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Fort William (Lochaber) Golf Club, Highland. (1890 - 1960s)
The club was founded in 1890.
It was frequently referred to as Locahber Golf Club in the early years when the course was located at Auchintore.
In 1910 the club moved to Black Parks, this course ceased to exist during WW1.
Following the war the club moved to the course near Cow Hill where it remained until closure.
Report on the new club and course in May 1891.
"Golf" Friday 22 May 1891. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Match and competition results from June 1891.
"Golf" Friday 12 June 1891. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
From the Golfing Annual Vol. V - 1891-92; "Fort William - Lochaber Golf Club, Instituted 1890; Entrance Fee, £1; Annual Subscription, Ten Shillings; Number of Members, 20; President - D Macleish, Bank of Scotland; Captain, W Murray; Secretary - Colin Livingston, Public School, Fort William; Treasurer - W D Barclay, Bank of Scotland; Committee - A S Macintyre, W B Mackenzie, A Macdougall and A W Macdonald. The only club prize is the President's Medal."
Report on the annual meeting in 1893.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 1 April 1893. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
The annual business meeting was held on Tuesday 6 March 1894, Mr D Macleish presided. Mr Barclay submitted the balance sheet which showed a balance in hand of £3. It was agreed to make some permanent alterations to the course in view of the opening of the West Highland Railway. The course was situated above Fort William within ten minutes walk of the railway station and overlooked Loch Linnhe and Eil. The following office bearers were appointed; president - D Macleish, banker; vice-presidents – N B Mackenzie, banker, and A W Macdonald, Invernevis; captain – C Livingston, Schoolhouse; secretary and treasurer – William D Barclay, Bank of Scotland; committee – Rev D Carmichael, William Macdonald, John Macphee and A Macdougall.
"Golf" Friday 9 March 1894. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
In a competition in June 1894 Mr W D Barclay went round eighteen-holes in 93 (44 and 49). Playing a practice round the same evening he broke the record by doing the double round in 87 (44 and 43). A Macdougall, bookseller, did the single round in 41, best yet recorded.
The annual meeting of the Lochaber Golf Club in March 1895 when the following officers were elected; president , D Macleish; vice-presidents, N B Mackenzie and John Macdonald; captain, C Livingston; secretary, W D Barclay; treasurer, R Wilkie; committee – Rev D Macmichael, Alexander Macdougall, John Macphee, Thomas Allison and T Scott. Membership now exceeded 30.
From the Inverness Courier Friday 1 November 1895. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
From the Inverness Courier Friday 29 November 1895. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
In February 1896 Hector Fraser went round the nine-holes in 37, beating the previous by three strokes.
Result of a match played at Port Appin in April 1898.
| Appin Golf Club | Fort William Golf Club | ||
| D McIntyre | 5 | D MacNiven | 0 |
| R Morrison | 0 | W MacNiven | 0 |
| D T Smith | 0 | J MacLean | 2 |
| C McMillan | 3 | C Livingston | 0 |
| D D F McIntyre | 3 | Hector Fraser | 0 |
| Robert Grieve | 0 | Alex Clough | 4 |
| D McMillan | 0 | J Sinclair | 7 |
| James Rowan | 8 | Mr Young | 0 |
| 19 | 13 |
The following is from the 1905 Nisbet's Golf Yearbook; *Fort William Golf Club; Instituted 1892; Membership of 30; Hon. Secretary - H Fraser, Court House, Fort William; Captain - A Mackay, M.A; Entrance Fee, nil and Subs 10s and 5s; 9-holes; Amateur Record - T R Fraser, 86; Fixtures - Monthly Medal, Mathieson Challenge Cup (September); Visitors' fees, 5s a week and 10s a month. The course is on high ground above Fort William. The holes average from 100 yards to 300 yards. The course is very sporting in character and affords ample opportunity of testing the skills of the player. The scenery from all parts of the course is magnificent.
* Note - Listed as Fort William Golf Club in Nisbet's.
Early picture courtesy of Frank Accleton.
Result of the Matheson Cup competition played in June 1906. Walter Ross, 91; F D Sime, 95; H Fraser, 98.
A meeting was held in October 1906 were certain improvements were authorised to be carried out on the Lochaber (Fort William) course, D Macnaughton was appointed green-keeper for the year. Considerable improvements had already been made, the greens had been levelled and regularly mown, quantities of gorse cut, and everything was generally progressing well.
A stroke competition was held in November 1906, the prize being three golf balls donated by D R Magillivray, Corpach, result; F D Sime, 93-6-87; A Young, 101-9-92; T Allison, 113-20-93; Keith Falconer, 109-15-94; H Fraser, 101-6-95; Rev G M Maclean, 102-6-96; W Ross, 104-6-98; R Marshall, 124-25-99.
On Saturday 23 May 1908 Fort William visited Spean Bridge Golf Club to play for points in the Inter-Challenge Trophy.
| Spean Bridge Golf Club | Fort William Golf Club | ||
| J Macnab | 0 | F D Syme | 1 |
| D Cameron | 0 | F R Maclolm | 1 |
| W Mackenzie | 0 | H Fraser | 1 |
| D Macdonad (half) | 0 | C Young (half) | 0 |
| W Macardie | 0 | R Ross | 1 |
| J Macdougall | 0 | G M Blair | 1 |
| 0 | 5 |
Below the mention of a new course.
From the Inverness Courier Friday 29 October 1909. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
The above postcard was posted in Fort William in July 1910.
Report on the new course in September 1910.
Northern Chronicle and General Advertiser for the North of Scotland Wednesday 21 September 1910. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 18 May 1912. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Report on the course in November 1912.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 16 November 1912. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Ordnance Survey Map showing Black Parks, location of the new course in 1910 until WW1.
O.S. Map Revised 1899; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1904}.
Selling the golf pavilion in 1920.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 21 February 1920. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 18 June 1921. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Report on the new course "on rising ground above the town" at Fort William in July 1921.
The Scotsman Thursday 28 July 1921.Image © Johnston Press plc.
Result of a match played in April 1922.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 29 April 1922. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
From the Oban Times Saturday 31 May 1924 - "The Captain, Mr J L Blair, presided over the annual meeting of the club, held last week, when the financial statement submitted by the treasurer was considered satisfactory. Prizes won during the year where handed to the successful by Mr Blair as follows; Hon. president's prize, M MacColl; Captain's prize (mixed foursome), Miss Dorothy MacLennan and J Troughton; Golf bag presented by the late Mr Burgess, Mr D S Young. The new office bearers elected; Hon. President, Mr E E Malcolm; Hon. Vice-Presidents; Lieut. Col. H Fraser an D Wright; Captain, J Schoolar; Vice-Captain, R Dow; Hon. Secretary, Geo. MacRitchie; Treasurer, W Mitchell."
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 22 August 1925. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Report on the annual meeting in May 1926.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 22 May 1926. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Below is the result of a match played at Kingussie in May 1928.
| Kingussie Golf Club | Fort William Golf Club | ||
| A Cattanach (half) | 0 | W F Smith (half) | 0 |
| G M McFarlane | 1 | D Peat junior | 0 |
| A G Mackintosh | 0 | A Forrester | 1 |
| J A McDonald | 1 | R Ross | 0 |
| E Cattanach | 0 | J McWilliam | 1 |
| W R F McGillivray | 1 | R Cooper | 0 |
| J McKenzie | 1 | C Robertson | 0 |
| C Hood | 1 | D A Gibbons | 0 |
| F Lamont | 0 | A McRae | 1 |
| William McGillivray | 0 | A F McIntyre (half) | 0 |
| J T Murchie | 1 | R J Campbell | 0 |
| G Mirtle | 1 | A Cormack | 0 |
| T R Paton | 0 | W D McArthie | 1 |
| A C Thomson | 0 | A Johnstone | 1 |
| T McGillivray | 1 | J Troughton | 0 |
| J M Kidd | 0 | R Dow | 1 |
| C D Young | 1 | T B Ritchie | 0 |
| J McLean | 0 | Dr McIver | 1 |
| 9 | 7 |
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 25 June 1932. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Postcard from the 1930s.
The following article appeared in the Dundee Courier in October 1933; When Ewen Kennedy returned a winning score of 63 in a medal competition at Fort William he had been using clubs fitted with a new patent attachment invented by his fellow townsman, Kenneth Stewart. This devise is claimed to increase the length of the drive and to lead to a greater degree of accuracy in all-round play. The secretary of the Fort William Golf Club, however, has his doubts as to the legality of such clubs, and has written to the Royal and Ancient Club at St Andrews for a ruling on the question.
Report on the annual meeting in March 1934.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 31 March 1934. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
First club championship September 1934.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 22 September 1934. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
It was reported in April 1935 that Mr Duncan Ross had died at the age of 90. He was a keen golfer and until a few years ago he had been an active member and office-bearer at the Fort William Golf Club.
In June 1935 Fort William beat Fort Augustus by winning eleven matches out of twenty thus securing the Andrew Stewart Challenge Shield for the third successive year.
Below is the result of a match played at Kingussie in May 1936.
| Kingussie Golf Club | Fort William Golf Club | ||
| Robert Macpherson | 1 | D Peat | 0 |
| Ronald Macpherson | 0 | A T Scott | 1 |
| C C Hood | 1 | D Cameron | 0 |
| J MacKenzie | 1 | D A MacRitchie | 0 |
| E Cattanach | 1 | A MacRae | 0 |
| P Macgillivray | 1 | K Stewart | 0 |
| A Cameron | 1 | A Cormack | 0 |
| Ian Millar | 0 | Dr Maciver | 1 |
| W MacLean | 1 | A Black | 0 |
| J M Kidd | 1 | R Cooper | 0 |
| John Cattanach | 1 | J MacLean | 0 |
| W Macgillivray | 1 | J MacDonald | 0 |
| Frank Bremner | 1 | R MacLure | 0 |
| C D Young | 1 | S Cormack | 0 |
| 12 | 2 |
Result of a competition played on the Fort William course in July 1936.
The Scotsman Monday 20 July 1936. Image © Johnston Press plc.
In September 1936 A T Scott (3) defeated D MacRitchie (7) on the last green to win the Lord Wolverton Cup.
In January 1937 a hint was dropped at the annual meeting of the club that inquiries were being made with a view to acquiring the nine-hole Fort William course for further housing schemes. Bailie Gardener said in an interview that so far as he was concerned he did not approve of the idea of depriving the town of its golf course to provide ground for houses.
Result of the June 1937 monthly medal; D MacKenzie (17), 62; D L Cameron (7), 67; A Cormack (10), 67; S Cormack (16), 67; A Black (12), 69; T Milne (20), 70; K Stewart (10), 71; J MacLean (12), 78; W MacKelvie (17), 80.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 20 August 1938. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
The Fort William golf championship was played over 36-holes in June 1939, result; A T Stott, 71+67=138; D L Cameron, 74+70=144; D A MacRitchie, 77+73=150; D MacKenzie, 74+80=154.
The professional and green-keeper in the late 1930s was James Sutherland. He made many friends among golfers and others during his stay in Fort William and was a very popular teacher of golf. He moved to Findhorn Golf Club in July 1939.
Report on the annual meeting in 1940.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 27 April 1940. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
In the final of the Matheson Cup in August 1940 J Campbell (15) defeated K Stewart (8) by 3 and 2.
Report on the annual meeting in May 1941.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 17 May 1941. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
The course would eventually fall into decline during the war.
From the Aberdeen Press and Journal Thursday 13 February 1947; "No Golf at Fort William - Fort William golf course has closed down. It was decided at a meeting of members and others interested last night not to renew the lease and wind up the club. Reasons given for this step were the unsatisfactory new conditions of the lease submitted by the owners of the land, and the lack of financial support required to restore the course, which had been neglected during the war years."
Although the course had been abandoned the club continued to play golf on nearby courses.
The club was restarted in 1953/4 on the course at Argyll Road, Glastrun.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 18 December 1954. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser Saturday 7 May 1955. Image © Wyvex Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
In August 1958 a pleasant afternoon was spent on the Fort William golf course when members played for the captain's prize, result; A A Macintyre, 82-23-59; W Ross, 80-19-61; A Challenger, 67-3-64; R S W Barrett, 85-20-65. At the close of play the prize was presented by the captain, W Ford.
Result of the captain's prize played in August 1959; A MacIntyre (24), 64; A Challenger (3), 66; A Macdonald (13), 68; D Mackenzie (10), 69.
From the Golfer's Handbook 1961 to 1964; Fort William Golf Club; Founded, 1953; Membership, 83; Secretary, Alex Challenger; 9-holes, 1,957 yards, SSS 32; Fort William station, half mile; Visitors, 2s/6d a day; No Sunday play.
Report on the annual meeting in May 1962.
Inverness Courier Friday 4 May 1962. Image © Scottish Provincial Press Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
There was a triple tie for the August 1962 monthly medal; W Mackintosh (8) 70; J McLean (15), 77; D Patrick (21), 83; net 62. Result of the Tiny Cup stableford competition; A MacIntyre (19), 38 points; A Challenger (2), 37 points; J McLean (13), 36 points; J MacLennan (21), 36 points.
The club had disappeared by the mid 1960s.
The current Fort William Golf Club was established in 1976.
The Maps below shows the location of the Fort William golf course on Argyll Road.
O.S. Map Revised 1959; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1959}.