Rothiemurchus Golf Club, Aviemore. (1906

| Hits: 9059

Rothiemurchus Golf Club, Aviemore, Highland. (1906 - 1940s)

The club was founded in 1906.

The nine-hole course opened on Saturday 30 June 1906. It was laid out by Alex Machardy of Inverness and measured as follows; Hole One – 212 yards; Two – 233 yards; Three – 204 yards; Four – 367 yards; Five – 191 yards; Six – 260 – yards; Seven – 265 yards; Eight – 232 yards; Nine – 231 yards.

Fund raising concert in 1908.

Grantown Supplement Saturday 26 June 1909 - "On Thursday last the Rothiemurchus golf course was formally opened for the season by Lady Mary Grant of Rothiemurchus, in the presence of a concourse of players and spectators."

The following is an extract from a report that appeared in the Aberdeen Journal on the 19 August 1909. “The Doune House, Rothiemurchus, was the scene yesterday of the opening of a two days’ bazaar, which had for its object the clearing of a £200 debt of the Rothiemurchus golf course. The situation of the nine-hole course is very picturesque and is two miles from Aviemore. It was opened in 1906 and was originally rough grass fields. The club have spent some £200 in the erection of a clubhouse and it is hoped by the end of the two days an equivalent sum will be raised. There was a large and distinguished gathering at the opening ceremony which included The Macintosh of Macintosh, Moy Hall, convenor of the County of Inverness; the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of London; Mr Grant and the Lady Mary Grant of Rothiemurchus, and many other visitors of distinction.”

In December 1910 John Junor, who had been stationmaster at Aviemore for four years, was leaving for Inverness to go into business with his brothers. Mr Junor had associated himself with the affairs of the community, especially the golf club, being its first secretary, and at this time assistant secretary. Mr Junor, along with one or two others, took the initiative in starting the golf club at Rothiemurchus.

Above images are from The Tatler 27 April 1910. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Results from the annual tournament in 1911.

In 1914 the secretary was Walter Dempster, Schoolhouse, Aviemore, and the professional Thomas Sharp. A 9-hole course with a season from 1 April to 1 November. The course was mainly for visitors during the summer months. Visitors’ fees were 3/6d a week and 12/6d a season. Sunday play was not allowed. The station at Aviemore was 1 mile away.

From 1922 to the club’s last year in 1949, the secretary was A Paterson, Strathavon, Aviemore. The green-keeper was R McIntosh. The course record was 35, and visitors’ fees were 1/- a day, 5/- a week, 8/6d a fortnight, 12/6d a month and 21/- a season. Family tickets were also available.

Match played in 1922.

Inverness Courier Tuesday 16 June 1922. Image © Highland News &amp; Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Results of the May 1923 monthly medal; Ladies; Miss Bessie Campbell; Runner-up; Miss Fraser; Gentlemen; Allan Fraser; Runner-up; J M Cook.

Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News Saturday 12 September 1925. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Inverness Courier Friday 13 September 1935. Image © Highland News & Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Results from September 1936; Ladies, Mrs Anderson; Runner-up; Miss J MacBean; Gentlemen; R MacLean; Runner-up, A Carson.

Reports on fund raising in the 1940s.

Inverness Courier Tuesday 11 August 1944. Image © Highland News & Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Inverness Courier Tuesday 16 March 1948. Image © Highland News & Media Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Thanks to Gary Dempster of the Scottish Golf Museum for providing and allowing us to use the following images and information regarding the Rothiemurchus Club and Course.