visitors, 2s a day, Weekends, 3s a round, 5s a day.

Report on the annual meeting in May 1937.

Dundee Courier Friday 21 May 1937. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd (Aberdeen cut-off). Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Lady champion lays out golf course in Wales.

Dundee Courier Wednesday 18 May 1938. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd (Aberdeen cut-off). Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The annual meeting was held in the clubhouse in February 1939, A S Yeaman, captain, presided. The following officers were elected; Captain, A S Yeaman; Vice-captain, Neil Bathie; Secretary, G B Lamb, 4 Glenmoy Avenue, Dundee; Committee – J B Brown, N Brown, G Crockatt, F Milne, G Redpath, L Scott and J U Wallace.

Downfield team to face Carnoustie, Dalhousie, in June 1939; W Smith and J C McAllister; G B Lamb and J Petrie; M Sangster and S Duthie; J N Wallace and T G Gass; F B Murray and J Gray; R S Gray and J Hendry; A B Ferguson and J A Galloway; M Mottowshaw and P D Cameron; J G McGill and J M Jackson; J R Simpson and W Gillespie, jun.; G Farquharson and J S Yeaman; N Duncan, jun. and A E Ireland.

Report on the annual meeting in March 1940.

Dundee Courier Wednesday 13 March 1940. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd (Aberdeen cut-off). Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In the club championship played over 36-holes in September 1942 J C McAllister defeated Arthur Swayne 5 and 4.

George Farquharson, captain, presided at the annual meeting in March 1943. The balance sheet showed a satisfactory position. Following officers were elected; Hon. president, William C Lamb; Hon. vice-president, Mrs C W Smith; Captain, James Keay; Vice-captain, A Bruce Ferguson; Treasurer and interim secretary, John Stiven; Match secretary, David F Stirton. Following were elected to vacancies on the committee; George Farquharson, William C Lamb, J W McDonald and M Mottashaw.

Golfer’s Handbook 1947; Membership 600; Secretary - J Stevens, 7 Bank Avenue, Dundee; Professional, F S Walker; Green-keeper, J Leith; Course records; Amateur; T G Gray, 71; Professional; F S Walker, 67; Professional, F S Walker; Green-keeper, J Leith; Amateur course record, T G Gray, 71; 18-holes, Par and SSS 72; Visitors, 2s a day, Weekends, 3s a round, 5s a day. 18-holes, Par and SSS 72; Visitors, 2s a day, Weekends, 3s a round, 5s a day.

The following officers were elected at the annual meeting in March 1949; Hon. president, W C Lamb; Vice-president, Mrs C W Smith; Captain, T Gass; Vice-captain, James A Sturrock; Hon. secretary, Stewart Duthie; Hon. treasurer, John Stiven; Match secretary, Walter Smith; New members of the committee; John Hendry and Cecil Blyth.

Golfer’s Handbook 1951 - 1957; Membership 650; Hon. secretary – S Duthie, 6 Sunnybrae Terrace, Downfield; Professional, F S Walker; 18-holes, Par and SSS 72; Visitors, 2s/6d round, 4s a day; weekend, 3s a round, 5s a day.

In the September 1951 spoon competition Norman J Duncan returned a score of 69, a new amateur record for the course. Score; Out – 4,3,5,4,2,3,4,2,6=33; In – 3,5,4,3,3,3,5,5,5=36. Spoon result; K M Ritchie (8), 63; N J Duncan(4), 65; J Petrie (6), 68.

In June 1952 a gallery of 300 saw D C Shields beat J McAllister in final the Downfield Club Championship.

Dundee Courier Friday 16 September 1955. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd (Aberdeen cut-off). Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Dundee Courier Wednesday 23 November 1955. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd (Aberdeen cut-off). Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In March 1957 a dinner was held by the lady members of the Downfield Golf Club. The championship trophy was presented to Miss Margaret Walker, daughter of the club’s professional.

From the Edinburgh Evening News Thursday 7 December 1961 – “Bobby Walker the young Downfield golf assistant, is to make a tour of the Far East early next year, when he will compete in five tournaments which offer total prizes of £20,000. The youngest ever Sottish professional champion, Walker, who is only 18, will fly early in February to play in the Philippine Open at Manilla, a tournament in Singapore; the Malaya Open at Kuala Lumpur; the Hong Cong Open, and the Yomieure tournament in Japan. George Grant, the Dundee sportsman and promoter, is sponsoring Walker for his tournament programme for the next three years. Walker also held the Scottish assistant professionals’ title.” Walker was the son of Fred Walker, the professional at Downfield. Fred had been the professional at Downfield since 1933 and was there, except during WW2 when he was involved in war service, until his retirement in 1972. Bobby Walker went on to have a successful career playing in many events, winning nine professional tournaments.   

The new clubhouse in 1964.

The Scotsman Wednesday 29 April 1964. Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

It was reported in October 1964 that the Dundee Housing Committee had accepted a tender of nearly £6,000,000 to build six multi-storey blocks, each containing 298 homes, on the eastern end of Downfield Golf Course. The development would include underground garaging for 500 cars.

Bartholomew Map showing the St Mary's Golf Course at the time of WW2.

Bartholomew © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1943}.