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Aberdour Golf Club, Moss Cottages Course, Fife. (1896 - 1905)

Founded in 1896 with a nine-hole course at Moss Cottages.

The Evening Dispatch Tuesday 16 June 1896. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The following text accompanies the above image - "Aberdour has now put itself in line with other watering-places on the Fife coast in having a golf course for the benefit of the summer visitors and of the town's people. For some time the local followers of the game have been on the outlook for a green, and the inhabitants generally have been alive to the necessity of adding to the attractiveness of the place by affording facilities for the enjoyment of those who look upon golf as an essential part of their holidays. The movement for the laying down of a golf course at Aberdour was first initiated some three years ago, and though the local committee interesting themselves in the matter experienced several disappointments, they have at last succeeded in getting ground which has the making of a capital inland course. Their great desire was, of course, to secure a green in close proximity to the shore, for such courses have peculiar charms. While they have been unsuccessful in the meantime in this effort, they have obtained excellent ground inland in close proximity to the town. A club has been informed, with Mr A Watt, Home Park, as honorary secretary, who has been assisted in the work of carrying through the negotiations by an energetic local committee. Already a good membership has been enrolled, so that the club can make a promising start. Situated on the farm at Couston, the green is about ten minutes' walk of the town and the railway station. A three years lease has been obtained on the pasture land to the extent of between 40 and 50 acres. The club holds the ground at the yearly rent of £50 from the tenant, with the consent of the landlord, the Earl of Moray. 

In the matter of laying out the ground , which is a triangular strip, lying east and west, on the north of the Donibristle policies, the committee had the benefit of the advice of Willie Park, Musselburgh, whose directions have been followed in placing the holes. Though in one part slightly narrow, the ground, which is fine old pasture, is well adapted to the purposes of golf. As will be seen from the accompanying plan, the course for one of nine-holes is long, having a total of 3,105 yards; and there is ample scope for a strong long game. Going out towards the Chesters, the extreme west of the course, the Inverkeithing Road is skirted, and forms a proper punishment for sliced drives. Coming home, on the other hand, there is chance of a badly played stroke falling foul of the woods which bound the Donibristle policies. A good deal of ingenuity has been shown in manipulating the round at the narrow part - the second hole going out and the sixth on the homeward journey - so that the danger of crossing is as much obviated as possible, though, of course, a little more elbow-room at this point would be a distinct advantage. Only two holes, the fifth and the eighth - are under 300 yards in length, the longest being the seventh, which is 410 yards. So energetically has the matter been pushed forward since the negotiations were completed, that the course will be ready for play almost immediately. And the sooner that play is started the better, because the exercise of the game will do as much good will do as much almost as cutting and rolling to bring the ground into trim for the game. In the meantime the turf is at places a bit rough, but it is of such excellent quality throughout that play only is required to firm it. A vast improvement will be effected by the first season's play, which promises to be a busy one, as the scheme has been heartily taken up."   

The course at Couston was formally opened on Saturday 15 May 1897 when Mrs W M Stewart of St Colme House, hit the opening drive in front of an enthusiastic crowd, she was later presented with the driver, by the vice-captain Mr Rolland, Aberdour House, which was suitably inscribed to commemorate the occasion. The club had a membership of 90 which included 20 ladies. The 9-hole course was situated on the Donibristle Estate. It was reported that “the turf was in splendid condition and the course affords scope for real sporting play as well as for long driving”. The Rev W H Gray, captain of the club, welcomed the visitors who included representatives from St Andrews and Edinburgh.  

Result of the Rolland Medal played on Saturday 9 April 1898; William Lyon, 98-10-88; J Lyon, 102-10-92; W H Gray, 93 scratch. In the juvenile competition the medal was won by William Crow.   

The Rolland Medal was won in May 1898 by A Rolland with a score of 86 net.

Result of the Rolland Medal for June 1898; James Stewart, 81; W Nelson, 85; L Lyon, 85; G Somerville, 87.

Below the club move to its current location at Bellhouse Park in April 1905.

From The Scotsman Tuesday 18 April 1905. Image © Johnston Press plc.