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Fauldhouse Golf Club, West Lothian. (1894 - 1950s)

The club was founded in August 1894.

A meeting was held in St John's Hall in August 1894 with the purpose of forming a golf club in Fauldhouse. It was agreed to ask Peter Thornton, Coalmaster, to become President of the club. The seven-hole course was located in the centre of the village. 

West Lothian Courier Saturday 1 September 1894. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Below a report on the opening of the course in September 1894.

West Lothian Courier Saturday 22 September 1894. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

In 1896 the club moved to the course below which was situated at the east end of the town between Crofthead School and Eastfield Farm. It was stated that “the holes number nine, and in spite of the fact that the course is a new one the greens are showing considerable firmness and accuracy.”

The layout of the second nine-hole golf course at Fauldhouse.

In May 1896 Mr J S Ewen, playing from scratch, won for the second time in succession the silver cup presented by the members.

In July 1896 J Brownlie (8) won the lamp presented by Messrs. Rowat & Sons, beating J Henderson (8) in the final.

A third 6-hole course was laid out and opened at Greenburn in June 1899, the course was extended to 9-holes prior to WW1.  

In the early 1900s there were stations at Fauldhouse (CR) and Crofthead (NBR) each a 5 minute walk. Local hotel was the Caledonian.

The annual meeting was held in the clubhouse in May 1901. The following officers were elected; President, Thomas Turner; captain, Dr. Thornton; secretary and treasurer - W Wood, Bridge Street. The club cup was presented to John McLeod.

Below a report on the annual meeting 1902.

From the Linlithgowshire Gazette Friday 6 June 1902. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The following is taken from the 1905 Nisbet's Golf Yearbook; Secretary - W Maxwell; Captain - P McLeod; Entrance Fee nil and Subs 10s/6d; 6-holes; Amateur Record - Dr J Hunter, 27. The course has natural hazards affording good sport, about a mile in extent.  

Below report on the annual report in February 1908.

From the Linlithgowshire Gazette Friday 28 February 1908. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

On Saturday 6th June 1908 the lady members played their monthly medal. The winner was Miss K Weir, 68; runner-up Miss M Dick, 74.

The earlier course at Greenburn is marked in the centre of the O.S map below.

The golf course at Greenburn. © Crown Copyright {1909}

The course is extended in February 1913.

West Lothian Courier Friday 14 February 1913. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In 1914 there was a membership of 85 (peaking at 120 in the mid 1930s). There was no entry fee. Subs were gents 10/- and ladies 3/-. Sunday play was not allowed. 

In June 1915 Fauldhouse played a home match against Armadale the visitors winning an entertaining match.

Early postcard showing the golf course at Fauldhouse. (Authors Collection)

The club moved to a course at Falla Hill in April 1921.

Visitors' fees were just 6d a day, 1/- a week and 2/- a month in the early 1900s, rising to 1/-, 3/- and 10/- respectively following WW1.

Following is an extract from a report from the Linlithgow Gazette Friday 22 April 1921. “OPENING OF NEW GOLF COURSE – Fauldhouse Golf Club began the season on Wednesday evening last, when Dr. S G Ogilvy M.D., president of the club, opened the new course at Falla Hill in the presence of a large crowd of members and friends. Dr. Ogilvy in the course of his remarks, said that a number of years back the golf club, impelled by the intention of the farmer to plough up their course, had decided to transfer to Falla Hill. The threat to their course had not materialised, so that the Falla Hill idea had been dropped. On the present occasion, however, the ploughing-up had taken place, and he thought it was a good thing for the club, which had secured a much finer course. He was sure that in a season or two the course would be the best for a long distance round, and would attract players from a wide area. He had much pleasure in declaring the new course open. Mr Tully, in moving a vote of thanks, acknowledged the debt the club owed to members who had done so much in laying out the course and transferring the clubhouse.”     

In May 1922 the club secured a new green-keeper. Alex Greenhorn, a club member, took on the duties. It was reported that “Mr Greenhorn is an energetic worker and there is no doubt that the Falla Hill Course will improve under his care.” He continued in his position until its closure in the 1950s.  

Following is the result of the 1922 May medal; Bernard Callaghan, 79; Andrew Muir, 80; Alex Dewar, 81. Best scratch score was W W Tully, 89.  

Result of a match against Whitburn played in May 1922.

West Lothian Courier Friday 26 May 1922. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Below is the result of a foursome match played at Falla Hill against Harthill Golf Club on Saturday 12 May 1923. 

Below the new season starts in April 1924.

From the Linlithgowshire Gazette Friday 18 April 1924. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In 1940 the 9-hole course had a SSS of 70. In May the captain, R McLaren, opened the course for the season.

The club continued to be listed in the Golfer's Handbook until the early 1950s.

Location of the later Fauldhouse course. Grid reference NS92200,61095, co-ordinates 292200,661095.

Fauldhouse Golf Club, Linlithgowshire disappeared in the 1950s.

Greenburn is the current club and first appeared in 1953.