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Garelochhead Golf Club, Argyll & Bute. (1896 - WW2) 

Founded in 1896, when the address was Garelochhead Golf Club, Dumbarton.

A 9-hole hillside course with good scenery that was always in good condition and popular with holidaymakers. The clubhouse was not licensed but soft drinks were available from the professional. Sunday play was not allowed. The West Highland Railway station adjoined the course. Local hotel was the Woodlea.

The clubhouse was opened on Saturday the 3 July 1897 by the Rev W E Ireland. There was a large turnout of members and friends, the course was in splendid condition and was busy all day.

From the 1905 Nisbet's Golf Yearbook; Instituted 1896; Membership 60; Hon. secretary, David Stark; Captain, David Reid; Entrance fee, nil, subs, 10 shillings; Nine-holes; Visitors, 1 shilling a day. The course is on a hillside and is always in a very fair order. It commands a beautiful view of Gareloch, Loch Gill and Loch Long Hills.

The Scotsman Wednesday 15 March 1911. Image © National World Publishing Ltd.

In 1914 there was a membership of 90. Entry fee for gents was 5/-; there was no entry fee for ladies. Subs for gents 10/- and ladies 5/-. Visitors’ fees were 1/- a day, 2/6d a week and 5/- a month.

In October 1916 the club held a concert on behalf of the Red Cross and Ralston Hospital for paralysed soldiers, £14/2s was raised.

In the early and mid 1920s the secretary was still Miss Campbell. Visitors fees were now, 1/- a round, 2/- a day, 5/- a week and 10/- a month.

View from the railway station in the mid 1920s.

In 1928 membership was 50.

From 1929 to the mid 1930s membership was around 70.

From 1936 to the club’s last appearance in 1940, SSS for the 9 holes was 36.

Ordnance Survey Map from the 1920s showing the golf course.

O.S. Map Revised 1914; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1924}.

Play was suspended due to WW2 and the club fell into decline following the war.