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Dollar Golf Club, Clackmananshire. (1890 – 2019)

Founded in 1890.

The club closed on 31 December 2019.

The club played on two courses prior to the move to its final location in 1906. The earlier courses were at Market Park Place and Gloom Hill.

On Saturday 6 December 1890 a fair turnout of members took part in the first competition since the formation of the club, result; first, Dr. Spence; second, J Fleming; third, Dr. Cownie (scratch); fourth, J A Gibson; fifth, W Annand; sixth, J Taylor.

From The Golfing Annual Vol. 5 - 1891-92:-

Instituted 1890; Annual Subscription, Seven Shillings and Sixpence; Number of Members, 19; Captain, Dr. Spence; Committee – Dr. Cownie, Dr. Wright, William G Cruickshank; Secretary – John Fleming, Academy Street, Dollar; Green-keeper, William Howieson.

Club Prizes; Silver Medal (handicap); Captain’s Prize (handicap.)

Prize winners in 1891; Gibson Medal, W Annand; Captain’s Prize, T Wallace.

The club record is 78 by Dr. Cownie.

The course lies between the Ochil Hills and the River Devon and the view from it is lovely. It consists of nine-holes. It is to be regretted, however, that play is only available from October to May. It is about five minutes walk from Dollar.

Result of a match played at Kinross Golf Club in May 1892.

On Saturday 21st April 1894 the Gibson Medal was won by Dr. Spence,84-5-79.

Report from the Alloa Advertiser Saturday 8 June 1895; “DOLLAR GOLF CLUB –A general meeting of the club was held in the Castle Hotel last Wednesday evening, when it was resolved to acquire the green at Gloomhill, which they have practically had on trial for the last eight months, and make such alterations and improvements as would fit it for a permanent course. The treasurer submitted his report which showed the funds to be in a highly satisfactory condition, and it was decided to proceed with the levelling and turfing of the new putting greens etc. Office bearers for the season were elected as follows; Captain, W G Cruickshank; Secretary, J B Wyles; Treasurer, Dr. Cownie. The subscription to members is at present fixed at 10shillings per annum, while a charge is made to visitors of 6d per day and 5s a month. We understand that in consequence of the alteration in the tenure of the field, there is likeky to be a large influx of new members, and we would recommend all those intending to join to hand in their applications as soon as possible to the secretary.”

From the Dundee Courier Wednesday 19 June 1895. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The monthly competition for the McArthur Moir medal was played on Saturday 22 February 1896; J Fleming, 89-8-81; C Tod, 96-14-82; Dr. Cownie, 84 scratch; John Smith, 96-9-87; J B Wyles, 88 scratch.

Competition results from May 1896; Mr Haig’s Medal was won by A W Cruickshank, teacher, runner-up was Allister Murray, Marschel Villa; Ladies competition the President’s Prize was tied between Miss McAllister and Miss Sarah McAllister, Kelliebank, with scores of 86.

In October 1897 a complimentary dinner was held in the Castle Campbell Hotel for the captain, Mr C W Fernie Tod who would shortly be leaving for Burmah. 

Below O.S maps showing the location of the earlier courses.

The course south of what was then Bloomfield Road (now Park Place)

The later course on Gloom Hill. Ordnance Survey Map © Crown Copyright {1901}

From the 1905 Nisbet’s Golf Yearbook; Membership of 70; hon. secretary – J B Wyles, Institution Place, Dollar; captain, R B Main; entrance fee nil and subs 10 shillings; nine-holes; professional, W Mackie; amateur record – J B Wyles, 34 for 9-holes, 71 for 18-holes; terms for visitors, 6d a day, 5s a month.

The Club is at present negotiating for a new 18-hole course on Dollar Banks, and it is expected that the new course will be ready for play in the Spring of 1906.

Also listed in 1905 was the Dollar Ladies’ Golf Club; Hon. Secretary – Miss M Strachan, Seberham, Dollar; captain, Miss Drysdale; entrance fee 5 shillings, and subs 5s; nine-holes; visitors, 6d a day, 1s/6d a week, 2s/6d a month.

Report on the new course May 1906.

Alloa Advertiser Saturday 5 May 1906. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

By July 1906 the club had a membership of well over 200.

The opening ceremony for the new course, designed by Ben Sayers, was carried out by the Countess of Mar and Kellie in September 1906. It continued at this location until closure in 2019.

Alloa Advertiser Saturday 8 September 1906. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

To celebrate the opening a foursome was played. The Countess of Mar and Kellie partnered by Ben Sayers played Lord Chesterfield and Lady Maud Warrender. The match finished all square.

Plan of the 18-hole course which opened in 1906.

Result of a mixed foursome played in September 1907; Miss C Paul and C Strachan, 81-8-73; Miss A Laurie  and J Brownlee, 90-8-82; Miss Ogilvie and A R Stewart, 99-15-84.

In May 1908 Dollar Golf Club played a match against Dollar Academy Former Pupils.

On Saturday 5 September 1908 the annual competition took place for the President’s Prize, result; Mr Forbes Sutherland (10), 81; J Pender (14), 82; J B Wyles (scratch), 84.

The annual meeting was held in December 1908 Mr Gibson, captain, in the chair. The statement of accounts proved satisfactory. The following officers were elected; Captain, John S Henderson; vice-captain, W G Cruickshank; secretary and treasurer, D Macbeth; council; Dr Spence, William Henderson and J A Gibson.

Result of the ladies’ medal February 1909 played over 15 holes; Miss Annie Laurie (5), 84; Mrs Donaldson (15), 92.

Prize presentation in the clubhouse November 1910; Moir Medal - J Pender; Archibald Trophy (scratch) - J S Gullen, 82; Gibson Medal - J M Smith; Merchants Cup – J S Gullen, runner-up – J McIlraith; Dobie Medal – J M Halley; Captain’s Prize – H Muil (12), 78.

The annual meeting was held in December 1910 W G Cruickshank, captain, presided. The following officers were elected; Captain, Rev. J F Cameron; vice-captain, J B Haig; secretary, D Macbeth; treasurer, J M Halley.  

The annual business meeting was held in December 1911 when the following officers were elected; Captain, J B Haig; vice-captain, Provost J B Green; secretary, David Macbeth; treasurer, J M Halley; council – Rev. J Fawns Cameron, W Henderson, D Donaldson, C S Dougall, H J Muil, J A Gibson, J M McIlwraith; Colonel Archibald.

The annual meeting was held in the clubhouse in December 1913, Provost Green presided. The following office bearers were elected; Captain, Colonel Robert Archibald; vice-captain, David Macbeth; treasurer, J M Halley; secretary, D Macbeth. The following prizes were presented; Merchant’s cup and gold badge, J M Halley; Moir Medal, G Ogilvy Taylor; Captain’s prize, Captain Leckie Ewing; Dobie Medal, Captain Leckie Ewing; Archibald Trophy (scratch), William T Mackay; Gibson Medal (handicap), J M Smith.

Dunlop advert for Dollar Golf Club.

The Sphere Saturday 7 February 1914. Image © Illustrated London News Group.

Report on the annual meeting December 1914.

Devon Valley Tribune Tuesday 29 December 1914.

The Dollar Ladies’ Golf Club held their meeting in the clubhouse in February 1915, Mrs Dobie, Dollarbeg, President, presided over a good attendance of members. The secretary, Miss Marshall, read the annual report, which showed that the affairs of the club were in a flourishing condition. The following officers were elected; President, Mrs Dobie; captain, Mrs Donaldson; secretary and treasurer, Miss Marshall.

In April 1915 W J Ogilvy Taylor with a score of 80+2-82 won the Moir monthly medal.

The annual meeting was held in February 1920. It was stated that there had been a large increase in membership. The following officers were elected; Captain, H J Beresford; vice-captain, A M J Graham; secretary, R Miller; treasurer, J M Halley; match secretary, A M Cowan.

Report on the exhibition match between H Vardon and E Ray in June 1921.

Dundee Courier Monday 13 June 1921. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In September 1922 T D Hunter, Tillicoultry, holed in one at the 207 yard uphill third hole. It was reported that “never has this feat been accomplished since the golf course was opened”. Result of a mixed foursome played in the same month; Miss C Paterson and D A Bett, 73-9-64; Mrs Sweet and W M Bett, 81-8-73; Miss Paterson and R T Whitney, 85-11-74.

The following officers were elected at the annual meeting in March 1923; Captain, J A Grosart; vice-captain, Col. R Haig; secretary, R Miller; match secretary, J M Robertson, Brookvale; treasurer, J M Halley.

Result of the captain v vice-captain match played in April 1923.

Result of the captain v ex-captain match  played in April 1924.

A ring lost on the course in 1921 reappears in October 1925.

Devon Valley Tribune Tuesday 20 October 1925.

The following officers were elected at the annual meeting in February 1926; Captain, R Graham; vice-captain, A M Cowan; secretary, R Miller; treasurer, J M Halley; match secretary, A Blaikie; council, P Walton, J B Haig, T Henderson, A M J Graham, R Haig, J S D Ritchie, A Grosart; E Simpson; J M McIlraith.

Playing in a friendly four ball in March 1926 A Blaikie, a member of the Dollar club, returned a remarkable score of 64, as follows; Out – 4,3,4,4,3,4,4,3,4 = 33; In – 4,3,3,4,3,3,3,3,5 = 31. During the past year many changes and improvements had been made to the course which included new tees and greens.

The report below doubts the above record.

Devon Valley Tribune Tuesday 30 March 1926.

The winner of the Moir Medal in July 1926 was D S D Leitch (16,) 65; runner-up, C E Allsopp (20,) 68.

Annual meeting and prize presentation in December 1927.

Dundee Courier Wednesday 14 December 1927. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In May 1932 the annual County Club Championship was played over the Dollar course and victory went to the home team. Result of the final against Alva Golf Club below.

The course can be seen on the Britain From Above links below dated 1932.

https://britainfromabove.org.uk/en/image/SPW040329

https://britainfromabove.org.uk/en/image/SPW040331

From the 1933 Golfer’s Handbook; Dollar Golf Club, Brewlands House; membership 190; hon. secretary – R Miller, Bridge Street, Dollar; professional, W Murray; green-keeper, W Shepherd; course records – amateur; J G Wright, 66; professional; E Ray, 67; 18-holes; station at Dollar half mile; visitors, 2s a day, 7s/6d a week, £1 a month.

In March 1936 it was decided that the Dollar golf course was to be open for Sunday play after 1pm. The decision was reached by 33 votes to 3 at a special general meeting, chaired by John Mitchell. It was stated that Sunday visitors must be introduced by a member and that no member may introduce as a visitor a person residing within two miles of the burgh.

In the final of the club championship in September 1936 H Coulter beat K R Hogg by 2 up.

In January 1938 the following officers were elected; Captain, J Hewitt; vice-captain, Captain Turton; hon. secretary, R Miller; hon. treasurer, J M Halley; match secretary, E W Davidson; house steward, J Torrance; appointed to council – J M McIlraith, Major Locke; D Scobie.

Result of the captain v vice-captain match played in April 1939.

Entry from the Golfer’s Handbook 1947 - 1951; membership 90; Hon. secretary - R Miller, 4 Dewar Street, Dollar; green-keeper, W Haddow; course records – amateur; H Coulter, 63; professional; E Ray, 67; 18-holes, Par 72, SSS 69; visitors, 2s/6d a day, 10 shillings a week, 15s a fortnight, 25s a month; Sunday play after 1pm.

Result of the Moir Medal played in June 1950; T D Jack (12,) 63; T R McColl (7,) 66.

Golfer’s Handbook 1956 - 1961; Membership 100; hon. secretary – C D Ferrier, 6 High Street, Dollar; green-keeper, J Christie; 18-holes, 4,769 yards, SSS 66 course records – amateur; H Coulter and G Liddle, 63.

Golfer’s Handbook 1964; Dollar Golf Club, Brewlands House; founded 1896; membership 120; hon. secretary – Alex Porteous, Myrtle Cottage, Dollar; green-keeper, J Christie; 18-holes, 4,769 yards, SSS 66 course records – amateur; H Coulter and G Liddle, 63; visitors, 3s a round, 5s a day, £1 a week, £1/15s a fortnight; £2 a month; Sunday 4s after 1pm.

Golfer’s Handbook 1966; Membership 275; hon. secretary – Alex Porteous, 31 McNabb Street, Dollar; green-keeper, J Christie; course record – amateur; T Mackie, 65; 18-holes, 5,004 yards, SSS 64; visitors, 5s weekdays. 7s/6d Saturday, Sunday play with members only.

Golfer’s Handbook 1972 - 1975; Membership 350; hon. secretary – Alex Porteous; 18-holes, 3,049 yards, SSS 65; course record – amateur; R P Fyffe and T Mackie, 62; visitors, 50p weekdays, (£1.75 weekend.)

Golfer’s Handbook 1982 - 1988; Membership 350; secretary, Alex Porteous; 18-holes, 5,144 yards, SSS 66; course record – amateur; A Liddle, 58; visitors, £4, (£10.)

Golfer’s Handbook 1991; Membership 300; secretary, M B Shea; visitors, £6, (£10.)

In the 2000s the club had a membership of 375; secretary, W S Morrison; 18-holes, 5,242 yards, SSS 66; visitors, £13.50, (£17.50.)

The following message appeared on the club website in November 2019 - 

"The closure of Dollar Golf Club was confirmed at the AGM on 18 November and golf operations will be discontinued from 31 December 2019. With falling membership, not alone in Scotland, the Club has been struggling to avert closure for the past few years. Much effort was put in to keep the Club going but it had been losing money for some time and efforts to find funding elsewhere were unsuccessful. To meet the resultant commitments, redundancy of staff, etc, it was considered unwise to struggle on only to meet cash problems in the coming year. Accordingly but reluctantly, the Club Council reached the conclusion, supported by members at the AGM following a detailed presentation of the circumstances, that the only option was for closure at the end of this year."

Results of the final competitions played on the Dollar course; Saturday 28 December 2019 -  Polish Cup; Divion One - Drew Ure (13,) 41 points; Robert Hamilton (13,) 41 points; Gordon Fenwick (10,) 37 points; Division Two – Douglas Caren (14,) 38 points; Jerry Cant (15,) 38 points; Sreven Parke (20,)38 points. On Sunday a match between teams representing the captain, Charlie Murray and vice-captain, Drew Ure took place, vice-captain’s team being victorious.

The final competition played on the course was a mixed scramble on the morning of Hogmanay, Tuesday 31 December.

Later scorecard provided by Dr. Douglas Lockhart.

Thanks to Dr. Douglas Lockhart who visited the course on 30 November and 8 December 2019 and took the pictures below.

Pictures below taken on 30 November 2019.

The clubhouse in late afternoon light.

First tee.

First green and Castle Campbell.

Tee marker at the second hole. Notice to the right states; DO NOT – Tee Off until you hear the bell – indicating that the players – have left the green.

The signature hole was the short second known as Brae. A view from the tee of the 79 yard hole (yellow tee).

From the back of the second green showing the marker post.

Green-keepers' shed on the right-hand side of the third fairway.

Approach to third green.

Sixth fairway.

Ninth hole.

Tenth green looking back towards the tee.

Thirteenth green.

Fourteenth hole.

Downhill – a thrilling drive at the seventeenth ‘Macnab’.

The burn across the 17th fairway will catch an over-ambitious tee shot.

Seventeenth green looking back towards the tee.

Late afternoon at the eighteenth green.

Pictures below taken on Sunday 8 December 2019.

First tee from the path coming down from the 18th green - side view of clubhouse.

Sixteenth green – the design by Ben Sayers of North Berwick may have been inspired by a green on a links course.

Eighteenth green and flagpole.

Following the lifting of Covid 19 restrictions a revised nine-hole course was opened on 1 July 2020.

Thanks again to Douglas Lockhart who visited the course on 12 July 2020 and took the pictures below of the disused holes. He also provides information on the course changes brought about by the reduced layout – “Visited Dollar and walked the nine disused holes. These are 1-2 on low ground; 8-13 mainly on the highest part of the course, involving a hard climb up the successive par 3s 9 and 10, and 18. The course starts at the 3rd and involves walking up the path that led down from the 18th; passing the 18th green which along with its apron has been kept as a putting/chipping green to reach the 3rd tee. The finish at 17 is not too bad as the 18th green was actually beyond the path down - so you had to retrace your steps a short distance back up the 18th in direction of the 17th. 

So what is left? 9 par fours; a putting green and part of each of the abandoned fairways of holes 8-13 has been cut to create a walking route for non-golfers. The abandoned holes are very overgrown already and standing on the par 3 9th and also 10th I could barely make out the green ahead. The 11th fairway is already close to 1 foot [0.3metre] high with rough grass in places. The clubhouse is not in use - there is an honesty box with scorecards at the annexe to the clubhouse. The holes in use are in good condition but its still a very hilly golf course. I was pleased to see that the thrilling drive at the old 17th is still golfing territory”.

The picturesque Clubhouse, West Burnside. 

Tenth green looking back towards tee.

Former first tee.

First green.

Eleventh green.

Approach to the 13th green/burn/14th sign.

Former 18th from the tee.

Thanks to Dr. Douglas Lockhart who visited the site on Wednesday 27 April 2022 and took the pictures below.

Former first hole from the tee.

Former second tee and first green from the second green.

Former second green.

Approaching the former eighth green.

Former ninth hole from the yellow tee.

Former eighteenth green now a practice area.

McNab; the steep sloping downhill seventeenth fairway looking back from behind the green (hole 9/18 in the current 9-hole layout).