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Orkney Golf Club, Kirkwall. (1889 - 1902)

The club was founded in March 1889.

The first course was at Birsay, the club also played competitions on courses at Rothisholm, Stronsay and on Deerness Links. There was also a course at Pickaquoy, the lease ran out on the land at the end of 1901. 

Competition for the Captain's Medal played in May 1889.

Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands Wednesday 5 June 1889. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Sporting Gazette Saturday 6 July 1889. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

In July 1889 the first competition for the "Star" presented by Sheriff Thoms was played. Eight couples started, the play was three rounds of the Pickaquoy course. Mr Buchanan went round in 102 and won the medal; Sheriff Armour second with 105; Mr Stewart third with 109.

The club held their last competition of the season for the Sheriff Armour's medal on the Birsay course on Saturday 5 October 1889, result; B H Hossack, 88-11-77; A Buchanan, 80 scratch; M L Howman, 88 scratch; D Stewart, 88 scratch.

From the Scotsman Monday 14 October 1889. "Orkney Golf Club - The members of this club played at Pickaquoy on Saturday for the silver star presented by Sheriff Thoms, the for best scores; D Stewart, 101; Dr. Bell, 107; M L Howman, 112; Dr. Sinclair, 115. The course was thrice round - 31 holes. The ground was heavy and the scoring difficult." 

Extract from the Golfing Annual 1888/89.

The first competition of the season for Sheriff Armour's medal was held on the Birsay links on Saturday 26 April 1890. The course was covered with sea-weed, which made scoring difficult. The course was twice round, 18-holes; Mr Fortescue, 98; Mr Howman, 99; A J Gold, 101; George Campbell, 118-15-103; A Gold, 103.

In June 1890 the competition for Sheriff Thom's challenge star was played on the Pickaquoy course; M L Howman, 99; Sheriff Armour, 102; W I Fortescue, 106; A Buchanan, 107; B H Hossack, 110; J McEwen, 112; A Gold, 117. 

Below the club play a competition on Deerness Links In April 1891.

From the Dundee Courier Tuesday 21 April 1891. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

In June 1891 the competition for Sheriff Thom's Star was played on the Pickaquoy, the course was three rounds, 21-holes; J McEwen, 96; Sheriff Armour, 105; Dr. Russell, 110; Dr. Bell, 111; Dr. Sinclair, 115.

The monthly handicap was played on the Deerness links on Saturday 20 June 1891 in thick fog; John McEwen, 96 scratch; Sheriff Armour, 107-9-98; Dr Russell, 118-15-103; Andrew Walls, 126-18-108; Mr Shepherd, 134-18-116. 

The competition for Sheriff Thomson's Star was played in August 1892; Mr Mackintosh, 99-18-81; Mr Brown, 84 scratch; Dr Russell, 88 scratch.

A competition was played over Christmas in 1894. Messrs Brass and Walls tied for first place with scores of 96; Mr Sutherland was third with 98.

Below a match against Shetland Golf Club in May 1895.

From the Shetland Times Saturday 11 May 1895. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Opening of the new course on Thursday 23 April 1896.

From the Aberdeen Press and Journal Friday 24 April 1896. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Result of a match played at Bressay, Shetland, against Orkney) Golf Club in April 1896.

The extended Pickaquoy course opens in April 1898.

Shetland Times Saturday 30 April 1898. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

In June 1898 a presentation of a handsome silver silver bowl was made to Angus Buchanan by the members of the Orkney Golf Club. It was inscribed "Presented to Angus Buchanan, Esq., in grateful recognition of his services" and to Mrs Buchanan went a case containing six silver teaspoons and tongs. The presentation was made by Mr Gold, chamberlain to the Marquis of Zetland, who stated that it was owing to the exertions of Mr Buchanan that they now had such a good golf course. He had been treasurer since the club had been formed in 1889, and it had increased its membership steadily to the present number of 111. 

The four best scores from the May 1899 medal; P Brass, 89-6-83; W McBeath, 109-24-85; J D McEwan, 88-2-86; A Buchanan, 92-6-86.  The weathers was fine and the greens were in splendid condition.

Result of the June 1899 monthly medal; W Gibson, 94-9-85; W MacLennan, 98-12-86; J Slater, 96--9-87; J D MacEwan, 90-2-88; J MacEwen, 89 scratch; A Mitchell, 96-7-89. 

The annual visit of Orkney Golf Club to Rothi(e)sholm Links, Stronsay, took place on Saturday 15 July 1899. Over 100 golfers and their friends spent a most enjoyable day, the weather was beautiful and the greens in good order. Result of the competition; Peter Brass, 169 (Mr Sutherland's Gold Medal); A Buchanan, 171; John Milne, 173.

Below location of the Rothisholm, Links.

Ordnance Survey Map © Crown Copyright {1903}

The competition for the Hedderwick Cup was played on the Pickaquoy course on Saturday 4 May 1901; D Stewart, 95-7-88; A Mitchell, 98-7-91; W W Craigie, 104-12-92; J F Reekie, 95 scratch; Rev. D McDonald, 96 scratch; J Flett, 103-7-96.

Orcadian Saturday 14 September 1901. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

It was reported in the Shetland Times in May 1902 that "Sheriff Cosens has presented a flag to the Orkney Golf Club. We understand that the flag formerly belonged to the ill-fated St Rognvald which was wrecked at Burgh Head, Stronsay."

The club moved to land at Grainbank in July 1902, the clubs current location.

The first golf course at Birsay. Reproduced from the {1902} Ordnance Survey Map.

The Google Map below shows the location of the former Birsay golf course.

 

The location of the Pickaquoy course. Reproduced from the {1902} Ordnance Survey Map.

 

The Google Map below shows the location of the earlier Pickaquoy golf course.