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Taynuilt (Bonawe) Golf Club, Taynuilt, Argyll. (1891 - 1953)
Evidence of a proposed club appeared in The Scotsman Monday 30 November 1891. "Taynuilt - A meeting of residents favourable to the forming of a golf club was held in the Taynuilt Hotel on the evening of Friday last. A A L Campbell of Lochneil occupied the chair. It was unanimously resolved that a committee be appointed, consisting of Dr. Macnaughton, D Macdonald, and David Baird to select a suitable course, and to take steps towards the formation of a club, to be called The Bonawe Golfing Club."
The first short lived Bonawe course was located at Brochroy close to the River Nant.
Below is a report on the opening of the course In April 1892.
From The Scotsman Tuesday 5 April 1892. Image © Johnston Press plc.
Ordnance Survey Map below shows Brochroy at the bottom.
O.S. Map Revised 1897; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1900}.
The next course of the Taynuilt Golf Club appears in 1906.
Report on the new course from The Scotsman Saturday 26 May 1906; "Taynuilt New Course - The following is a report by Mr William Fernie, Troon, on a proposed golf course for Taynuilt, Argyllshire: "Having been instructed by the Lochnell Estates Trustees to advice them with reference to the laying out of a golf course on the Lochnell Estate at Taynuilt. I visited and inspected the ground proposed. This consists for the most part of what are known as the Bonawe Parks, lying to the north of the Callender and Oban Railway, and between the River Awe on the east and the River Nant to the west. These parks consist of fine old pasture land and are of an undulating and highly diversified character, interspersed with clumps of trees, and containing three small ponds or tarns. The soil and character of the grass are very suitable for the formation of a golf course, and an excellent nine-hole course, extending to about 2,700 yards, has been laid out on a plan recommended by me, while room is left for ultimately extending the course to the full eighteen-holes if this should be desired. The holes are varied in character, some of them possessing natural features which form capital hazards, the putting greens are admirably situated and of ample size, while it would be difficult to surpass in beauty the surroundings which the course possesses. The mountains of Ben Cruachan, Ben Staray, and others of the Glen Etive range are prominent features in the landscape, while Loch Etive with its picturesque shores and the mountains of Mull and Lorn are seen from many points. The course, with proper attention, should be in good order for play early in the summer, and I am confident that it will prove a success and add greatly to the attractions of Taynuilt. A convenient site for a clubhouse will be found near the first teeing ground and within 200 yards of Taynuilt Railway Station and village. The following are the approximate length of the holes; First hole, 212 yards; second hole, 379 yards; third hole, 194 yards; fourth hole, 228 yards; fifth hole, 260 yards; sixth hole, 450 yards; seventh hole, 258 yards; eighth hole, 420 yards; ninth hole, 220 yards."
Ordnance Survey Map below shows the location of the Taynuilt golf course. It was located north of the Callander & Oban Railway line, near the Curling Pond.
O.S. Map Revised 1897; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1900}.
Still known as Bonawe Golf Club in the advert below.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 13 April 1907. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 21 August 1909. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Course record in 1909.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 13 November 1909. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Advert from June 1912 - Man wanted for Taynuilt Golf Course; able to work horse; Apply A MacInnes, secretary.
In 1914 the secretary was James MacMillan. A 9-hole course with a membership of 55. Sunday play was not allowed. The professional from 1906 until 1910 was Allan McDougall.
An advert for the sale of the 380 acre Bonawe Estate was reported in June 1914. Included in the sale was Taynuilt Golf Course which was on the Estate.
The Taynuilt/Bonawe Golf Club disappeared at the time of WW1.
Attempt to resuscitate the club and course in August 1929.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 31 August 1929. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD
A revival in 1935 on the course laid out by Sandy Herd, reports below.
From the Dundee Courier Friday 26 April 1935. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 4 May 1935. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Report on the first annual meeting in September 1935.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 21 September 1935. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Result of the 1936 July monthly medal; Dugald Macdonald, 73 net; John C Niven, 75 net; Ladies' (12-holes); Mrs Henderson, 65; The Hon. Mrs Finley, 66 net.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 26 September 1936. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
From the 1937 Golfer's Handbook; Taynuilt Golf Club; Membership, 120; Secretary - W D Bertram, Highfield, Taynuilt; Professional and green-keeper, R Bannaford; 9-holes; Visitors, 2s a day, 10s a week, 18s a fortnight, 23s a month.
Result of a mixed foursome played in August 1937; Miss Melville and Colin MacIntyre beat Miss Wilson and Ian Gunn.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 2 April 1938. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 3 April 1943. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
From the 1947 Golfer's Handbook; Taynuilt Golf Club; Nine-holes; Membership of 120; Secretary - W D Bertram, Nant Bank, Taynuilt; Station, half-mile.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 21 March 1953. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
The current Taynuilt Golf Club was founded in 1987.
The Google Map below pinpoints the location of the later golf course.